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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
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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.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Climbers on the 2nd pitch. Feb '09.
[Hide Photo] Climbers on the 2nd pitch. Feb '09.
Bridalveil Falls, 1st pitch. Feb '09. Photo: Henning Boldt.
[Hide Photo] Bridalveil Falls, 1st pitch. Feb '09. Photo: Henning Boldt.
Bridalveil Falls. Henning Boldt coming up 1st pitch. Feb '08. Photo: Pat McCarthy.
[Hide Photo] Bridalveil Falls. Henning Boldt coming up 1st pitch. Feb '08. Photo: Pat McCarthy.
A dark horse sans rope.   (BM from AK)
[Hide Photo] A dark horse sans rope. (BM from AK)
This pooch crushes!
[Hide Photo] This pooch crushes!
BridalVeil, coming over the last bulge. Amazing route. Photo: Keith Garvey.
[Hide Photo] BridalVeil, coming over the last bulge. Amazing route. Photo: Keith Garvey.
Rick on the last rappel.
[Hide Photo] Rick on the last rappel.
Conditions on 01/22/09.  It could be a lot different now.... It has been very warm in Telluride.
[Hide Photo] Conditions on 01/22/09. It could be a lot different now.... It has been very warm in Telluride.
Bridalveil, 1/2/09.
[Hide Photo] Bridalveil, 1/2/09.
Conditions on Feb. 6th, 2011.
[Hide Photo] Conditions on Feb. 6th, 2011.
Bridalveil Falls
[Hide Photo] Bridalveil Falls

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

[Hide Comment] Ya know, Mal... I'd almost rather get on this one than the one in Provo Canyon.

'Course, that would mean I'm in Colorado, which would certainly mean somethin'! Dec 26, 2007
doligo
  WI5
[Hide Comment] Awesome, awesome, awesome! Felt a bit like the Gunks climbing - pull overhang, rest, pull another overhang, rest... Because of good rests, felt a bit easier than the Ames, but it's definitely a lot steeper.

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