GregoryFoy
07-14-2010, 05:54 PM
TR: Bear Creek 7/13/2010
ACA Rating: 4C2 III
Our trip time: 7 1/2 hours
Our Hiking distance: About 4.5 miles est
Elevation loss:1600ft est
Elevation gain:1600 ft est
Our equipment: Standard canyoneering gear+ 220ft, 120ft (back-up) ropes, 50 ft webbing 6 quicklinks
Rappels: 6+
Hazards: Very slippery, slick rock, water flow acceptable but punishing, no debris in the pools, tree suspended 2 ft above lip at La Cappella, many swims
USGS TOPO map(s) Ouray and Ironton 7.5 Minute topo
General description:
See Ouray Canyoneering By Michael Dallin
The Trip:
Party of four experienced canyoneers, three of which are member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team. The canyon is beautify but demanding. This canyon is not for beginners. You are committed from the beginning, there are no escape routs. Picking you way down the creek takes time and lots of energy. Most rappels are into full force water landing in a deep pool with a swim. Many rappels are over hung and once you are hanging free in the full force of the falls you get pushed around like a rag doll on a string. There are two snow caves just after the entrance to the creek. Both are easy to walk around. We exited at US550 since the bridge work has not begun.
That said this is a beautiful and rewarding canyon and an excellent day was had by all.
Regards, Greg Foy
ACA Rating: 4C2 III
Our trip time: 7 1/2 hours
Our Hiking distance: About 4.5 miles est
Elevation loss:1600ft est
Elevation gain:1600 ft est
Our equipment: Standard canyoneering gear+ 220ft, 120ft (back-up) ropes, 50 ft webbing 6 quicklinks
Rappels: 6+
Hazards: Very slippery, slick rock, water flow acceptable but punishing, no debris in the pools, tree suspended 2 ft above lip at La Cappella, many swims
USGS TOPO map(s) Ouray and Ironton 7.5 Minute topo
General description:
See Ouray Canyoneering By Michael Dallin
The Trip:
Party of four experienced canyoneers, three of which are member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team. The canyon is beautify but demanding. This canyon is not for beginners. You are committed from the beginning, there are no escape routs. Picking you way down the creek takes time and lots of energy. Most rappels are into full force water landing in a deep pool with a swim. Many rappels are over hung and once you are hanging free in the full force of the falls you get pushed around like a rag doll on a string. There are two snow caves just after the entrance to the creek. Both are easy to walk around. We exited at US550 since the bridge work has not begun.
That said this is a beautiful and rewarding canyon and an excellent day was had by all.
Regards, Greg Foy