Bridalveil Falls  WI5-6

5,439 page views Good page?

Type:  Trad, Ice, 3 pitches, 400 feet Consensus:  WI5+ [details] FA:  Jeff Lowe & Mike Weis, 1974 Season:  winter Submitted By:  Malcolm Daly on Feb 9, 2007 You & This Route  |  Other Opinions (23) Your todo list: Your stars: Your rating: -none- [change] Your ticklist: [add new tick]

BETA PHOTO: Bridalveil Falls

Add Photo  Add Comment    Printer View

Keep a low profile MORE INFO >>> Over the years, this route has had intermittent access issues. At times, it has been legal. At times, it has been completely illegal. This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Description 

This beautiful wall features the best ice climb in Colorado: Bridalveil Falls. First climbed by Jeff Lowe and Mike Weis in 1974 using prototype SNARGS and 70cm piolets. This one took real vision.

Located on a north-wall to the East of town, it's close enough to allow a leisurely cup of coffe before the climb, but far enough that the slackers will drive over to Ouray.

There are several climbs on the wall that form up depending on conditions. Ask the locals at the Telluride Mountaineer for fresh beta. DO NOT climb on the falls directly below the Power House. This is private property and you'll get arrested and the whole wall will get shut down by the Sheriff.

Location 

Colorado Ave (CO Hwy 145) is the main drag through town. Drive East to the Pandora Mill and park at the gate. Hike up the road until you're at the wall. If avalanches rule that day, keep to the drainage. Takes about an hour for most people. If you ski up, the descent will only take a few minutes. From the top of the falls, either rappel, or if avalanche conditions are moderate, walk around behind the Power House and descend the gully. DO NOT touch the Power House!!

Protection 

Ice screws, courage.

Photos of Bridalveil Falls Slideshow

Add Photo

Notice climber in photo.	Picture of me approaching. Was unable to attempt ...	Bridalveil, 1/2/09.
BETA PHOTO: Conditions on 01/22/09. It could be a lot differe...	Kev at our first belay.	Bridalveil Falls, 1st pitch. Feb '09. Photo: Henni...
Bridalveil Falls. Henning Boldt coming up 1st pitc...	Rick on the last rappel.	Rick finishing the second pitch.
Topping P1.	Heading up P2 Sweetest pitch ever!	Climbers on the 2nd pitch. Feb '09.
BVF, Feb. '08. Is that Dreamstream in the backgrou...	P.1.	Conditions on Feb. 6th, 2011.
Bridalveil Falls in all its glory.	On lead on the crux section.	On the ground.