Rising nearly 200 feet above the rugged Idaho landscape, Citadel Wall stands as an unassuming yet compelling destination for climbers wanting to take on classic slab and off-width crack challenges in the Callahans climbing area. Located just southwest along the narrow Westeros Trail past Sunspear Pinnacle, the wall’s two main routes sit close together yet offer markedly different moves and experiences — one begins on the far right corner of a clean slab, the other follows a beautiful off-width crack that demands focus and technique.

Both lines offer belays roughly 20 feet apart in the middle section, merging on an arete near the top. This setup makes for an engaging multi-pitch style ascent where climbers can savor the transition from slab friction moves to powerful jamming. The wall’s exposed position and elevation at 2,425 feet ensure climbers are treated to sweeping views unfolding across the landscape while still enjoying a sense of solitude away from crowded crags.

Access to Citadel Wall requires a bit of thought and preparation. The approach via the Westeros Trail is clear and straightforward — a short walk continuing southwest for about 100 feet past Sunspear Pinnacle delivers climbers to a broad, open granite face marked by its signature off-width crack on the left side. It’s a brief and manageable stroll, but remote enough to maintain wilderness energy.

Because this crag lies within the Coos Bay Millicoma Tree Farm, a walk-in permit is mandatory. Permits go on sale each June, covering non-motorized access for an entire year. Climbers should secure their permit early to avoid access issues and practice respect for the local community, parking responsibly without blocking bus turnarounds on Touchstone Road. Compliance with these rules supports continued access and preserves this special place for future visits.

Citadel Wall demands specific preparation and gear. With no fixed anchors or chains at the top, rappelling can be tricky; instead, the common route down is a walk-off following a ridge north of Sunspear Pinnacle. The climbs themselves require solid off-width crack skills for the right-side route and confident slab technique for the corner slab. Protection is natural — traditional gear placements dominate here, though detailed beta on gear recommendations is limited. The absence of bolted anchors emphasizes respect for careful, committed climbing.

climbers looking to challenge themselves will find "White Raven's Peril" (5.10c) notable among the classic climbs in the area. While only a couple of routes grace Citadel Wall, each packs enough character to provide a memorable outing for those craving a mix of friction-based slab climbing and jamming off-width.

Weather in this region tends to vary with the seasons. Peak climbing windows are generally between spring and early fall when precipitation is lower and temperatures moderate. Being prepared for swift weather changes is always wise in Idaho’s mountainous settings. The south-west facing orientation gives some protection from direct morning sun, making midday through late afternoon prime for pushing sends.

Safety is paramount here. Given the lack of fixed anchors, climbers must be confident with anchor building and comfortable navigating multi-pitch terrain with potential rope drag challenges. Long rappels with rope retrieval difficulties have been reported, so planning the descent route carefully prevents complications. Also, tread lightly on the off-width crack to avoid chipping or damaging edges.

In summary, Citadel Wall delivers a focused and rewarding experience for climbers who favor traditional, slightly remote routes with just enough elevation and exposure to feel invigorated. Its modest route count belies the quality of the climbing — every move demands attention, every stance offers a moment to appreciate the wild Idaho surroundings. For those making their way along the Westeros Trail in the Callahans area, it’s an indispensable stop to test crack skills, work friction, and enjoy the quiet grandeur of a granite wall that turns simple ascents into memorable adventures.