US Highway 550  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  25,185. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Charlie Nuttelman on Nov 30, 1999 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed 72° | 41° 70° | 39° 66° | 39° 63° | 37° 61° | 36°

BETA PHOTO: Engineer Pass, US Hwy 550, Feb., 2008.

Description 

This is a beautiful area just south of Ouray as you go up to Red Mountain Pass. Classic routes such as Sunsplash, Bear Creek Falls, Horsetail Falls, Wild Horses, and Solar Circus are along this road. Major avalanche risk exists after signficant snow falls. Beware of big bowls above these climbs. Sun aspect may be important to consider here.

Getting There 

This area is South of Ouray along US Highway 550 up to Red Mountain Pass. Climbs are generally visible from the road. Approaches are generally short.

The Classics

Featured Route For US Highway 550

Blue Condition WI5  CO : CO Ice & Mixed : ... : US Highway 550

Blue Condition is a nice variation to the second pitch of Kennedy’s Gully. It basically consists of 2 pitches of steeper ice. Approach as for Kennedy’s Gully; i.e. hike back down towards Ouray from the Engineer Pass parking area for a few hundred feet until another gully is on your right. Climb the gully to the base of the ice. A short pitch of WI 3 or so will serve as a starter. Next, slog up the short snow slop above the 1st pitch to reach a small amphitheater that forms the...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO