Ice climbing is one of the most exhilarating and unique forms of winter adventure. Climbers are able to scale frozen waterfalls, frozen lakes, and even mountainsides with just their ice axes and crampons.
If you’re looking for a new spot to try out your skills, check out these unique ice climbing locations across the US:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Ice climbing is a thrilling winter sport that offers a unique challenge. |
| There are many different destinations throughout the USA that offer excellent ice climbing opportunities. |
| Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there are plenty of ice climbing spots that will suit your skill level. |
| Proper gear and precautions are essential when ice climbing to ensure your safety. |
| If you’re new to ice climbing, it’s a good idea to start with a guide or experienced partner. |
Mt. Evans, Colorado
Mt. Evans is a popular destination for climbers and mountaineers alike. It’s the highest paved road in North America, but there are many different routes you can take to get to the top.
The East Ridge Route is one of the most popular climbing spots, especially during the summer months when you can summit in just under an hour.
If you want something slightly more challenging, try taking on the West Face or North Face routes they’re much longer (and colder) but offer beautiful views of both Glenwood Springs and Denver below.
To reach Mt Evans from Denver International Airport: Take I-70 west to Exit 210/Evergreen Parkway toward Golden/Boulder (follow signs toward Evergreen). Turn right onto Highway 74/Evergreen Parkway; continue onto CO Highway 5 north toward Jefferson County Park Road (about 3 miles).
Turn left onto CO Highway 5 south/Jefferson County Road 73; continue onto CO Highway 7 south through Golden Gate Canyon State Park until reaching Mt Evans Road on your right about 18 miles into Golden Gate Canyon State Park (total trip time is about 2 hours depending upon traffic conditions).
Looking for ice climbing destinations that aren’t overrun with crowds? Take a look at our list of the most remote ice climbing spots in the USA – these hidden gems offer the perfect opportunity to escape into nature and experience true serenity.
Lake Willoughby, Vermont
Lake Willoughby is a glacially formed lake in the Green Mountains of Vermont. The lake is a popular destination for ice climbing, and is considered to be one of the best ice climbing destinations in the world.
The steep walls, jagged ridges, and plunging drop-offs make this stretch of ice an exciting place to climb on a warm day when it’s hard to think about being cold.
This unique spot offers something for everyone beginning climbers can enjoy easy climbs on vertical walls while more advanced climbers will find plenty of challenging options to keep them busy all day!
Top Ice Climbing Spot: Lake Willoughby, Vermont
| Properties | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Vermont |
| Nearest City | Burke |
| Ice Difficulty | Moderate to Expert |
| Climbing Season | December to March |
| Nearby Accommodations | The Wildflower Inn, Willoughvale Inn and Cottages, etc. |
| Recommended Gear | Black Diamond Reactor Ice Tool, La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX, Petzl Adjama Climbing Harness, etc. |
| Guided Tours | Consider Vertical Adventure Guides or Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School |
| Notable Features | Stunning views of Vermont’s largest deep-water lake, gorgeously shaped ice flows, opportunities for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and more. |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of Lake Willoughby in Vermont as a prime destination for ice climbers. It includes key details such as location, nearby accommodations, recommended gear, and notable features. Additionally, it offers suggestions for guided tours and highlights the stunning natural beauty of this spot.
Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
Alaska is one of the best places in the country to see unique ice climbing. One of the best spots is called Gates of the Arctic National Park. It’s located in Alaska and has some amazing sights to see!
Ready to experience some breathtaking scenery while ice climbing? Our photographic journey explores some of the most stunning ice climbing locations in the USA, with photos that are sure to take your breath away.
Ouray Ice Park, Colorado
Ouray is a small town in the San Juan Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Silverton. The Ouray Ice Park features over 400 routes and varying degrees of difficulty from beginner to expert and can be a great place for beginners to try their hand at ice climbing.
The area gets its name from nearby Mount Sneffels and has some great mountain views, if you’re into that kind of thing!
Western Quarry, Illinois
The Western Quarry is located in Rock Falls, Illinois. It is a great destination for both new and experienced climbers since the routes are easy to moderate and the elevation is only 1,000 feet.
The climbing season runs from December through March, so make sure you check conditions before heading out!
This spot also offers great views of the surrounding landscape as well as access to hiking trails that lead to an old limestone mine.
Are you in search of an adrenaline rush? If so, you won’t want to miss our guide to the most adventurous ice climbing spots in the USA. From steep ice walls to challenging ascents, these spots are perfect for thrill-seekers.
Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, Colorado
There’s no doubt that Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Telluride. The waterfall is a three-tiered cascade on the Bridal Veil Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, located in the Telluride region of San Miguel County, Colorado.
It’s surrounded by lush green grass and trees along with shrubbery that can grow up to nearly 20 feet tall.
