Clear Creek Canyon - Ice Climbing
Elevation: | 6,000 ft |
GPS: |
39.74128, -105.41402 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 95,027 total · 446/month |
Shared By: | Quinn Stevens on Mar 19, 2006 |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Description
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, dont hog the ice with grid topropes that you arent 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.
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, dont hog the ice with grid topropes that you arent 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.
Getting There
From Denver, head out on 6th Ave. and exit into Golden. Turn left on US 6 into the canyon. Pullouts can be found along the highway, and most approaches are about 5-10 minutes.
From Boulder, the best way to reach Clear Creek Canyon is to take CO Highway 93 (Broadway) straight south for about 25 minutes into Golden. Then take a right, heading west on Highway 6 into Clear Creek Canyon.
Per Brian Tessier: From the intersection of US 6/6th Ave, CO 58 and CO Highway 93 in Golden. Head west on US 6 towards Central City and Blackhawk.
Aqueduct flows on left before tunnel #1.
Beer Gardens on left at 2.8 miles.
Coors Lite on left at 3.8 miles.
Mickey's Bigmouth on left at 4.3 miles.
(+/- on the mileage).
From Boulder, the best way to reach Clear Creek Canyon is to take CO Highway 93 (Broadway) straight south for about 25 minutes into Golden. Then take a right, heading west on Highway 6 into Clear Creek Canyon.
Per Brian Tessier: From the intersection of US 6/6th Ave, CO 58 and CO Highway 93 in Golden. Head west on US 6 towards Central City and Blackhawk.
Aqueduct flows on left before tunnel #1.
Beer Gardens on left at 2.8 miles.
Coors Lite on left at 3.8 miles.
Mickey's Bigmouth on left at 4.3 miles.
(+/- on the mileage).
Crags
This is a work in progress...finally, eh? Thanks for your patience.
South vs. North is relative to the road.
CO 93 & US 6 intersection
large bridge / parking area
South (across CC) - Aqueduct Flows | Backside Flows
Tunnel 1
metal bridge
South 0.2 (across CC) - 12 Oz Curls
North 0.5 - Blue Moon
South (across CC) - Secret Waterfall (aka Windy Saddle Ice Flow)
South 2.8 (across CC) - Beer Garden
South 3.5 - Coors Ultra Light
South 3.8 - Coors Light area
Bridge - ~3.5 miles
South 4.3 - Mickey's Big Mouth
Tunnel 2 - ~4.9 miles
South 4.8 miles - M3 Crag
metal tyrolean
Tunnel 3 - ~5.1 miles
Mayhem Gulch mountain biking trailhead
North 8.1 - Mayhem Gulch
Intersection with CO 119
Tunnel 5 - ~10.5 miles
tyrolean
Tunnel 6 ~11.3 miles
tyrolean
South vs. North is relative to the road.
CO 93 & US 6 intersection
large bridge / parking area
South (across CC) - Aqueduct Flows | Backside Flows
Tunnel 1
metal bridge
South 0.2 (across CC) - 12 Oz Curls
North 0.5 - Blue Moon
South (across CC) - Secret Waterfall (aka Windy Saddle Ice Flow)
South 2.8 (across CC) - Beer Garden
South 3.5 - Coors Ultra Light
South 3.8 - Coors Light area
Bridge - ~3.5 miles
South 4.3 - Mickey's Big Mouth
Tunnel 2 - ~4.9 miles
South 4.8 miles - M3 Crag
metal tyrolean
Tunnel 3 - ~5.1 miles
Mayhem Gulch mountain biking trailhead
North 8.1 - Mayhem Gulch
Intersection with CO 119
Tunnel 5 - ~10.5 miles
tyrolean
Tunnel 6 ~11.3 miles
tyrolean
Webcams
You may find these webcams helpful for visual peeks at conditions: cotrip.org/roadConditions.htm. Click on the camera icons along US 6.
Classic Climbing Routes at Clear Creek Canyon - Ice
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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