Blue Mesa (near Gunnison)  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  23,775. Good page? (2 likes)    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Matt Ledges on Jan 12, 2004 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 54° | 30° 57° | 36° 63° | 41° 64° | 39° 68° | 37°

Blue Mesa Smear & Blue Balls from CO Hwy 92 - late...

Ice Climbing 

The Blue Mesa area offers a handful of quality climbs that are worth adding to anyone's list. Tucked into the narrow Black Canyon of the Gunnison the lack of direct sunlight and cold temps keep many of these climbs in throughout winter. Overlooking Morrow Point Reservoir the setting is spectacular. Steep canyon walls and emerald green water provide the backdrop for some truly enjoyable climbing. Somewhat out of the way, you will likely have the climb, if not the entire area, to yourself. Climbing in Blue Mesa makes a great way to break up the drive from the front range to the Ouray/Silverton areas.

One of the longest, if not the longest, ice climbs in the state lies in this area.

Getting There 

It should be noted upfront that it is necessary to cross private property to get to most of these climbs. Most routes can be scouted from CO Highway 92, approximately 4.5-5 miles west of the turnoff from US Highway 50 (which is about 30 minutes west of the town of Gunnison). The first and most obvious climb on the south rim is Blue Mesa Smear with several others forming less consistently to the west. Once you identify your landmarks through your binoculars get back on US 50 heading west for about 4.3 miles from the intersection with CO Highway 92 and take a right on old US 50 (labeled 50E in the gazetteer) near the base of a small hill. A couple hundred yards down the road you will pass a ranch house on the right. If you see someone home, ask permission to walk on their property. 200 yards or so past this house the road wraps around the small hill somewhat protecting you from the line of sight from US 50. Park here. For some, the crux of the climb may be committing past the many posted signs and climbing over the barbed-wire fence lining the road. All of the climbs will take you through a small sage-brush mesa to the north, leading down to one of several drainages. Two ropes are needed for the rappel.

The Classics

Featured Route For Blue Mesa (near Gunnison)

The Real Blue Creek WI4-5  CO : CO Ice & Mixed : ... : South Rim

This "elusive" route as described by Jack Roberts in his guide is a great little route. The approach is relatively short --- only 45min. It can be done in two pitches with a 70m rope. P1 is WI3 and P2 is WI 4-5 ice. Great route....great fun. See the photos. ...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO