There are at least 7 ice climbs in this section of middle St. Vrain drainage. They're uphill in the Peaceful Valley region. It is a higher-altitude area. Nonetheless, south-facing ice climbs are subject to midseason thaws. The previously documented climbs (see J. Robert's "Colorado Ice") are of an mixed nature a good distance from the Peak to Peak. The other known climb forms a short way from the Peak to Peak just above and west of Camp Dick. There is a mixed climb that will occasionally form above Camp Dick in a SE-facing slot.
Getting There
From Longmont, head west to Lyons. Go up canyon on CO Hwy 7. Head south on the Peak to Peak Hwy a couple miles. Find the turnoff west a couple miles south of the intersection of CO 7 & CO 72.
From Denver, head northwest on US 36 through Boulder to Lyons. Head south and then west on CO Hwy 7. Reach the Peak to Peak Hwy (CO 7 & CO 72) and head south a couple miles. If you reach Allenspark, you've gone the wrong way on the Peak to Peak. On the west (right side of the road) find a small road that heads west and is labelled Peaceful Valley. Note, this is not the commercial Peaceful Valley Ranch signed just north of the above-mentioned road.
From Estes Park, head south on CO Hwy 7/CO 72 (Peak to Peak) past Allenspark to Peaceful Valley. If you reach Raymond, you've gone down the S. St. Vrain Canyon (i.e. the wrong way).
Early in the season, the gate, perhaps 200m from the Peak to Peak is left open. You can drive at least past Camp Dick (~1 mile). The road becomes rough 4WD terrain further on. Later on, you must find a parking spot at this popular X-C ski/snowshoe trail. Don't block in the private driveway. Hike/snowshoe/ski in along the road. It is flat for a long way. Enjoy.
Featured Route For West of Peak to Peak - Middle St. Vrain
This is a fickle climb that invites an explore on the slopes above Camp Dick. It has only been visibly "in" 2 of 6 looks. Nonetheless, it's an interesting wander. Find this treat lying above the South-facing slopes just NW of Camp Dick just up road from Peaceful Valley in the Upper St. Vrain drainage just off the Peak to Peak highway. From the intersection of CO Hwy 7 and CO Hwy 72, go a few miles south to the Peaceful Valley turnoff heading west. During the winter, this road is blocked off...[more]Browse More Classics in CO
Comments on West of Peak to Peak - Middle St. Vrain
In terms of approach roads, the Brainard Lake Road is pretty much free of snow all the way to Brainard Lake... a sweet bike ride until they open the road june 13th.
Snow seemed well consolidated on the peaks above the lake.
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