Dare to ascend icy waterfalls in Colorado's stunning wilderness. This guided half-day tour offers breathtaking scenery and expert instruction for climbers of all levels.
Dare to ascend icy waterfalls in Colorado's stunning wilderness. This guided half-day tour offers breathtaking scenery and expert instruction for climbers of all levels.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Colorado Climbing Company · Lake City, Colorado
Located in the rugged high country of Colorado, Lake City offers a prime setting for ice climbers seeking a winter adrenaline rush. The area is renowned for its towering frozen waterfalls and pristine winter scenery, making it a magnet for climbers of all skill levels. Colorado Climbing Company provides guided half-day adventures that turn icy ascents into unforgettable moments. Whether you're a novice curious to learn the ropes or an experienced climber eager for a challenge, this trip adapts to your skill set. The guides take you to diverse locations, from the icy corridors of the San Juan Mountains to areas along the Front Range that feature stunning, accessible frozen formations. Marmots and mountain goats are common sightings, and the crisp mountain air is invigorating. What makes Lake City stand out is its proximity to iconic Colorado peaks, combined with fewer crowds than other popular spots, offering a more intimate climbing experience. The guides focus on safety and skill development, ensuring participants leave both inspired and educated. This half-day trip is perfect for those wanting a taste of winter mountaineering, with the option to extend into more advanced courses later. You'll learn essential techniques such as ice axe use, crampon walking, and ice screw placements—all against a backdrop of breathtaking glaciers and snow-covered pines. With expert instruction and seamless logistical support, Colorado Climbing Company makes ice climbing accessible and invigorating, even for first-timers. Whether you're visiting Colorado for a winter getaway or a seasoned adventurer chasing a new thrill, this adventure delivers a perfect combo of scenic beauty, technical skill-building, and adrenaline.
moderate.
3–4 hours.
Participants should have good upper body strength and basic outdoor stamina
No prior experience is necessary, as guides tailor the trip to your skill level and provide instruction.
Participants should be at least 12 years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, all technical gear, including harnesses, helmets, and crampons, are provided.
The trip can be rescheduled or canceled for safety; guides will advise accordingly.
Dress in layered, waterproof clothing with insulated gloves and sturdy boots.
It requires upper body strength and good stamina, but guides assist and ensure safety at all times.
Lake City has a rich mining history dating back to the Colorado Silver Boom of the late 1800s, adding a historic backdrop to your icy adventure.
Guides prioritize Leave No Trace principles, ensuring minimal impact on fragile winter ecosystems.
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