The Chockstone Chimney route had climbed a chimney system on the left side of Ribbon Wall, on the right side of the Ribbon Falls amphitheatre. That climb ascended the lower part of Ribbon Wall and ended in the band of vegetation crossing the wall two thirds of the way to the rim that we called Sherwood Forest. Above Sherwood Forest was another band of cliff just below the rim. We looked at these cliffs as we traversed Sherwood Forest to the east. Sherwood Forest ended in cliffs dropping down into El Cap gulley. We rappelled down these cliffs to descend from the Chockstone Chimney climb.

We looked at the rappel route carefully on the descent, as we intended to retun, climb back to Sherwood Forest, and continue through the final band of cliffs to the rim.

Our first attempt was in late March. A spring storm came in and covered the cliffs with snow. Our second attempt on April 27 was successful.

The Route

 

The Upper Cliffs from Salami Ledge

Upper Rappel Route Lower Right

MH65Jul-17

The First Attempt

 

Our approach was to climb almost to the Ribbon Falls amphitheatre, then walk east along the base of Ribbon Wall, the turn north into El Cap Gulley. We walked along the base of the Hourglass along the way. That night it snowed.

Closer

LW63Mar-02

 

LW63Mar-11

The Second Attempt

 

The second attempt was successful. Unfortunately, we did not take any pictures.