Ice climbing is a sport that requires technical skill, physical strength and an inquisitive mind. It’s also incredibly romantic. While you might think ice climbing is limited to mountaineers who strap on crampons and climb up sheer cliffs, it can be enjoyed by anyone with the right equipment (and a partner).
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend time with your significant other, consider one of these 10 stunning spots across the country where you can both enjoy breathtaking scenery while navigating frozen waterfalls:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Always prioritize safety when ice climbing |
| Proper equipment, including crampons and ice axes, is essential |
| Ice climbing requires physical fitness and good technique |
| Going with an experienced guide or taking a course is recommended for beginners |
| Ice climbing can be a thrilling and rewarding adventure when approached with caution and preparation |
Acadia Mountain, Maine
Acadia Mountain is located in Maine, and it’s a great place to ice climb. The mountain has many different routes you can take, so you and your partner can pick the one that best suits your skill level.
Acadia Mountain is open from December through mid-April each year.
Looking for the best ice climbing spots for your upcoming trip? Check out our guide on the best ice climbing spots for solo adventurers in the US and embark on a thrilling adventure that you’ll never forget.
The Lake George Region, New York
The Lake George Region is a glacial lake in northern New York, in the Adirondack Mountains. It’s one of the most popular spots for ice climbers to enjoy a romantic getaway with their partner or friends.
If you’re looking to spend some time on top of a frozen ledge while gazing out at a beautiful view of nature’s beauty, this is definitely an area worth exploring!
The ice climbing season is generally from mid-January to mid-March but there are other times when it can be colder than usual so check with your local guide before planning your trip!
Vail, Colorado
If you’re looking for a beautiful spot in which to ice climb, Vail, Colorado is the place. This town has everything from stunning mountain views and hiking trails to good restaurants and bars. There are also plenty of places to stay when you visit–from hotels right on top of the mountain (if you want that) down through guesthouses and more affordable options like hostels or B&Bs.
Vail offers many different forms of ice climbing: WI3-5 routes along with more challenging ones at WI6+. The area is also home to some great bouldering spots as well as guided tours that take climbers into areas where they can learn more about mountaineering skills such as crevasse rescue techniques.
Did you know that climbing and bouldering can help improve your mental health and mood? Discover how in our article on bouldering for mental health and make climbing a part of your self-care routine.
Adirondack Park, New York
Adirondack Park is a park in upstate New York, and it’s one of the largest protected areas in the United States. The Adirondack Mountains are part of an old mountain range that formed over 300 million years ago.
Over time, glaciers have carved out deep valleys between the peaks of these mountains; these valleys fill with water during spring thaw and become lakes and ponds throughout summertime.
Adirondack Park has some beautiful scenery–it’s home to the largest contiguous tract of undeveloped forestland in America!
There are many ways you can explore this park: hiking trails lead through forests full of wildflowers; kayaking trips take you along narrow waterways surrounded by lush greenery; horseback riding tours give you views from high atop hillsides with clear blue skies overhead…
Ouray Ice Park, Colorado
Ouray Ice Park is a great place to go ice climbing in Colorado. It’s located just outside of Ouray, which means that it’s easy to get to and doesn’t take much time at all. The park is open from mid-December through mid-March, so you’ll have plenty of time with your sweetheart if you plan your trip around this time!
You can spend the day exploring the park by yourself or with your significant other; there are guided tours available if needed as well. If neither of those options sound appealing, it might be best if one of you stayed behind while the other goes out for an afternoon adventure before returning home together later on in the evening (or morning).
Depending on how long each person wants their stay at Ouray Ice Park and what else each plans on doing during their visit here–whether that’s skiing or hiking nearby trails–this spot could become quite expensive after adding up all expenses involved throughout their trip together.”
Experience the beauty of the world’s most stunning rock climbing destinations. Our article on the most beautiful rock climbing destinations on earth will inspire you to plan your next outdoor adventure.
Indian Creek, Utah
Indian Creek is one of the most beautiful and scenic climbing areas in the world. It’s located in southern Utah, right along Highway 95 between Moab and Blanding.
You can climb year-round at Indian Creek and it offers a variety of routes and cliffs that range from 5.8 to 5.13c (5.10a).
The climbing here has been described as “some of the best sport climbing on earth.” Some people even claim it’s better than Hueco! With over 1,000 routes within driving distance from Salt Lake City–including some multi-pitch climbs up to 1,200 feet long–it’s easy for climbers to spend weeks exploring every inch of this amazing place without ever getting bored or running out of new routes to try out on their next trip back home.*
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
Smith Rock State Park is a popular climbing destination in Oregon, with over 500 established routes. In addition to being great for ice climbers, it’s also popular with rock climbers and hikers who enjoy the scenic views of Smith Rock State Park.
The park has many different types of rock in it including volcanic tuff (soft sandstone), basaltic lava flows and granite gneisses that were formed by pressure from deep inside the Earth millions of years ago.
The area around Terrebonne, Oregon was originally home to Native Americans who used this land as hunting grounds until they were forced out by white settlers in 1856 after signing treaties which gave them rights to their lands but not ownership over them–a common theme among Native American tribes during that time period!
If you’re a mountaineering enthusiast looking for your next challenge, check out our guide on the most scenic mountaineering routes in the world and add these breathtaking routes to your bucket list.
Copper Canyon, Mexico
If you’re looking for someplace to go ice climbing with your sweetheart, look no further than Copper Canyon, Mexico. This world-renowned destination is home to over 1000 ice climbs and boasts some of the best conditions in all of North America.
Copper Canyon is a great place for beginners as well as experienced climbers who want to hone their skills on new terrain that isn’t found anywhere else on earth (or even in this hemisphere).
