This area was the first in the San Luis Valley to see ice climbing. It is south facing, so it may be very wet and sun baked at times. There are at least 6 climbs that are almost always in, and more than 30 inconsistent ice or mixed lines in the area. Anything from WI3 to M7.
Getting There
This is located right above the big outhouse/pullout before going over Wolf Creek Pass from the east.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Chain Station:
Personal 5 favorite routes in the greater chain station area: Bigsicle, Columbine, Snaggle Tooth (Hidden), Jake Brake and Sometimes (2nd tier). Nary a bolt on the mixed ones and a fun place to push your limits since the climbs are short enough you can push that limit with less committment. A great place to educate yourself for bumping it up a notch in larger venues. Ice climbing in the sun is fun too!
For the real low down on climbing here get Life By the Drop by Jack Hunt. It is the only guide that was written by someone who actually has climbed much here, and since he did most of the FAs, it's a rather authoritative source! It is also one of those guides that is just a fun read.
Print a Mini-Guide - Includes Routes!
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