South St. Vrain ice

Ice Climbing 

This is an obscure ice area that has had reports of ice over the years but little specific details. It could be split into lower and upper South St Vrain drainages separated by the Peak to Peak Hwy (upper Hwy 72).

Some ice dribbles have been known to form along the road in the South St. Vrain drainage upstream from Lyons. Mention of one of these is in Cameron Burns' Colorado Ice Climber's Guide. However, others have reported more ice here in previous, wet and cold years. Some thin roadside ice climbs have formed in the Narrows. Some interesting lines have been done in Deadman's Gulch.

Some ice has been reported in the upper drainages past the Peaceful Valley Campground. Jack Roberts' mentions a three of these on the N-facing side in his Colorado Ice and this has been entered on the website under S St Vrain Peak. However, Deb and others have spotted ice forming up on the S-facing side as well.

Getting There 

Lower South St. Vrain drainage can be accessed from Lyons by driving up CO Hwy 7 and keeping a look out for ice on the S side of the road (N facing).

Upper South St. Vrain drainage is accessed by walking, snowshoeing, or skiing up the valley from Peaceful Valley along the Peak to Peak Hwy. This is S of Estes Park, N of Ward, W of Lyons.

Link to S. St. Vrain Rock 

link.