South Fork Shoshone (Ice)

Beautiful alpine setting and sharp toys, it doesn'...

Description 

Secluded valley southwest of Cody with the Shoshone River running through it. No phones, no lights, occasionally motorcars. A definite alpine feel with a variety of grades to climb. Many times the approach is the crux of the route. Bands of harder horizontal stone provide benches for ice to form on. Much of the rock is crap, referred to by locals as "kitty litter". Rock gear is a waste to carry in most cases, although bugs and angles can be helpful if you're putting up something mixed and you need a mental piece or something that may hold bodyweight. As a rule "V" threads are the preferred method for descent, occasionally bolts or a slung tree. Typical ice climbs may be 100m to 300m (or longer) in length interrupted by steps of creek walking between pitches.

Getting There 

From Cody take Hwy 291 (South Fork Road) to the South Fork, about 45 minutes. Better yet, stay at Bison Willy's at the mouth of the Canyon.

Check out Cold Fear for details on current conditions and lodging. For route info, get your hands on the old Cozzens guide or the new Winter Dance book (Joe Josephson) with all the details.

Featured Route For South Fork Shoshone (Ice)

Stringer WI3+ Mod. Snow  WY : Cody : South Fork Shoshone (Ice)

Originally climbed as lower part of 'Slow Turning' these moderate pitches offer a variety of terrain as you climb up through a tight rock chimney. Depending upon conditions, I was told this route usually is quite wet but perhaps technique can offer up options (I remained relatively dry). Very fun ATC (all terrain climb) in both approach & climb. Considered to be one of the "easiest" approaches in the valley by comparison...heheh...[more]

Add Photo Photos of South Fork Shoshone (Ice)

1st rope-stretching pitch of Mean Green WI4, only ...	Hey Baby, let me show you my "O" face! Crossing t...	Trying to finagle a mixed start to get on Joy Afte...
start of the approach..	wildlife on the approach...	from right to left: One Hitter, Mean Streak, and M...
BETA PHOTO: Bozo's Revenge... Cody WI3... A great warm up for ...	Simon Ahlgren moves out on the fatter than I've ev...	Thin first pitch Main Vein
Main Vein	Last pitch Main Vein	The crux of most of the climbs....not drowning on ...
Racing the setting sun after a long day in the Sou...