How to Use a Tyrollean Traverse in Clear Creek Canyon
Using a Tyrollean
There are two types of tyrolleans in Clear Creek: steel cable and rope. In both situations, it is important to anchor yourself in with a primary and a back-up line. Carabiners are required for the rope tyrolleans and steel pulleys or steel carabiners should be used for the steel cable by Mission Wall. Please use caution when assessing the safety of the tyrolleans, and note that when the rope tyrolleans are wet, they stretch and are
much more strenuous to maneuver across. Here are a few pointers for using the tyrollean
- Clip yourself into BOTH ropes. There should always be two ropes for the tyrolleans in CCC.
- Clip yourself in short. You can use either a PAS or a quickdraw for this. The length of a quickdraw is best because you want your hips to be close to the rope. The lower your hips are form the rope, the harder it is to pull yourself across.
- Use two methods to clip yourself in, a primary and a back-up. You can clip the back-up to the carabiner holding your bag to the rope.
- Don't wear your backpack! Clip your backpack into the rope, this makes it easier to pull yourself across and is less strenuous on your core. By clipping your back-up quickdraw or PAS to the carabiner or quickdraw holding your backpack, you will pull your pack across with you.
- Always inspect the tyrolleans. If the rope is core-shot, then it is time for a replacement. You can report bad tyrolleans to this website.
- For the Mission Wall tyrollean, there are currently steel rap rings that you can use. If those aren't there, it's recommended that you bring steel carabiners.
- Gloves are also a nice touch, especially for the steel cable tyrolleans.
Video on How to Use a Tyrollean coming soon...
Alternative to Using a Tyrollean
Wading the river is a great alternative to using a tyrollean. When wading the creek to get to a wall like New Economy Cliff or even Primo, a pair of waders and a long stick for balance are nice to have. Use extra caution during high water, the water is always much stronger than it looks.