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Gunnison River Valley

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After Sch ool Special 
Illusional (more beta needed) 

Gunnison River Valley

Submitted By: Greg Sievers on Feb 17, 2009
Administrators: Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac
Elevation: 9,400 feet
Views: 204 page views

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East Valley wall ice (WI4).


Description 

There are endless, wicked, multi-pitch lines on the entire south-facing wall, all along the 13 mile long road south of Lake City, toward Sherman. Likely very ephemeral. There are a few plums to be picked, but they may involve crossing private property? especially Sunshine Falls.

For Invisible Ice, it's 0.5 miles south of Lake San Cristobal.

Ski or hike up the tree'd gully left of the scree slope. (Scree may be snow covered on a big snow year). Ascend 500 vertical feet, aiming for the left end of the visible wall above. One hour should get you there. At the base of the wall, traverse right 1/4 mile to the base of the ice. It may get a little sun in the afternoon.


Getting There 

6 miles south of Lake City on CR-3 (1/2 mile west of the intersection of CR7 & CR-33)(half way to Sherman). There is a parking pull off on the left about 200 yards south/past the start gully. (This is also immediately south of the small, cliffed corridor you drive through along the river).
Cross the River and beeline it for the cliff band above. Ascend in the trees, left of the image posted here.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Gunnison River Valley:
After School Special   WI4-5     Trad, TR, Ice, 1 pitch, 60 feet   
Illusional (more beta needed)   WI4- PG13     Trad, Ice, 1 pitch, 130 feet, Grade II   
Browse More Classics in Gunnison River Valley

Photos of Gunnison River Valley Slideshow Add Photo
Brian Verhulst leading.

Brian Verhulst leading.

The view from the road.

The view from the road.

Rapping from top. CR7 visible below.

Rapping from top. CR7 visible below.

The approach line (view to north).

The approach line (view to north).


Comments on Gunnison River Valley Add Comment
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By Greg Sievers
From: Estes Park, CO
Feb 18, 2009

We're seeking information on this route. As with most crag-sized ice, it's probably been climbed before. However, we did not find any sign of rap slings, and it would be pretty difficult to get off this cliff any other way.

By R.Rees
Feb 22, 2009

I believe it's called Classic Cruise. It's in the old Colorado Ice guide. Been looking at it for years but haven't made the walk yet, looks sweet.

By Greg Sievers
From: Estes Park, CO
Feb 24, 2009

Nope. Not Classic Cruise. CC is across Lake San Cristobal. I checked with Jack Roberts to help clear that up. We did that also. There were no signs of slings, anchors or any other descent options on this route (however, the 1998 JR Guide book does have several discrepancies, on both Classic Cruise and other routes that are posted as being located off Hwy 149) so if you're positive, please tell us more details.

By R.Rees
Feb 26, 2009

Sorry, it is called Classic Cruise. It is located very accurately in Charlie Fowler's guide San Juan Ice. I did go up there and climb it the other day and Fowler's description of the climb and location is right on par. What you are calling Classic Cruise is what I have heard called The After School special, and it is fun climbing and well-farmed.