Explore this area in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next
GPS: 38.02432, -107.67134
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 56,132 total · 182/month
Shared By: Charlie Nuttelman on Nov 29, 1999 · Updates
Admins: Edward Medina, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Page Updates (admin only)

Description Suggest change

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 Suggest change

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.

24 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: US Highway 550 Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at US Highway 550

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
WI4-5
 10
● Bear Creek Falls
Trad, Ice
WI4
 88
● Horsetail Falls
Trad, Ice 4 pitches
WI5 M1
 45
● Gravity's Rainbow
Trad, Mixed, Ice 3 pitches
WI4
 23
● Cascade Falls
Ice 2 pitches
WI5
 4
● Blue Condition
Ice 2 pitches
WI4+
 10
● Over The Rainbow
Ice 2 pitches
WI5
 6
● Bride's Veil aka Skyrocket
Ice
WI4
 12
● Kennedy's Gully
Trad, Ice 7 pitches
WI4-
 75
● Charmin Tube
Trad, Ice 3 pitches
WI4
 7
● Pony Up
Ice 2 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Bear Creek Falls
 10
WI4-5 Trad, Ice
● Horsetail Falls
 88
WI4 Trad, Ice 4 pitches
● Gravity's Rainbow
 45
WI5 M1 Trad, Mixed, Ice 3 pitches
● Cascade Falls
 23
WI4 Ice 2 pitches
● Blue Condition
 4
WI5 Ice 2 pitches
● Over The Rainbow
 10
WI4+ Ice 2 pitches
● Bride's Veil aka Skyrocket
 6
WI5 Ice
● Kennedy's Gully
 12
WI4 Trad, Ice 7 pitches
● Charmin Tube
 75
WI4- Trad, Ice 3 pitches
● Pony Up
 7
WI4 Ice 2 pitches
More Classic Climbs in US Highway 550 »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Sun Angles Details:
Sun Details Unknown. Know About It?

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
 Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Add New Photo Drop down
Photos

Colorado US Highway 550.
Colorado US Highway 550.
 0
Engineer Pass, US Hwy 550, Feb., 2008.
Engineer Pass, US Hwy 550, Feb., 2008.
 0

3 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading