Bridalveil Area

Description 

Bridalveil area is the home of Bridalveil falls - the most obvious and popular ice climb in the hills. There are a few other longer angle flows in the area that make good solos if you've done all the other ice in the canyon.

Bridalveil is a perfect first lead, especially since there really isn't a good way to toprope this climb. Wait until it has been cold for awhile before doing this climb - there is a lot of volume here and it takes a while to freeze solid enough to be safe to lead.

Getting There 

Drive south on Spearfish Canyon road. A sign and a huge pullout on the right side of the road should tip you off to the ice, which is on the left. A 5 minute walk leads to the base. The approach crosses Spearfish Creek, but there are enough rocks to make the crossing easy even when the creek isn't frozen.

Featured Route For Bridalveil Area

Bridalveil Falls Left Side WI1  SD : Spearfish Canyon : Bridalveil Area

Depending on conditions, the left side can be a very easy, good beginner lead climb. Probably easier and safer to lead the climb than to scramble up and around and try to toprope the thing....[more]