Scale frozen waterfalls with expert guides in Colorado’s most legendary ice climbing destinations. From beginner basics to advanced multi-pitch routes, Colorado Climbing Company crafts every ascent.
Scale frozen waterfalls with expert guides in Colorado’s most legendary ice climbing destinations. From beginner basics to advanced multi-pitch routes, Colorado Climbing Company crafts every ascent.
Book with Colorado Climbing Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Colorado Climbing Company · Colorado Springs, Colorado
Ice climbing in Colorado is a rare combination of raw challenge and breathtaking landscape, and the Colorado Climbing Company situates you right in the heart of it. Based out of Colorado Springs, this guiding outfit brings climbers of all skill levels to iconic frozen waterfalls stretching from the rugged San Juan Mountains near Lake City to the accessible cliffs of the Front Range. The experience ranges from beginner-friendly introductions—learning to wield crampons and ice tools—to advanced multi-pitch ascents like The Sherman Route, a classic mixed climb demanding stamina and precision.
The San Juans are a geological marvel of ancient volcanic and sedimentary rock formations, creating unique conditions for ice build-up each winter. The ice itself can range from glassy, clear columns to thick, textured curtains, demanding different techniques and gear adjustments. Climbing here doesn’t just test physical limits—it’s a study in reading the ice and adapting quickly to ever-changing conditions.
Closer to Colorado Springs, the Front Range offers a more accessible playground where frozen cascades form reliable, varied routes. These spots are perfect for those looking to improve skills or try out ice climbing without deep backcountry commitment. Guided by AMGA-certified professionals, every day on the ice prioritizes safety and progression, cultivating new climbers and challenging veterans alike.
Colorado Climbing Company’s personalized approach stands out in a crowded market by tailoring each trip to the climber’s goals and experience. Their service spans the state, ensuring you get dialed in with the perfect route, gear, and guidance. Whether descending at day’s end feeling humbled by the mountain or exhilarated from a hard-earned summit, clients leave with something rarely found elsewhere: a true connection to Colorado’s winter wilderness harsh and beautiful in equal measure.
challenging.
8 hours.
Participants should be in good physical condition with endurance for sustained climbing and hiking on uneven terrain.
No prior experience is needed; guides provide comprehensive instruction tailored to all skill levels.
Climbers aged 8 and up can join, with age-appropriate gear and supervision.
Yes, Colorado Climbing Company supplies all technical gear including ropes, harnesses, helmets, crampons, and ice tools.
Climbs occur throughout Colorado with popular locations in the San Juan Mountains and the Front Range near Colorado Springs.
The full-day climbs require good fitness and stamina for sustained effort on technical terrain.
Guides monitor conditions closely and will reschedule or relocate climbs to maintain safety.
The San Juan Mountains have hosted ice climbers since the 1960s, evolving into a world-class destination with pioneer routes like The Sherman Route established decades ago.
Colorado Climbing Company emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile alpine ecosystems and minimize impact on winter habitats.
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