Ice climbing is a rare opportunity, and the United States has some of the best ice climbing in the world. If you love adventure, this is one of those things that should be on your bucket list.
Whether you’re looking for an easy day out or something more difficult, these 15 locations will give you an exhilarating experience!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Best ice climbing destinations in the USA |
| Top 15 ice climbing spots to visit |
| Beginner-friendly ice climbing locations |
| Most dangerous ice climbing routes in America |
| Unique and unusual ice climbing spots |
| Comprehensive guide to ice climbing in the USA |
| Insider’s guide to epic ice climbing adventures in the USA |
| Must-have equipment for ice climbing |
| Tips for staying safe while ice climbing |
| Benefits of building a support system while grieving |
Ouray Ice Park, Colorado
Ouray Ice Park is a world class ice climbing destination located in Ouray, Colorado. In fact, it was established in 1978 and has since grown to over 50 routes ranging from easy to difficult during winter months when the weather permits it.
The park offers an all-around great experience for both first time and experienced climbers alike whether you’re looking to learn the basics of climbing techniques or just need some fresh air on your way out of town!
If you’re planning a trip to Ouray anytime soon (or even if you’re still deciding), check out this list of things not to miss while exploring this amazing place!
Are you new to ice climbing and looking for the best spot to start? We’ve got you covered! Our guide on ice climbing for beginners features some of the safest and most beginner-friendly locations in the US. Check it out if you want to make your first ice climbing experience a success.
Hyalite Canyon, Montana
If you’re looking for a great place to go ice climbing in the United States, Hyalite Canyon is a great choice.
Located in Gallatin National Forest, this road is closed during the winter, so you’ll need to get there by skiing or snowshoeing if you want to climb there. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow with routes available for all skill levels.
Best Ice Climbing Spots in the USA
| Rank | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ouray Ice Park, Colorado | Home to over 200 ice and mixed climbs for all skill levels, with well-maintained routes that are suitable for beginners. |
| 2 | Hyalite Canyon, Montana | An ideal spot for both beginner and advanced ice climbers, offering everything from easy top-ropes to challenging multi-pitch climbs. |
| 3 | Riggins, Idaho | Known for its unique “frozen waterfalls,” Riggins offers a thrilling ice climbing experience for adventurous climbers. |
| 4 | Adirondacks, New York | One of the top ice climbing destinations in the US, the Adirondacks offer a variety of ice climbs, from short day trips to multi-day expeditions. |
| 5 | Lee Vining Canyon, California | Popular for its accessible ice climbs and stunning views of Mono Lake, Lee Vining Canyon is a winter favorite among West Coast climbers. |
Vail, Colorado
Vail is a resort town in Eagle County, Colorado, United States. The population was 4,405 at the 2010 census. The town of Vail is the home of Vail Ski Resort and Vail Associates.
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this ski town offers some of the most spectacular views you could ever imagine. This is also where you’ll find one of USA’s best ice climbing destinations!
The ice climbing area at Blue Sky Basin features more than 100 routes ranging from WI2 to WI5+.
If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a challenge, you have to check out our list of the most dangerous ice climbing routes in America. From steep inclines to unpredictable weather, these routes will test your limits and push you to the edge.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman, Montana is a great place to go ice climbing. Bozeman has a huge variety of routes, ranging from easy beginner climbs to more advanced and technical ones.
The town itself is very accessible year-round, so you can head there whenever you want! If you’re in need of some guidance or instruction on how to climb safely and confidently before heading out into the field, there are plenty of local guides and instructors who can help you out.
Devil’s Tower, Wyoming
Devil’s Tower is a monolithic igneous intrusion or volcanic neck located in the Black Hills in northeastern Wyoming. It is the remnant of an extinct volcano that has intruded into Cambrian-age sedimentary rocks.
The rock formation was created by a relatively small magma chamber at depth, which erupted approximately 50 to 60 million years ago. The tower itself is composed of phonolite porphyry and gabbroic dikes and sills that were fed by this chamber.
Devil’s Tower is one of the world’s largest freestanding natural pillars. The peak rises 4,087 feet (1,248 metres) above sea level, but similar heights are achieved by other formations nearby. The topographic isolation of Devils Tower equals or exceeds all but six continental United States peaks.
Looking for a comprehensive guide to ice climbing in the USA? Look no further! Our ultimate guide covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques, along with tips and recommendations for must-visit spots. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find valuable information in this guide.
Lake Willoughby, Vermont
Lake Willoughby is a popular ice climbing destination located in Vermont. The lake is surrounded by mountains and the crystal blue water that you see in the photos here is frozen from December to April.
There are many different climbing areas, including some that are accessible by snowshoeing or hiking, depending on conditions.
When I was there last winter, we climbed at the Ice Park right near town where we could rent gear and watch other climbers do their thing while we prepared ourselves for our turns on the ice.
If you’re new to ice climbing this would be a great place to practice because there are many different routes ranging from beginner level (5-10 feet) all the way up through expert levels of difficulty (30 feet).
Best Ice Climbing Destinations in the Northeastern United States
| Rank | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Willoughby, Vermont | Known for its top-quality ice and stunning natural beauty, Lake Willoughby is a must-visit destination for ice climbers in the Northeast. |
| 2 | Franconia Notch, New Hampshire | Home to some of the most challenging and technical ice climbs in the country, Franconia Notch is a favorite among experienced climbers. |
| 3 | Catskills, New York | With a variety of ice climbing opportunities, from beginner-friendly climbs to challenging multi-pitch routes, the Catskills are a great spot for ice climbers of all levels. |
| 4 | The Gunks, New York | Though primarily known for rock climbing, the Gunks also offers excellent ice climbing opportunities in the winter months. |
| 5 | Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont | A stunningly scenic area with a range of ice-climbing routes, Smugglers’ Notch is a popular destination both for climbing and tourism. |
Frankenstein Cliff, New Hampshire
Frankenstein Cliff is a popular ice climbing destination located in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. The park has a large number of ice climbs and is easily accessible from the White Mountains.
