Oompah Tower - Ethan Putterman and the Chocolate Factory

About

Ethan Putterman and the Chocolate Factory is a 240-foot, 3-pitch trad and aid route on the northwest face of Oompah Tower in Grand Junction, Colorado. The climb is rated 5.9 YDS and C1, with an overall Grade II difficulty. First ascended by Cameron Burns, Jonathan Butler, and Jesse Harvey in August 1998, the route sits approximately half a mile beyond Liberty Cap in the Tiara Rado area, just south of Jolly Tower. The climb begins with loose, unprotectable 5.6 terrain leading to a fixed pin, followed by crack climbing and a traverse to an uncomfortable alcove belay. The second pitch involves a shallow corner leading to a large, loose ledge. The final pitch requires navigating a stud ladder and a tight 5.9 offwidth chimney to reach the summit via aid on a fixed pin. Descent is typically done by rappelling from the summit down to the top of the second pitch, then rappelling to the ground using double ropes. The area offers parking and is pet friendly. The typical duration for the ascent is about 6 hours.