Stevens Gulch Ice (2)

Statistics

• Date - 11/11/2019
• Elevation - 11,900'
• Route - Stevens Gulch Ice
• Miles - 6.0
• Elevation Gain - 2,100'
• ACME Mapper - Link
• CalTopo - Link
• Partners - Brian Kooienga

Description

It had been seven years since I first visited Stevens Gulch Ice.  In 2012, Kevin Smith and I were still able to drive to the Stevens Gulch Trailhead for a very short approach on Thanksgiving Day morning.  This time Brian and I had to hike from Interstate 70 due to snow and ice on the road.  It's a fair way to hike for a relatively short piece of ice, but we were just looking for a casual day so we decided to check it out.  Brian led the pitch twice while I led it once and top-roped it once.  The ice was very brittle and doesn't see any sun until early in the afternoon when it softens up slightly.  It is a fun and short WI3 pitch with short steep sections and good rest spots in between.  We built a V-thread at the top of the ice to rappel from when we were done climbing.

Photos

Stevens Gulch Ice from Stevens Gulch TrailheadBrian on the approach with Grays Peak in the background.Stevens Gulch IceBrian leading Stevens Gulch Ice.Brian leading Stevens Gulch Ice.Brian leading Stevens Gulch Ice.Brian leading Stevens Gulch Ice.Brian leading Stevens Gulch Ice.Brian leading Stevens Gulch Ice.Brian leading Stevens Gulch Ice.Brian leading Stevens Gulch Ice.Grays Peak, Torreys Peak, and Kelso MountainV-ThreadOver Yonder Brewing Company