In addition to its stunning natural beauty and breathtaking views from above, Copper Canyon offers an unparalleled opportunity for couples looking for a romantic getaway where they can enjoy each other’s company while exploring an unfamiliar environment together.
Best Tours to Explore Copper Canyon, Mexico
| Tour Company | Tour Name | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventures Mexico | Copper Canyon Train Tour | $2,500 | A 5-day train tour through Copper Canyon, featuring scenic views and visits to local attractions |
| Journey Mexico | Copper Canyon and Baja Peninsula | $7,500 | A 13-day tour that combines a visit to Copper Canyon with a trip to Baja Peninsula, featuring outdoor activities and cultural experiences |
| Wilderness Travel | Copper Canyon Hiking | $4,895 | A 9-day hiking tour that takes travelers deep into the Copper Canyon, with overnight stays in traditional ranches and visits to indigenous Tarahumara communities |
| Villa Montana | Copper Canyon Horseback Riding | $1,250 | A 4-day horseback riding tour that explores the Copper Canyon’s rugged terrain and remote villages |
| Mexico Tours & Travel | Copper Canyon Express | $1,655 | A 7-day tour that combines a train ride through Copper Canyon with visits to colonial cities and cultural attractions |
Hyalite Canyon, Montana
Hyalite Canyon is located in the Gallatin Mountains of Montana, which is a popular destination for ice climbers.
The canyon has a high concentration of ice climbing routes, many of which are between 100 and 200 feet long. Most climbers start out on easy climbs and work their way up from there, or they may choose to tackle more difficult routes with an experienced guide.
Are you new to mountaineering and want to learn more about how to get started? Our article on from novice to pro: a beginner’s guide to mountaineering offers valuable insights and tips on how to begin your mountaineering journey.
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Arkansas
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is a private ranch in Arkansas. You need to book ahead for this trip because it’s not open to the public and there are no public access points.
The ranch has cabins, camping sites, a lodge and many different routes that you can choose from. If you want to try ice climbing but don’t want to drive all the way down there then check out their website for more information on how they can help you plan your next adventure!
Franklin Falls Ice Climbing Park, New Hampshire
Franklin Falls Ice Climbing Park is located in New Hampshire, and it’s the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy some time with your significant other. The park has been around since 1967, so there are plenty of experienced climbers who will be happy to show you the ropes.
The cost for admission varies depending on what type of experience you want—you can pay $17 for an hour-long guided tour or $40 for an all-day pass (which includes transportation).
If neither option appeals to your budget, there are also package deals available at Franklin Falls that include everything from lodging packages with meals included (for as low as $20 per person) plus access to all amenities across town.
Top Guided Climbing Tours at Franklin Falls Ice Climbing Park, New Hampshire
| Tour Company | Tour Name | Duration | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Mountain Climbing School | Franklin Falls Ice Climbing | Full Day | Beginner to Advanced | A full day of guided climbing at Franklin Falls, with equipment provided and expert instruction |
| Northeast Mountaineering | Franklin Falls Ice Climbing | 2 Days | Intermediate to Advanced | A 2-day climbing experience that includes instruction in advanced techniques and overnight accommodation |
| Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School | Beginner Ice Climbing | Half Day | Beginner | An introductory ice climbing lesson at Franklin Falls, including equipment and basic instruction |
| Ragged Mountain Guides | Custom Ice Climbing Tours | Custom | All Levels | Customizable guided tours for climbers of all levels, tailored to each group’s goals and experience |
| Outward Bound | Winter Mountaineering & Ice Climbing Course | 7 Days | Intermediate to Advanced | An intensive 7-day course that includes mountaineering and ice climbing instruction in the White Mountains, with a focus on building outdoor leadership skills |
Mount Hood Meadows, Oregon
Mount Hood Meadows is a great place to ice climb. It’s a great place to go ice climbing, and it’s also one of the best places in America for this activity.
The mountain itself is located just outside Portland, Oregon and features several routes up its main face that are perfect for first-timers and experts alike.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best ice climbing spots in the United States. We know that it can be tough to plan a vacation, but we hope this list will help make things easier for you!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
Red Bull’s guide to the best ice climbing destinations: Discover some of the world’s most breathtaking ice climbing destinations with this guide from Red Bull.
Unified Climbing’s list of the most spectacular ice climbing spots in the USA: Check out this list for some of the best ice climbing spots in the USA.
PR Ranch’s guide to ice climbing in Washington: Learn all about ice climbing in Washington, including the best spots to visit and tips for beginners.
FAQs
What is ice climbing?
Ice climbing is a type of climbing that involves ascending ice formations using specialized equipment like crampons, ice axes, and ice screws.
Why is ice climbing dangerous?
Ice climbing can be dangerous due to the inherent risks involved with climbing on ice, which can be unpredictable and unstable.
What equipment do I need for ice climbing?
You’ll need specialized gear for ice climbing, including crampons, ice axes, a climbing helmet, and warm, waterproof clothing.
Can beginners go ice climbing?
Yes, it’s possible for beginners to try ice climbing. However, it’s recommended to go with an experienced guide or take a course to learn the necessary skills and safety precautions.
What should I know before going ice climbing?
Before going ice climbing, it’s important to be physically fit, have the appropriate gear, and understand the risks involved. It’s also recommended to go with an experienced guide or take a course to learn the necessary skills.
Welcome to my blog! I’m Hellen James, and I’m incredibly passionate about rock climbing, bouldering, ice climbing, and mountaineering. Join me as I embark on thrilling adventures, conquer vertical challenges, and share my experiences and insights with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
