Bridal veil falls is a 365 foot 111 m waterfall at the end of the box canyon overlooking telluride, colorado. Jan 17, 2012 colorado man died on one of toughest us ice climbs january 17, 2012 at 2. There is nothing quite like climbing a frozen waterfall. Feb 25, 2014 bridal veil is colorado s highest waterfall at 400ft and one of the classic ice climbing routes in the united states. While you wont have much solitude on this route, youll enjoy some stunning views of the canyon, downtown telluride, ingram falls, and bridal veil falls. Within the steep san juan mountains of southwest colorado, youll find a number of great waterfalls. This hike is about 1hr 45 minutes from the denver area and features expansive meadows, wildflowers, forest, and a little bit of a rock scramble. Learn new skills or try some new terrain from ames falls to cornet falls to bridal veil falls to the ames ice hose, a variety of climbs are available for all levels and abilities. Colorado man died on one of toughest us ice climbs cbs. While bridal veil falls makes for a great hike in the summer, in the winter it becomes an ice climbing hot spot, known as. And it has been closed to climbing for the better part of a few decades, with the exception of a few brief openings. Bridal veil falls is a 365foot waterfall at the end of the box canyon overlooking.
Heres the 1st of 2 trip reports on some ice climbing in january including the ames ice hose, ourays ribbon, and tellurides bridal veil falls. Hikers, bikers, ice climbers, and 4wheel drivers alike enjoy its natural wonder. Bridal veil falls is a beautiful 20foot waterfall on cow creek. Standing 365 feet tall, bridal veil falls is colorados tallest freefalling waterfall, and one of the most classic and difficult ice climbs in the country. He helped introduce climbing competitions to the united states and. Hiking and offroad trails pass by the falls and the. The lower trail at bridal veil takes the visitor downhill to the base of bridal veil falls and is about a mile round trip to the falls and back. The 10 most captivating waterfalls in colorado outthere.
The bridal veil falls are the highest freefalling waterfall in the entire state of colorado. When jeff lowe and mike weiss claimed the first ascent in 1974, the route achieved instant, everestlike status. Ice climbing legend john jack roberts, 59, has departed this world. In colder winters, more of the falls are frozen as ice.
Hiking and offroad trails pass by the falls and it has a hydroelectric power plant at its top. Beyond bridalveil fall is a beautifully written well paced story filled with all the elements readers crave in a book. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, horses, and snowshoeing and is best used from march until november. While you wont have much solitude on this route, youll enjoy some stunning views of the canyon. Telluride are world class, and include the classic 365foot bridal veil falls. Bridal veil falls, grand junction sentinel, san miguel county, telluride, youtube. It is certainly the most fantastic winter adventure in the san juan mountains. Colorado climber jack roberts died on one of toughest us ice climbs. Standing 365 feet over tellurides box canyon, bridal veil falls is colorados tallest free. Hike to bridal veil falls in rocky mountain national park. Most of the hike is through open meadows along the creek with. Bridal veil falls is a beautiful natural waterfall in scenic provo canyon.
Bridal veil falls, colorado, united states world waterfall. Learn new skills or try some new terrain from ames falls to cornet falls to bridal veil falls to the ames ice hose, a variety of climbs are available for all levels and. It can be physically exhausting, technically extremely difficult, demanding an immense concentration and coolheaded decision making, at the same time being mind numbing frightening. First climbed by jeff lowe and mike weis in 1974 using prototype snargs and 70cm piolets. From ophirs traditional and bold multipitch routes, to pocketpulling sport climbs near bridal veil falls, to the sandstone bouldering in beautiful ilium. For a unique view of the falls, check out the via ferrata climbing route. Jan 17, 2011 bridal veil falls was first climbed by jeff lowe and mike weis in 1974 as a test piece using 70 cm chouinard axes and prototype snargs. In 1973, jeff lowe and mike weiss put up the hardest ice route in the world. Having been closed to climbing for the better part of a few decades, with the exception of a few brief openings, the climb reopened to the public in the winter of 200809. Telluride colorados bridal veil falls reopened to climbing. A privately owned, historic power plant sits atop the falls.
This 365 ft waterfall is the tallest freefalling fall in colorado. Many of these publications hold high praise for this scenic waterfall, and they have good reason to do so. In 1991, lowe conquered a new route up eiger in the swiss alps. The falls were opened briefly in the 1990s to ice climbers, but. Standing 365 feet tall, bridal veil falls is colorado s tallest freefalling waterfall, and one of the most classic and difficult ice climbs in the country. An adirondack ice climbers guide, published in 2006.
Aug 10, 2016 bridal veil falls telluride, telluride, colorado. Bridal veil falls provo 2020 all you need to know before. From ophirs multipitch routes, to sport climbs near bridal veil falls. Bridal veil falls state scenic viewpoint oregon state.
