Defecation Gully aka Poop Coop 

FA:  Brad Shilling and Brian Teale Type:  Trad, Aid, Mixed, Ice Consensus:  WI5 M5 A1 [details] Length:  6 pitches, 500 feet, Grade II Season:  late winter Views: 540 page views Submitted By: Anonymous Coward on Mar 23, 2006 Add Photo  Add Comment

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Def Gull

Description 

This may be one of the longest ice routes in the Front Range. It lies just upstream from the cog railway. The line has an ominous name and its water source may be questionable. Birds may reside or habitate this area and may affect the experience. Don’t lick your picks. If this bothers you, don’t climb it. The climbing ascends 6 pitches in a deep chimney/gully with chockstones up to the North Rim and near its source. It is somewhat reminiscent of Skylight. Descent anchors may or may not be present.

P1. Clear thin ice on the R wall or ledges on the L. WI4 M4 or 5.7, 70 feet.

P2. Continue up the thin ice on the R wall adjacent to a chockstone. WI5 M5 A1, 70 feet.

P3. Continue up thin ice on the R & surmount a chockstone or rock climb on the L. WI5, M5 30 feet.

P4. Continue up fun, thin ice to a cave. WI3, 120 feet.

P5-6. Possible finish on colored ice toward the touron facilities.

Rappel.

Location 

Approach by driving to Canon City, US 50 W of Pueblo or E of Salida. Go towards where US 50 crosses over the Arkansas River close to Parkdale, which is W of Canon City. Go S on 61 Rd (p. 71 of Colorado Atlas & Gazeteer) to its end, which appear to be the start of BLM land. This road is W of the Royal Gorge bridge. Park legally. Hike 1.5 mi? Alternative, you can risk the access issues by going to Parkdale, find legal parking, walk downstream near the tracks about 2 1/2 miles to the climbs.

Protection 

Stubbies, pins (Knifeblades and Bugaboos), sling/cord for V-threads, screamers.