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Ascend frozen waterfalls and icy cliffs in Colorado with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. Whether you’re new to ice climbing or chasing multi-pitch challenges, this full-day trip delivers a thrilling adventure across iconic mountain terrain.
Ascend frozen waterfalls and icy cliffs in Colorado with expert guides from Colorado Climbing Company. Whether you’re new to ice climbing or chasing multi-pitch challenges, this full-day trip delivers a thrilling adventure across iconic mountain terrain.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Colorado Climbing Company · Colorado Springs, Colorado
Stretching from the rugged Front Range foothills to the high San Juan Mountains, Colorado provides some of North America’s most exhilarating ice climbing terrain. The Colorado Climbing Company, based in Colorado Springs, offers full-day guided ice climbing trips tailored for a wide range of skill levels—from beginners making their first swing to seasoned climbers taking on demanding multi-pitch ascents like The Sherman Route. With expert guides holding AMGA certifications, participants receive hands-on instruction in using crampons, ice tools, and advanced rope techniques while ascending frozen waterfalls and icy rock faces.
The climbs take place in diverse locations, including popular frozen cascade formations near Lake City in the San Juans as well as accessible front-range spots suitable for novices. These sites showcase dramatic vertical ice flows shaped by cold mountain winters, formed against granite and metamorphic rock backdrops. The geological variation adds both visual intrigue and technical challenge, with ice quality shifting based on temperature and elevation. This dynamic environment demands respect and skill, which the guides instill through carefully paced lessons and safety protocols.
Colorado’s ice climbing season spans much of the year but peaks when stable cold weather solidifies the waterfalls and ice fields. Climbers can expect crisp mountain air, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, and the unique sensation of moving upward on sheer frozen surfaces.
Colorado Climbing Company stands out for its comprehensive gear package, expert-led instruction, and personalized approach to placing climbers on routes that suit their experience and goals. Their commitment to supporting climbers across all fitness levels and backgrounds, combined with their deep knowledge of Colorado’s ice climbing hotspots, makes them a cornerstone in the regional outdoor adventure scene. Whether aiming for a first climb or a technical summit, their guided trips unlock a rare and visceral mountain experience few places offer with as much expertise and care.
moderate to difficult.
8 hours.
Participants should have good cardiovascular fitness and strength for sustained physical effort and balance on ice.
No prior experience is necessary; guides provide all instruction and safety training suitable for beginners.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks, and personal items. The company provides technical climbing gear.
Ice climbing requires moderate to high fitness levels, including strength, endurance, and balance for sustained climbs.
Participants must be at least 8 years old to join guided climbs with Colorado Climbing Company.
Trips include various sites across the San Juan Mountains and Front Range, selected based on conditions and skill level.
The company supplies all group and individual technical gear including helmets, harnesses, ropes, crampons, and ice tools.
The San Juan range hosts some of Colorado’s earliest mountaineering routes dating back to mining expeditions in the late 19th century.
The guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles and support sustainable use of Colorado’s delicate alpine and subalpine environments.
Colorado Climbing Company runs guided climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing trips and instructional courses across Colorado and in select national parks. The company’s offerings include introductory classes like Introduction to Rock Climbing and Gym to Crag, technical courses such as Learn to Lead Sport Climb Outdoors and Learn to Lead Traditional Climbs, and advanced seminars including Steep Ice and Mixed Technique and Climbing 301 — Climbing Big Things. Trips span diverse Colorado areas and beyond, with options in Rocky Mountain National Park, Silverton, Lake City, Ouray, Denver/Golden, Boulder/Estes Park, Telluride, Gunnison, Grand Junction, and San Juan ranges. Seasonal programming covers ice climbing at venues like Lake City Ice Park and guided backcountry ski and splitboard touring in Silverton and the Alpine Loop near Lake City. Offerings range from half-day guided ice climbs to multi-day alpine ascents and expedition preparation courses. Participants can choose guided experiences or technical instruction tailored to levels from beginner to advanced. Course titles and guided day trips reflect explicit instruction and guided formats, including avalanche and glacier-focused topics such as Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel and Private Custom Avalanche Instructions. Colorado Climbing Company presents a wide catalog of site-specific classic climbs, ski descents, and intensive seminars to support skill development and safe mountain travel.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company