Chipeta Falls

This is a great climb uniquely situated on the Morrow Point Reservoir. It begins with a descent of Corral Creek to a platform above the main falls, where two bolts are installed for an anchor on (descender's) left. Check the ice on rappel, and be sure you are comfortable with conditions, because once you pull your ropes, you're committed.

The lower half of the route is the steepest and may be chandeliered (WI3-4). Above this, easier climbing leads to the top.

In typical conditions, a 70m rope will touch down at the top of the ice ramp at the base. Therefore two ropes or an 80m rope are recommended to rappel or TR.

Turn north on CO 92 at the west end of Blue Mesa Reservoir, go 4.5 miles to the big curve at Corral Creek (GPS coordinates: 38.4573, -107.3918), and park on the shoulder. A shovel may be handy to dig out a parking spot.

Start descending the Corral Creek drainage, staying high on the east side briefly before descending to the creek. Bushwhack down the creek, which is relatively easy if the creek is frozen and tedious otherwise.

Near the bottom of the canyon, three steps of WI2-3 must be negotiated. The first is short and drops into a pool. The second can be rappelled from bolts high on descender's left above the slab abutting the tree below. The final step can be rappelled from the same bolts or the tree. This leads to a nice platform above the main falls. If the steps aren't frozen, the route probably won't be in.

A standard ice rack and two ropes or an 80m.