Conquer Utah’s icy cliffs with expert guides on a multi-pitch ice climbing trip in Little Cottonwood and Maple Canyon. An adventure blending technical skill and breathtaking winter scenery awaits.
Conquer Utah’s icy cliffs with expert guides on a multi-pitch ice climbing trip in Little Cottonwood and Maple Canyon. An adventure blending technical skill and breathtaking winter scenery awaits.
Red River Adventures offers an exhilarating multi-pitch ice climbing experience in some of Utah's most striking winter landscapes, including Little Cottonwood and Maple Canyon. Situated within the Wasatch Range, these cliffs boast shimmering ice formations and towering routes that challenge climbers of all levels. The guided trips, designed for beginners through advanced climbers, focus on safety, technique, and the thrill of climbing on vertical frozen waterfalls and icy rock faces that reach up to 600 feet. The guides are seasoned professionals who handle the logistics, gear, and safety protocols, allowing participants to concentrate solely on the ascent.
What sets Red River Adventures apart is their commitment to making ice climbing accessible and enjoyable, regardless of prior experience. Suitable for teens aged 12 and up, each 8-hour adventure includes personalized instruction, equipment such as crampons and ice axes, and a trek through Utah’s snow-dusted wilderness. The locations—they're known for their stunning formations—offer climbers the chance to encounter pristine ice structures, intricate ice pillars, and crystal-clear freeze-thaw patterns that create a truly otherworldly atmosphere.
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The region’s unique mix of geological features, including granite cliffs and alpine ice, makes it one of Utah’s premier winter adventure spots. Beyond the physical challenge, guests gain insight into mountaineering techniques and the cultural history of Utah’s ice-climbing community. Perfect for thrill-seekers, photographers, or aspiring alpinists, this experience combines natural beauty with technical skill in a safe, guided environment. Red River Adventures has earned a reputation as a leading guide service, bringing adventure, expertise, and a sense of achievement to Utah’s icy peaks.
Whether you're chasing adrenaline or seeking a winter fitness challenge, this guided ice climbing outing offers a rewarding, unforgettable adventure in one of the state’s most iconic outdoor playgrounds.
Moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with outdoor activity.
No prior experience is required; guides provide comprehensive instruction and support.
Yes, all necessary gear such as crampons, ice axes, and helmets are provided.
Participants should be at least 12 years old to join the trip.
Dress in moisture-wicking, insulated layers, and bring warm gloves and hat.
Difficulty varies based on the route chosen, but guides tailor the experience to your skill level.
Absolutely, with professional guide support, beginners can safely enjoy the climb.
Little Cottonwood Canyon has been a popular rock and ice climbing destination since the 1950s, growing into Utah’s iconic winter sports hub.
Red River Adventures actively promotes Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the preservation of Utah's pristine winter landscapes.
Red River Adventures is a Moab, Utah–based outfitter featured on The Adventure Collective that specializes in guided canyoneering, rock climbing, rafting, and instructional courses. The company leads distinct Moab canyoneering trips such as Morning Glory (Ephedra’s Grotto), a roughly 3-mile route with guided rappels of about 90 feet into a sandstone chamber and 120 feet near Morning Glory Arch, and Chamisa Canyon (Entrajo Canyon), a water-carved slot canyon of roughly 2.5 miles with wading, scrambling, optional rappels, and summer swimming. Guided rock climbing offerings include private one-day guided rock climbing with AMGA-certified instructors, multi-pitch climbing instruction, classic introductory and advanced tours, Crack Camp programs, and iconic climbs such as Castleton Tower and Indian Creek. Instructional and professional development courses listed include AMGA SPI exam and course offerings, AIARE avalanche courses, avalanche rescue, and backcountry mentorship. Red River Adventures also lists ice climbing programs (half-day to multi-pitch and full-day), backcountry ski and heli-ski options, international trips such as Ski Hokkaido and Ski - Chamonix, and river options including Moab half-day rafting and a full-day Fisher Towers rafting trip. All trip descriptions indicate guided experiences and technical elements appropriate to the route. Prospective participants should review specific trip summaries for distance, technical difficulty, and equipment requirements. Trip choices cover day trips, full-day guided adventures, multi-day instruction, certification exams, and specialty international offerings. Several canyoneering and climbing routes are described as guided by experts, and trip pages list mileage, rappel heights, technical grades, and water exposure where applicable for accurate trip planning. Online.
Red River Adventures offers an exhilarating multi-pitch ice climbing experience in some of Utah's most striking winter landscapes, including Little Cottonwood and Maple Canyon. Situated within the Wasatch Range, these cliffs boast shimmering ice formations and towering routes that challenge climbers of all levels. The guided trips, designed for beginners through advanced climbers, focus on safety, technique, and the thrill of climbing on vertical frozen waterfalls and icy rock faces that reach up to 600 feet. The guides are seasoned professionals who handle the logistics, gear, and safety protocols, allowing participants to concentrate solely on the ascent.
What sets Red River Adventures apart is their commitment to making ice climbing accessible and enjoyable, regardless of prior experience. Suitable for teens aged 12 and up, each 8-hour adventure includes personalized instruction, equipment such as crampons and ice axes, and a trek through Utah’s snow-dusted wilderness. The locations—they're known for their stunning formations—offer climbers the chance to encounter pristine ice structures, intricate ice pillars, and crystal-clear freeze-thaw patterns that create a truly otherworldly atmosphere.
The region’s unique mix of geological features, including granite cliffs and alpine ice, makes it one of Utah’s premier winter adventure spots. Beyond the physical challenge, guests gain insight into mountaineering techniques and the cultural history of Utah’s ice-climbing community. Perfect for thrill-seekers, photographers, or aspiring alpinists, this experience combines natural beauty with technical skill in a safe, guided environment. Red River Adventures has earned a reputation as a leading guide service, bringing adventure, expertise, and a sense of achievement to Utah’s icy peaks.
Whether you're chasing adrenaline or seeking a winter fitness challenge, this guided ice climbing outing offers a rewarding, unforgettable adventure in one of the state’s most iconic outdoor playgrounds.