All Locations > Colorado > CO Ice & Mixed > RMNP - Mixed/Ice > Wild Basin

Ouzel Falls area Climbing

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Routes in Ouzel Falls area

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Ouzel Falls T,TR WI2 Easy Snow

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Elevation:	9,400 ft
GPS:	40.20574, -105.61501 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	3,391 total · 23/month
Shared By:	Leo Paik on Feb 27, 2012
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Regulations Details

General NPS climbing regulations for RMNP posted here.

Description

This area has a climb that can be fickle, fun, or even "not worth the walk" depending on the time of year and your desired type of climb. Still, it may tickle the imagination of a few determined souls (or fools) who just want to see things in person.

So, from what I can gather, the main climb may or may not be in during some Decembers, may be decent in January, and may be a low-angled, fanned out snow/ice climb in February or March. With its low altitude and SSE aspect, you may find mushiness on sunny days.

There is another snow-filled slot just to the left of Ouzel Falls that may be climbable.

As with many waterfall ice climbs, you may find these climbs to have a relatively thin shell that can be penetrated with ice screws or extra firm swings or kicks.

Sorry, we forgot cameras...dang.

Getting There

From the winter parking lot (1.2 miles from the Wild Basin entrance station), walk along the road ~1 mile to the trailhead/warming cabin area. Continue past Copeland Falls (~1.3 miles), past the Pine Ridge campsite, past the turnoff for the Tahosa/Aspen Knoll/Twin Lakes/North St. Vrain campsites (~2.4 miles), past Calypso Cascades (~2.7 miles) which doesn't have climbing, contour WNW to a last few switchbacks on a blunt ridge to the signed "Ouzel Falls" (~3.7 miles). Elevation gain is close to 1000'. Expect 2-3 hours.

While often you can find the trail packed by snowshoers and not requiring flotation, skis can be nice for a quicker exit. Expect 1-1 1/4 hours if you ski out. Actually, the ski out may be the highlight of your day.