Bridal Veil Falls will be open daily from 9am – 5pm until October 31st so you have plenty of time to visit this beautiful place!
Ice Climbing Destination: Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, Colorado
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Telluride, Colorado |
| Height | Over 350 feet |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to expert |
| Access | 20-minute hike up the canyon |
| Gear rental | Available from local outfitters |
| Best time to climb | December to April |
This table provides essential details about Bridal Veil Falls as an ice climbing destination, including location, height, difficulty level, access, gear rental, and the best time to climb.
Note: I did not use any brand name in the table as there were no specific brand names mentioned in the semantic.
Lake Superior’s North Shore (Apostle Islands)
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world, and also one of the most beautiful. The Apostle Islands are a group of 22 islands that make up one of Lake Superior’s most popular destinations for ice climbing.
The islands are located about 20 miles off shore from Bayfield, Wisconsin and include some of the best ice climbing spots in America.
The best part about this area is its remote nature; there are no roads connecting these islands to land, so access is only possible by boat or plane during winter months when freezing temperatures freeze water on land (and allow safe movement across frozen lakes).
Looking for unique ice climbing spots that will offer a truly memorable experience? Our guide to the most underrated ice climbing spots in the USA has got you covered. These hidden gems are often overlooked but offer some of the most rewarding climbs.
Smuggler’s Notch Ice Climbing Park, Vermont
The Smuggler’s Notch State Park is one of the most popular ice climbing spots in the US. Located in Vermont, this park is located along a mountain pass that leads to Canada and has been used as a smuggling route since colonial times.
The park’s ice climbs were first developed by local climbers in the late 1950s, but they weren’t officially recognized until they were included on an Ice Climbing Guidebook published by Mountaineer Press in 1981.
Today, you’ll find over 50 different routes that range from easy beginner climbs to advanced challenges for experienced climbers (there are some routes here that have names like “The Black Hole” and “The Minotaur”).
Most of these routes are within 20 minutes’ drive from Stowe ski resort where there are plenty of hotels and restaurants if you want to stay overnight or grab lunch between climbs.
You can visit the Smuggler’s Notch State Park during winter months when it’s open daily from around 9am-4pm depending on weather conditions; however, keep in mind that this park may close due to avalanche danger so check their website before heading out there!
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Colorado is known for its snow and ice climbing, but the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is different than most areas in that it offers an experience you can’t find anywhere else.
The park has over 2,000 square miles of rugged terrain, so there’s plenty of climbing options for anyone who wants to test their skills and endurance.
There are a few different ways to enjoy ice climbing at this location:
Ice Cascades Trail: If you’re looking for a shorter hike with some great views along the way, then this is your spot! You won’t have much time on the ice itself (just about 15 minutes), but it’s still worth checking out if you’re visiting from out-of-town or just want something fun to do while exploring Colorado’s nature scene.
Gunnison Gorge Trailhead: This trailhead will take you closer than any other place in Black Canyon National Park when it comes to experiencing unique ice formations as well as exploring them firsthand! It can be difficult though; check out our advice before heading out there today!
For ice climbers looking for a must-visit list of spots, our guide to the most spectacular ice climbing spots in the USA is a great place to start. From frozen waterfalls to towering ice formations, these spots are truly awe-inspiring.
Sandstone Ice Park in Sandstone, Minnesota
Sandstone Ice Park is a great place to ice climb. It is located in Sandstone, Minnesota. The park has a vertical drop of 80 feet and is open from mid-January through the end of February.
This unique feature offers a variety of routes for all skill levels and ages and will be sure to impress even the most experienced climbers!
Mount Washington, New Hampshire
The ice climbs at Mount Washington are located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The mountain’s elevation is 6,288 feet, which means that it’s a popular destination for hikers and climbers alike.
For ice climbers, there are over 200 routes to choose from that range in difficulty from WI2 (beginner) to WI7 (advanced). You’ll have your pick of plenty of places to eat after you’re done climbing!
Mount Washington is also home to Tuckerman Ravine, one of the most famous alpine ski runs in New England.
Franklin, Pennsylvania
Franklin, Pennsylvania is a small town in the middle of nowhere. It’s not near any major cities and it’s not on any tourist itinerary, but if you’re looking for ice climbing and bouldering or just want to try something new, you should consider heading east.
The area around Franklin has some of the best ice climbing in the country. Because it’s so far from everything else and because there aren’t many other options nearby if your climb doesn’t go well, it can be harder to find a partner for an expedition or even just someone with whom to talk about your experiences.
But if you’re up for an adventure and want something different from what most people are doing this winter season, Franklin may be worth checking out!
Conclusion
With so many unique places to ice climb in the US, there’s no excuse not to get out there and experience something new.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging climb in the mountains or just want some fun exercise, ice climbing has something for everyone.
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.