The ice climbing near telluride is worldclass, and includes one of the most difficult. Bridal veil falls is publicly accessible via the adjacent forest roads, however the falls. Beyond the junction the trail begins traveling through a mixture of grassy meadows and stands of aspen, ponderosa pine, blue spruce and other conifer trees. Some of those are climbers he guided or partnered with recently. The trail past the falls continues on to mountain meadows and mountain lakes above 0ft. Go the worlds best ice climbing up until 2008, bridal veil falls was closed for highrisk ice climbing, but an agreement between the trust for public land and the idarado mining company awarded a public access licensewhich climbers had coveted for years. Hiking and offroad trails pass by the falls and it has a hydroelectric.
Bridal veil falls was first climbed by jeff lowe and mike weis in 1974 as a test piece using 70 cm chouinard axes and prototype snargs. But his memory lives on in the people whose lives he touched. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of wonderview avenue 34 bypass road and macgregor avenue in estes. The trail gently slopes up into a side canyon where there are two trail junctions at the. Note the remnants of construction at the top of the falls, to the right and above where the water is flowing. Bridal veil falls was just opened to ice climbers in 2009. Thanks to telluride breathtaking box canyon, its a mecca of cascading water. On january 15, 2012, roberts was climbing bridal veil falls near telluride, colorado, and fell 60 feet. A familyfriendly, wellmarked wooded trail that ends with a stunning set of waterfalls and unbeatable views of the town of telluride. The spectacular bridal veil falls are the tallest freefalling falls in colorado. The famous geologic edifice known as the pillars of hercules, a 120foot basalt tower once used as a training site for mountain climbing, can be seen best from the upper trail at bridal veil.
Mar 09, 2018 there are six distinct named iceclimbing areas, including durango, silverton, telluride, ouray, lake city, and wolf creek. Paraplegic climber inspires with ascent of frozen bridal. The grade is steady, but not too steep and the dirt road is wide although a little rocky around the switchbacks. Bridal veil is colorados highest waterfall at 400ft and one of the classic ice climbing routes in the united states. Go ice climbing up bridal veil falls, a 365foottall 111meter frozen waterfall. Hiking and offroad trails pass by the falls and the power plant at its top.
At 365feet, it is also one of the most challenging climbs to. The worlds best ice climbing auberge resorts collection. After retiring from climbing, lowe penned the introduction to the first edition of don mellors blue lines. There are six distinct named iceclimbing areas, including durango, silverton, telluride, ouray, lake city, and wolf creek. Colorado man died on one of toughest us ice climbs january 17, 2012 at 2. Book your tickets online for bridal veil falls, provo. Colorado man died on one of toughest us ice climbs cbs denver. First climbed by jeff lowe and mike weis in 1974 using prototype snargs and 70cm. From pandora mill to bridal veil falls and the power plant, it is a 1.
The trail past the falls continues on to mountain meadows and. Bridal veil falls provo all you need to know before. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with reallife experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The alpine setting of the san juan mountains offers worldrenowned ice climbing and provides a wide variety of winter climbing opportunities. The 2nd trip report includes some pics of ice in cody and hyalite. Hikers in telluride can journey to bridal veil falls for spectacular views and also learn a little about the history of the small town tucked deep into colorados san juan mountains. Bridal veil falls, colorados tallest freefalling waterfall, is a top ice climbing attraction.
Colorado ice was originally published in 1998 and a revised and updated edition was issued in 2005. Standing 365 feet over tellurides box canyon, bridal veil falls is colorados tallest free falling waterfall, and some would argue, one of the most classic. Climbers on the krogeratta also have views of the peaks of the san juan. Colorado climber jack roberts died on one of toughest us ice. Using ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and mountain guide youll scale ice in the san juan.
Cow creek trail follows the creek upstream about 3 miles to the waterfall. Void talks about traveling to telluride in 1999 and climbing bridalveil falls. Climbing vertical ice cascades the size of skyscrapers requires a certain lack of imagination. An accident while he was climbing bridal veil falls last sunday claimed his life. Telluride is home to bridal veil falls wi5, at 365 feet colorados tallest freefalling waterfall. Jul 27, 20 bridal veil falls is a gem tucked away in the northern reaches of rocky mountain national park. Bridal veil falls trail in rocky mountain national park. Colorados bridal veil falls is an epic, 365foot ice climb that ranks among the most classic lines in north america. The area surrounding bridal veil falls usually sees the most traffic. Climbing gorillas in the mist with ed is one of my fondest memories of waterice climbing, comparable to images that come to mind of the first ascents of bridal veil falls in colorado, keystone greensteps in alaska, curtain. Telluride, colorado has some of the best ice climbs in the west. Bridal veil falls is the tallest freefalling waterfall in the state of colorado.
