A
20-minute drive north of Silverton lands you in
the almost
nonexistent mining town of Eureka. They’re
not mining
there anymore, but they sure are climbing. For several
miles
north of Eureka along the Animas River, there is
a large concentration
of quality Ice climbs, ranging from relatively short
and moderate jaunts to thousand-foot water falls.
And
although it's great climbing, it's also dangerous
for the
majority of the winter. Avalanches follow the same
paths as
the ice, and most of the time, there is little advance
warning.
But if you time it right, it sure can be fun picking.
A fine first placement: Allen Ottman starts the 800-foot “Second
Gully.”
Allen Ottman, top,
and Chris Barger, of Durango, organize
thoughts and ropes prior to beginning the “Second
Gully.”
Alex Spencer and Hiroki
Ide catch sight
of the day’s goal.
Chris Barger fine
tunes his crampon.
Under piercing blue skies, Chris
Barger nears the top of his first
pitch.
Two pics, check. Two crampons, check.
One shady, freezing-cold valley,
check. Two climbers hike out of Eureka.
