Quick Info
Season: Mid-December through March. Routes: 200+ ice and mixed climbs. Skill levels: Beginner to expert. Cost: Free to climb (donations encouraged). Gear: Rentals and guides available in town.
The Ouray Ice Park is the world's first public ice climbing park, transforming the Uncompahgre Gorge into a vertical ice playground. Since 1995, a system of pipes and sprayers has created hundreds of climbable ice formations along the canyon walls. What started as a local experiment is now an international destination.
The park offers everything from gentle beginner slopes to overhanging expert routes. Vertical ice pillars, frozen waterfalls, and mixed rock-and-ice climbs line a mile of the gorge. Access is free, making this one of the most accessible ice climbing venues in the world.
Climbing Overview
Routes: Over 200 named routes across multiple sectors. Difficulty ranges from WI2 (beginner-friendly) to WI6 and mixed M8. Something for every skill level.
Sectors: The park is divided into numbered areas along the gorge. Lower areas tend to be more accessible; upper areas require more approach hiking. Each sector offers different route characteristics.
Conditions: Man-made ice farming creates more consistent conditions than natural ice. Park staff actively monitor and maintain formations. Morning ice is typically harder; afternoon sun can soften routes.
For Beginners
Ouray is arguably the best place in North America to learn ice climbing. Several guide services offer introductory courses for complete beginners.
Intro clinics: Half-day and full-day courses cover basic technique, safety, and gear. No experience necessary. Most people can climb routes on their first day.
Rental gear: Ice tools, crampons, helmets, and boots available from local shops. Everything you need can be rented for reasonable prices.
Best approach: Book a guided clinic for your first time. Learning proper technique and safety from professionals is worth the investment.
Ouray Ice Festival
The annual Ice Festival (typically mid-January) is the biggest event in ice climbing. Thousands of climbers descend on Ouray for competitions, demonstrations, clinics, gear expos, and parties.
Events: Pro climbing competitions. Free beginner clinics. Gear demos from major manufacturers. Evening parties and film screenings.
Plan ahead: Hotels book months in advance. Register early for clinics. The town is at capacity—book everything as soon as dates are announced.
Tips
Arrive early. Popular routes get crowded, especially on weekends. Early morning offers the best ice conditions and fewer climbers.
Layer up. The gorge can be frigid in the shade but warm in direct sun. Dress in layers you can adjust as conditions change.
Finish with hot springs. After a day of climbing frozen water, soak in the hot springs. This is the quintessential Ouray experience.
Respect other climbers. The park is free and popular. Efficient rotation and courtesy keep the experience positive for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to ice climb?
No. Guided clinics take complete beginners up routes on their first day. The park has gentle slopes specifically for learning.
Is the Ice Park really free?
Yes. Donations are encouraged and fund park operations. Gear rentals and guides are separate costs.
When is the best time to climb?
Mid-January through February typically has the best conditions. December can be too warm; March ice starts deteriorating.
Can I just watch?
Absolutely. Walking through the park to watch climbers is free and impressive. Great photography opportunities.
How do I get gear?
Several shops in downtown Ouray rent ice climbing equipment. Full setups available. Book ahead during busy weekends and Ice Festival.