Amphitheatre Crack

The crux is the first 15'. The climbing continues to be interesting, though easier, after this. An excellent line for the 1st 70' - which is why there are now anchors at that position. The original ascent climbed all the way to the top, through questionable rock, poor protection, and damp sections.

NOTE: A lot of ice forms over the lip of the Birthday Corner early in the season. It falls from >30m up, landing among the base of all the Amphitheatre area routes. Even after the main winter's accumulation has fallen, nightly formations continue to bombard the area. Be watchful, wear a helmet, and if big ice is looming above on that crystalline spring morning, maybe climb somewhere else.

The Amphitheatre is the set-back section of cliff, about 100 yards wide, between the Isobuttress and the Tripe Buttress. This crack lies near the center of the area, identifiable as a thin crack that sweeps right 20' up, with a couple of small rock "steps" leading up to its base.

Full set of cams from tiny to #3 C4; small tricams, a nut or two. There is now a 2-bolt anchor at 70'; the rock above this is crumbly and dirty, so most climbers opt to finish the pitch here. These anchors also make it easy to TR neighboring routes.