Ice Climbing
From mid-December through mid-March Ouray is full of climbing activity and good cheer, with “Have an Ice Day” greeting you from almost every open merchant and lodger’s window. Ice is copious in the San Juan Mountains but Ouray features something extra-special - the Ouray Ice Park. The Ice Park is home to more than 200 ice and mixed climbs, most within a 15-30 minute walk from downtown Ouray. There are many opportunities to pick up the sport, you can hire an experienced local guide or attend one of the many seasonal clinics that have something for every group from beginner to expert, kid to adult, able-bodied to amputee.
Opportunities don’t just form inside the walls of the Ouray Ice Park, but all around Ouray. If you are an experienced climber, we do have routes that are in the backcountry and some that you can only climb at night! No matter your taste, we have something for a never-before climber to the most experienced.
The Ouray Ice Park is “the best venue in the world to develop ice-climbing skills.”
-Jim Donini
@amazing.amy.k
Get a guide
San Juan Mountain Guides
Basecamp ouray
Mountain Trip
Get The Picture
Watch this short video on a glimpse of what a half-day of guided ice climbing is.
1/2 Day Ice Climbing Trip
Watch the 2022 Ouray Ice Fest!
Watch the 2021 Ouray Ice Fest!
A few facts to tempt your secret inner ice climber:
First, the Ouray Ice Park is free to use. While guided clinics and lessons are recommended for all beginners, the park itself remains a free playground for everyone who climbs there.
Second, the Ouray Ice Park offers beginning to advanced routes, so climbers of all skill levels can spend a full day learning and perfecting their techniques.
Finally, the Ouray Ice Park is actually located inside Ouray city limits. The park is only a 5-10 minute walk from Main Street, which means that you can enjoy a lesson in the morning, pop into town for a hot lunch, head back in the early afternoon for some fun climbing then end your day in one of our local hot springs to soak away the day’s adventure.
Climbing clinics and lessons are offered for every age and climber throughout the season. Paradox Sports offers adaptive programs, and the Ouray Ice Festival in January offers clinics during the event. If you would like to join the ice park, you can get membership information on their web site. Many local businesses offer discounts to ice park members.
