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Georgetown Ice

Colorado > CO Ice & Mixed

Description

Here are numerous little and big ice flows (not roadside cuts) that form in the Georgetown area. There are at least 7 drainages (WI 1-4) that contain ice during cold, wet periods of winter on the north side of I-70. Some of these are even crossed by mountain goats. Many of these may get sunrotted in the sunny stretches of a Colorado winter. Use good judgment. There is at least 1 long flow on the south side above the east end of the lake. Figure out the descents in advance. Those are definitely off the beaten track of ice climbers and definitely not for hard men/women - more for the exploring types.

Getting There

Take I-70 to Georgetown, west of Denver. Many lines are visible from the highway. Some require parking off the highway, some in Georgetown. Parking regulations are not always clear.

If you plan to climb the I-70 Sickle or on the tier above, you should definitely exercise common sense and not park anywhere close to the traffic lanes, block in fellow climbers' cars, or get stuck in that wee pullout to require assistance in extricating your vehicle(s). Such would likely bring unwanted attention from those with less insight into the reasons why we are drawn to ascend such bits of solid water or the like. If in doubt, continue on to your plan B for the day.

Per Rob Griz do not park on any part of the paved highway shoulder! A sturdy metal shovel and chains could be handy tools to have.

Routes from Left to Right

WI4 M7
 1
Mutton Chops
Sport, Mixed, Ice
M9
 3
Super Freak
Sport, Mixed
WI4-5 M8
 1
Sheepcicle
Sport, Mixed, Ice
WI3-4
 15
I-70 Sickle
Trad, Ice 2 pitches
M6+
 4
Farm Aid
Sport, Mixed
M5
 2
Highwaymen
Sport, Mixed
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Mutton Chops
 1
WI4 M7 Sport, Mixed, Ice
Super Freak
 3
M9 Sport, Mixed
Sheepcicle
 1
WI4-5 M8 Sport, Mixed, Ice
I-70 Sickle
 15
WI3-4 Trad, Ice 2 pitches
Farm Aid
 4
M6+ Sport, Mixed
Highwaymen
 2
M5 Sport, Mixed

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The OBVIOUS CDOT sign (as viewed from the parking spot) that states the law, just in case your windshield is too dirty to actually see it.  Respect access, it's not an entitlement.
[Hide Photo] The OBVIOUS CDOT sign (as viewed from the parking spot) that states the law, just in case your windshield is too dirty to actually see it. Respect access, it's not an entitlement.
The right (East) top anchor marked by a rebar rod.
[Hide Photo] The right (East) top anchor marked by a rebar rod.
Use a rope!
[Hide Photo] Use a rope!
Eric Chrisman 3/02.
[Hide Photo] Eric Chrisman 3/02.
Use a rope!
[Hide Photo] Use a rope!

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Hamish Gowans
Golden, CO
[Hide Comment] #1: The flows at Silverplume and Idaho Springs, both on the south side of the highway on the roadcut. Also, on the north side (possible multi-pitch) as you go around the curve above Georgetown. What's up? Private property? Impossible to get to? Should I volunteer to guinea pig? #2: Jack Hunt's guidebook. Something of a disappointment, it seems like a Wolf Creek supplement to the other Jack's guide, with "bonus beta". The Sangres and the New Mexico areas both have more climbs than Hunt lists and the ones recorded are easily found out through local climbing stores. Are people from Boulder going to drive to Crestone and hike in 4 hours for a single pitch of grade 4 WI? I say save yourself the money unless you climb locally in SW Colorado, in which case you probably know about most of these climbs anyway. Jan 5, 2002
Leo Paik
Westminster, Colorado
[Hide Comment] For the exploring types: there is a flow above Georgetown on the S side, just above the E end of the lake (ice on lake can be thin). It's a mine drainage with a 40min approach & 600 ft gain. It's in and starts with WI1 and goes to WI2, perhaps 500 vertical feet. Use a rope! The consequences without are huge. Lost a camera case and 17 cm screw 3/10/02 here. Use a rope! Anyone know the name of this ice ribbon? Mar 12, 2002
[Hide Comment] From I-70, the only flow that we could find was the long one at the NE corner of the lake, and it looked to be pretty rotten and thin the morning of 3/24. Mar 24, 2002
[Hide Comment] The long creek above Georgetown Res definitely is not for the difficult-ice fanatic, but it's a perfect place to acquire, practice or hone your French technique. Consider taking one traditional tool, your flexible-ankle boots, crampons, brain bucket and nerve. Going up flat-footed is a fun challenge, but the crux is downclimbing it! I've never used a rope on this due to lack of both difficulty and anchors. Only once in 20 years have I seen another party on it. Have fun! Dec 3, 2002
Leo Paik
Westminster, Colorado
[Hide Comment] Oh yeah, nice discovery today. For those looking for a tasty bit to eat after a short day on ice along the Front Range I-70 corridor, there's a new cafe, opened this summer, called Mountainbuzz in Georgetown, just W of the exit. It has tasty warm panini (?) bread sandwiches, big muffins & lemon squares, coffee, chai, and more. They seem to be cool with ice climbers. Open everyday til 4p-ish. Jan 6, 2004