The cliffs are accessible from the parking lot of the Flume Gorge, which is easy to find if you’re already visiting the Flume Gorge (it’s right off Route 93). If you’re traveling through this area as part of your vacation through New England, Frankenstein Cliff makes for an excellent day trip or addition to your itinerary.
If you’re an experienced ice climber in search of new adventures, you need to check out our insider’s guide to the most epic ice climbing spots in the USA. From hidden gems to remote locations, this guide will take you on a journey that you’ll never forget. Explore the unique ice climbing spots and discover new challenges.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a national park located in the state of Maine, United States. It was established on July 8, 1916 and covers an area of 54000 acres (21000 hectares).
It’s the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. It includes both land and water, as well as a marine sanctuary known as Isle au Haut.
The main feature of this park is Mount Desert Island which has peaks that rise up to 1520 meters above sea level. The park also has many ponds and lakes such as Echo Lake, Sargent Pond and Jordan Pond among others.
Mount Washington Valley Ice Festival, New Hampshire
The Mount Washington Valley Ice Festival is one of the best ice climbing destinations in North America.
Located just outside of Concord, New Hampshire, the festival takes place each February and is known for its many activities including guided climbs and clinics taught by expert guides.
The festival also features a slide show where they show pictures taken by people who have visited their favorite spots across the world.
If you are looking to get into ice climbing this would be an excellent place to start especially if it’s your first time trying it out because all instructors are certified through Amerikski Institut za Planinske Igre (AIPI), which means that they know what they’re doing when it comes to teaching beginners how to climb safely and effectively!
In addition to climbing lessons, there are plenty other fun things going on such as: free slide shows about different places around America
Vendors selling food items like sandwiches along with hot chocolate so whether you want something simple like chips & salsa or something more complex like coq au vin (chicken in red wine sauce), then this event has something for everyone!
There’s even live music provided by local bands who play acoustic instruments like guitars during breaks between classes so make sure not miss out on anything else happening at this year’s Ice Festival.”
Ice climbing is a unique and thrilling experience, and if you’re looking for something truly different, our guide to the most unique ice climbing spots in the USA is a must-read. These spots offer a one-of-a-kind adventure that you won’t find anywhere else. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring!
Cannon Cliff, New Hampshire
Cannon Cliff is located in Franconia Notch State Park, just outside the village of Lincoln, New Hampshire.
The cliff is easily accessed from the parking lot at the top of the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.
The views are stunning and include nearby Mount Lafayette (5,260 feet), as well as other peaks such as Mt Flume, Mt Liberty and many other high peaks throughout Franconia Notch State Park.
Cannon Cliff has a number of different routes to choose from depending on your skill level or preference for adventure – ranging from beginner to advanced routes with overhangs that are difficult even for experienced climbers!
Silverton Mountain Guides Ice Climbing Program, Colorado
Silverton Mountain Guides Ice Climbing Program is located in Silverton, Colorado. This program is the only ice climbing school in the world that teaches ice climbing on a glacier.
During this weeklong course you will learn everything from how to use your tools for movement and self arrest to how to communicate with your partners so that everyone stays safe and has an amazing experience!
Echo Canyon Ice Climbing Park – Nebraska City, Nebraska
The Echo Canyon Ice Climbing Park is one of the best places to ice climb in the US. It’s located in Nebraska City, Nebraska and offers a variety of routes for both beginners and experienced climbers.
The park offers over 40 different routes that are spread out over 5 acres and are all within 2 miles from town.
Conclusion
We hope this list has given you some ideas on where to head next if you’re an ice climber. If not, feel free to leave us a comment on any other great US destinations we might have missed off!
Further reading
If you’re interested in learning more about ice climbing and mountaineering destinations in the United States, here are some additional resources to check out:
Osprey’s 5 best ice climbing routes features some of the most iconic ice climbs in the country, including the Ouray Ice Park and Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite National Park.
Red Bull has compiled a list of the best ice climbing destinations, which includes spots in Alaska, Colorado, and Wyoming, as well as international locations like Canada and Switzerland.
If you’re looking for more general mountaineering destinations, ExpedReview’s top 10 list includes classics like Mount Rainier and Grand Teton, as well as lesser-known spots like Mount Shasta and the Wind River Range.
FAQs
What is ice climbing?
Ice climbing is a discipline of climbing that involves ascending frozen waterfalls, cliffs, and ice-covered rock formations using specialized equipment, such as ice axes, crampons, and ropes.
Where can I go ice climbing in the United States?
There are many ice climbing destinations across the United States, including popular spots like Ouray Ice Park in Colorado and the ice-covered waterfalls in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
What equipment do I need for ice climbing?
Ice climbing requires specialized equipment, including ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and ropes. Most climbers also wear helmets and protective eyewear to guard against falling ice.
Is ice climbing dangerous?
Like all climbing activities, ice climbing carries inherent risks. Hazards include falling ice, avalanches, and hypothermia, among others. It’s important to have proper equipment, training, and experience before attempting any ice climb.
Can beginners try ice climbing?
Yes, but it’s important to start with an experienced guide or mentor and to take a comprehensive intro to ice climbing course before heading out on your own. Also, make sure to start with climbs that are appropriate for beginners and work your way up to more challenging routes.
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.