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Bridalveil Falls
WI5+,
Trad, Ice, 400 ft (121 m), 3 pitches,
Avg: 4 from 80
votes
FA: Jeff Lowe & Mike Weis, 1974
Colorado
> CO Ice & Mixed
> Telluride
> Bridalveil area
Access Issue: Keep a low profile
Details
Over the years, this route has had intermittent access issues. At times, it has been legal. At times, it has been completely illegal.
Description
This beautiful wall features the best ice climb in Colorado: Bridalveil Falls. First climbed by Jeff Lowe and Mike Weis in 1974 using prototype SNARGS and 70cm piolets. This one took real vision.
Located on a north-wall to the East of town, it's close enough to allow a leisurely cup of coffe before the climb, but far enough that the slackers will drive over to Ouray.
There are several climbs on the wall that form up depending on conditions. Ask the locals at the Telluride Mountaineer for fresh beta. DO NOT climb on the falls directly below the Power House. This is private property and you'll get arrested and the whole wall will get shut down by the Sheriff.
Location
Colorado Ave (CO Hwy 145) is the main drag through town. Drive East to the Pandora Mill and park at the gate. Hike up the road until you're at the wall. If avalanches rule that day, keep to the drainage. Takes about an hour for most people. If you ski up, the descent will only take a few minutes. From the top of the falls, either rappel, or if avalanche conditions are moderate, walk around behind the Power House and descend the gully. DO NOT touch the Power House!!
Protection
Ice screws, courage.
Register
Please sign the register (next to the Porta-Potty) before embarking on your approach to climb this route. Failure to do so may just ruin your day.
[Hide Photo] Climbers on the 2nd pitch. Feb '09.
[Hide Photo] Bridalveil Falls, 1st pitch. Feb '09. Photo: Henning Boldt.
[Hide Photo] Bridalveil Falls. Henning Boldt coming up 1st pitch. Feb '08. Photo: Pat McCarthy.
[Hide Photo] BridalVeil, coming over the last bulge. Amazing route. Photo: Keith Garvey.
[Hide Photo] Rick on the last rappel.
[Hide Photo] Conditions on 01/22/09. It could be a lot different now.... It has been very warm in Telluride.
[Hide Photo] Bridalveil, 1/2/09.
'Course, that would mean I'm in Colorado, which would certainly mean somethin'! Dec 26, 2007
Next time, I would use the V-threads for raps - on the freehanging rappel off the bolts, my ropes dislodged a microwave-sized ice chunk off the icicle that luckily only brushed me on my thigh, phew! Mar 22, 2012