Southwest Colorado Ice Climbing
About the climb
It is a very scenic ice climb with a short approach hike from Eureka parking lot. I think even to hike to the base of the climb is worth the effort. The approach goes through a narrow winding canyon. The climb is well protected from wind since it runs inside deep chimney/canyon systems. There are short hiking sections between the ice falls.Eureka is abandoned mining community 9 miles northeast of Silverton, Colorado.
Why Whorehouse Hoses? I heard that there was a brothel near by, therefore this name.
The first pitch is a full 200 foot (68 meter) fun! So, bring a 70 meter rope, and 2nd rope for the descent. There are fixed anchors along the climb, and the anchors are easy to spot (but I heard that higher up the anchors can get buried in a deep snow).
Jack Roberts in his Colorado Ice describes descent to use either two 50 meter or one 60 meter ropes for rappel. This is not true if you are planning to use the fixed anchors. Obviously, you can do it with short ropes if you are planning to make V-threads, or leave a screw behind.
Supposedly, the climb is listed on Guy Lacelle's list of the Top 100 Ice Climbs in the World.
External Links
Whorehouse Hoses on Mountain ProjectApproach
 View from the parking lot |  Approach to Whorehouse Hoses |
 Narrow winding canyon on approach |  More on the approach hike |
 Danika on approach |  Me at the base of the climb |
 1st pitch |  1st pitch is nearly 70 meters (200 ft) long |
 Close up - 1st pitch |  1st pitch - looking down |
 2nd pitch |  2nd pitch looking down |
 Pitch 2 = my first ice lead |  Top section of 2nd pitch |
 Section between pitch 2 and 3 |  2 options on 3rd pitch |
 3rd pitch = the left ice fall |  View from my belay stance at the bottom of 3rd pitch |
 4th pitch |  4th pitch - close up |
 Top of pitch 4 |  Descent on the left and ascent on the right - 3rd pitch |
 Right ice fall on pitch 3 |  Rappel on pitch 2 |