The cow creek trailhead is located at mcgraw ranch north of estes park. In 1974, he and mike weis became the first to reach the summit of the bridal veil falls in telluride, colorado. Pictures of this particular falls are scattered across dozens of publications pertaining to the attractions of this area. From ophirs traditional and bold multipitch routes, to pocketpulling sport climbs near bridal veil falls, to the sandstone bouldering in beautiful ilium valley, and some of the most famous ice climbs in the state, there is something for almost every type of climber. The lower trail at bridal veil takes the visitor downhill to the base of. Bridal veil falls hiking trail, telluride, colorado. Snowmobile along miles of groomed trails or travel through the mountainous terrain on. While climbing the telluride via ferrata, climbers have an amazing view of the bridal veil falls. In the very beginning of the hike we saw two female elk grazing in the meadow and had a snake cross the trail right in front of us. Colorado climber jack roberts died on one of toughest us.
Its easily accessible via a trail that connects to the parking lot. Home forum trip report an ice climbing safari part one. To continue on towards bridal veil falls you should proceed straight ahead at this junction. Climbers on the krogeratta also have views of the peaks of the san juan mountains and can see gorgeous views of the entire town of telluride below them as. Bridal veil falls is an easygoing family hike with beautiful views. Climbing gorillas in the mist with ed is one of my fondest memories of waterice climbing, comparable to images that come to mind of the first ascents of bridal veil falls in colorado, keystone greensteps in alaska, curtain call in canada, or blindfaith in france, he wrote. Bridal veil falls is at the end of a box canyon near telluride, a ski resort town where butch cassidy robbed his first bank. Bridal veil falls state scenic viewpoint oregon state parks. Telluride is lucky enough to have many different climbing areas with different styles, settings and rock types.
This beautiful wall features the best ice climb in colorado. He wrote on climbing and published the ice climbing guide colorado ice. Standing 365 feet tall, bridal veil falls is colorados tallest free falling waterfall, and one of the most classic and difficult ice climbs in the country. Dec 19, 2015 standing 365 feet over tellurides box canyon, bridal veil falls is colorado s tallest free falling waterfall, and some would argue, one of the most classic and difficult ice climbs in the country. Ice climbing bridal veil falls telluride, colorado. Having been closed to climbing for the better part of a few decades. Paraplegic climber sean oneill, 48, looks up at the ice climb bridal veil falls before climbing it with climbing guide andres marin in telluride co on february.
He spent a whole chapter explaining the climb in his book the beckoning silence. If youre looking for something easy to reach on highway 160, consider pagosa springs treasure falls, which you. In the winter months the falls may freeze over entirely, forming a massive column of icicles which is renowned among climbers as one of the most hallowed ice climbing locations in the country or at least it would be if the landowner permitted climbing. Bridal veil falls launches from a rock slab at a diagonal, making it a beautiful site. Bridal veil falls via cow creek trail closed colorado. In winter the frozen shape of the falls forms an imposing challenge to intrepid ice climbers. Everything from short easy water ice on up to the most difficult mixed route in the state are available. To fully explore the winter climbing routes, we recommend the expertise of a local guide. Ben clark and friends ascend the tallest frozen waterfall in the state of colorado. Joe simpson from touching the void talks about traveling to telluride in 1999 and climbing bridalveil falls. It begins at the historic mcgraw ranch and follows a trail through a lightly forested valley with a trickling stream. Bridal veil falls rocky mountain national park 2020. While bridal veil falls makes for a great hike in the summer, in the winter it becomes an ice climbing hot spot, known as being one of the most difficult ice climbing routes in the country.
There are several climbs on the wall that form up depending on conditions. From bridal veil to the ice hose and the frequently climbed novice routes in the small hydroelectric town of ames. Ask the locals at the telluride mountaineer for fresh beta. Paraplegic climber inspires with ascent of frozen bridal veil. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and ice climbing and is best used from april until october. Bridal veil falls hike in rocky mountain national park. Bridal veil falls is a gem tucked away in the northern reaches of rocky mountain national park. Bridal veil falls these stunning waterfalls, at 365 feet in length, are the tallest free falling falls in colorado, and they entice many people to hike, bike or fourwheel drive up the road. There are a number of good ice climbing areas in the canyon.
Below is quoted from his book the beckoning silence. The author takes you on an adventure right along side her colorful cast of characters in the enchanted world of shape shifters, fairies, and plenty of magic. Telluride is a mecca for ice climbers around the country, with tons of. Using ice axes, crampons, helmets and harnesses, you will have the chance to scale tellurides most exquisite ice in some. Go ice climbing on a frozen waterfall in the telluride, colorado. At 365 feet in height, these falls entice visitors and adventurers from all over the world to hike, bike, fourwheel drive, ice climb, and explore the surrounding wilderness. Bridal veil falls is a 365foot 111 m waterfall at the end of the box canyon overlooking telluride, colorado. The onetime mining town sits at an 8,750foot elevation and is. I was hooked immediately, turning the pages faster and faster as dove in.
It is an amazing climb and we were lucky to be the only group up there that day. The hike to bridal veil falls begins from the cow creek trailhead, located near the northeast corner of rocky mountain national park. Learn new skills or try new terrain from ames falls to bridal veil falls. First climbed by jeff lowe and mike weis in 1974 using prototype snargs and.
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