Type: Ice, 165 ft (50 m)
FA: unknown
Page Views: 7,332 total · 35/month
Shared By: Julian Smith on Jan 14, 2007
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC

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Description Suggest change

Silver Cascade Falls is a wonderful place for a quick, get-away romp over some moderate grade ice that is oh-so close to Colorado Springs. Merely drive to the top of Cheyenne Canyon and park at the Helen Hunt Falls trailhead. From there, it is only a few minutes walk to the base of the falls. Sporting moderately steep, this is a wonderful place to take someone to learn the basics of ice climbing or to get in a quick lap or two when you can’t get away from town.

From the parking lot at the trailhead, follow the trail for two switchbacks until you arrive at an obvious shoulder. This is also where the wooden fence pinches down into a very distinct corner. Hop the fence and follow an obvious trail down into the creek bed. There is also another way to approach the stream bed from below without having to climb over the fence, but I have never been that way. Once you are in the stream bed, follow it to the base of the climbing. You will know it when you get there. Here you will find some very nice logs that make a wonderful bench where you can sort gear and put on crampons, etc.

The ice follows two rolling bulges to reach the top of the overlook in about 165 feet of climbing or so. Actually, the technical stuff is over much sooner, and you will be walking over snow for the last little bit. There are some trees at the top of the bulges where a top rope can be set up. To get down, either rappel, scramble down to the climbers left, or walk down the trail from the overlook. Enjoy.

Protection Suggest change

For gear; screws, quick draws, and some slings will be all that is necessary.

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