Eldora

BETA PHOTO: Hessie Chimney from the 4th of July road, Jan. 06

Ice Climbing 

Really only one climb here, the Hessie Chimney, but it's a great one. Some variations might firm in a really good year.

Another route has been submitted since the original area submission.

Getting There 

Drive to the end of the road, past the little town of Eldora, and hike, ski or snowshoe about half a mile to the road junction. The right-hand fork is the road to Fourth of July Campground, the left leads to Hessie Trailhead. The cliff in question is visible to the right. Approaching via Fourth of July road allows you to scope conditions before making the final arduous approach. However, a snowshoe trail frequently can be found in the valley by starting down the trail from Hessie until you cross a large wooden bridge over the creek. Look for tracks to the right. Either way, you'll face a nasty talus slope up to the climb.

Featured Route For Eldora

Hessie Chimney WI4 M5  CO : CO Ice & Mixed : Hessie

I've done this route three times and enjoyed it every time.The first pitch is normally about half rock and half ice, though this year I got exactly two ice sticks on the entire pitch. The first half is well-protected chimney climbing, one foot on rock, one on ice. At a ledge halfway up, step left to place small wire pro as high as you can reach, then step back right to the crux, a reach high to good ice (hopefully), with poor feet. This section h...[more]