Clear Creek Canyon - Ice Climbing

Excerpted from MP.com submission by Quinn:

Clear Creek Canyon (CCC) is aptly situated along Clear Creek, just west of Golden.

Several sites along US 6 in Clear Creek Canyon between Golden and Black Hawk produce surprisingly fun ice climbs in a casual setting. Some of the climbs in the upper canyon form consistently every year, while others at lower elevations form up less frequently. All the climbs except for those in the Aqueduct area are formed by natural drainages that feed Clear Creek. All climbs are on the left side of the road, on the opposite side of the creek on the northern aspect where they are shaded from the sun most of the day. Therefore, the ice tends to be clear water ice.

The easy access of these climbs from the road and their proximity to the Denver Area, make these climbs some of the most popular and crowded climbs on the Front Range. Be patient and considerate of other parties on the ice. Wear your helmet, belay out of the way of the path of icefall, call your falling ice, and always be aware of other parties. All of the climbs in Clear Creek Canyon are capable of being toproped, but also make for exciting beginner leads. Even if you arrive first, don’t hog the ice with grid topropes that you aren’t climbing on. Allow others to solo or lead past when you are not occupying your lines. These climbs are an incredible resource that we all can share.

According to Dylan Waller, there is a south-facing Mayhem Gulch, WI3. Tallest pitch in Clear Creek, bring a 70m rope to rappel off tree. This does not come in on a regular basis. It receives full sun all day, so unless it is overcast and close to zero for a couple of days, go elsewhere. climb that forms in Mayhem Gulch in certain conditions.