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Ouray Ice Park
The Ouray Ice Park is a breathtaking winter wonderland, renowned as one of the premier ice climbing destinations in the world. Nestled in a stunning canyon just outside of Ouray, Colorado, this unique park features over 200 ice routes, catering to climbers of all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned pros. With its frozen waterfalls and expertly maintained ice formations, the park attracts adventurers looking to test their skills in a picturesque setting. Whether you're scaling the walls or simply enjoying the breathtaking views, the Ouray Ice Park promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.
A few facts to tempt your secret inner ice climber:
First, the Ouray Ice Park is free to use. While guided clinics and lessons are recommended for all beginners, the park itself remains a free playground for everyone who climbs there.
Second, the Ouray Ice Park offers beginning to advanced routes, so climbers of all skill levels can spend a full day learning and perfecting their techniques.
Finally, the Ouray Ice Park is actually located inside Ouray city limits. The park is only a 5-10 minute walk from Main Street, which means that you can enjoy a lesson in the morning, pop into town for a hot lunch, head back in the early afternoon for some fun climbing then end your day in one of our local hot springs to soak away the day’s adventure.
Climbing clinics and lessons are offered for every age and climber throughout the season. Paradox Sports offers adaptive programs, and the Ouray Ice Festival in January offers clinics during the event. If you would like to join the ice park, you can get membership information on their web site. Many local businesses offer discounts to ice park members.
Ice Climbing
From mid-December through mid-March Ouray is full of climbing activity and good cheer, with “Have an Ice Day” greeting you from almost every open merchant and lodger’s window. Ice is copious in the San Juan Mountains but Ouray features something extra-special - the Ouray Ice Park. The Ice Park is home to more than 200 ice and mixed climbs, most within a 15-30 minute walk from downtown Ouray. There are many opportunities to pick up the sport, you can hire an experienced local guide or attend one of the many seasonal clinics that have something for every group from beginner to expert, kid to adult, able-bodied to amputee.
Opportunities don’t just form inside the walls of the Ouray Ice Park, but all around Ouray. If you are an experienced climber, we do have routes that are in the backcountry and some that you can only climb at night! No matter your taste, we have something for a never-before climber to the most experienced.
The Ouray Ice Park is “the best venue in the world to develop ice-climbing skills.”
-Jim Donini
Guides, Lessons, and Rentals
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Basecamp Ouray
Using Basecamp Ouray for ice climbing is an excellent choice for climbers seeking expert guidance and top-notch equipment. With knowledgeable instructors and a variety of guided experiences, Basecamp ensures you have everything you need to safely explore the stunning ice formations of the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding areas, making your climbing adventure both thrilling and memorable.
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Cirque Guides
Cirque Guides are "Your Partner in the Mountains". We are a small guide service owned and exclusively operated by its 3 owners, certified guides who are local residents of the San Juans and have over 60 years of experience combined. Taking pride in individualized instruction and customized mountain and climbing adventures, we are notorious for helping individuals achieve their goals in all things climbing and skiing. Whether you're curious about ice or rock climbing, or you're an experienced mountaineer seeking a challenging adventure, Cirque Guides will carve the best outing possible in Ouray County and beyond.
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Mountain Trip
Mountain Trip provides an unforgettable ice climbing experience in Ouray, Colorado, led by highly skilled guides who are passionate about the sport. With tailored trips designed for climbers of all levels, they take you to the most iconic ice routes in the area, ensuring safety and fun every step of the way. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to tackle more challenging climbs, Mountain Trip offers the expertise and personalized attention to help you achieve your ice climbing goals in the stunning San Juan Mountains.
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Moxie Mountain Guides
Certified IFMGA Mountain Guides, have been climbing 10+ years, and are looking to spread their knowledge and skill to those who may have never climbed before, to those who are looking to improve on skills, or adventure seekers looking to be shown what Ouray has to offer!
Moxie Mountain Guides, strive to elevate those from marginalized communities (Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ communities, and climbers of size) so they can experience adventures such as ice climbing, skiing, ski mountaineering, rock climbing, and alpine climbing.
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San Juan Mountain Guides
San Juan Mountain Guides offers an exceptional ice climbing experience in Ouray, Colorado, with expert instructors dedicated to helping climbers of all skill levels. Their tailored guided tours take you to some of the area's most stunning ice routes, ensuring a safe and exhilarating adventure in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced climber seeking new challenges, San Juan Mountain Guides provides the expertise and support to make your ice climbing dreams a reality.
This Could Be You
Curious about what a half-day of guided ice climbing with San Juan Mountain Guides looks like? Check out our latest video, where we take you through the thrilling experience of scaling frozen waterfalls in the breathtaking Ouray Ice Park. You'll get a glimpse of expert instruction, stunning mountain views, and the camaraderie that makes ice climbing so special. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a complete beginner, this video will inspire you to gear up and tackle your own ice climbing adventure!
All Winter Activities
Ouray, Colorado is a winter paradise offering a wide range of activities for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. From the thrill of ice climbing at the world-renowned Ouray Ice Park to exploring serene trails while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, there's something for everyone. Families can enjoy sledding and skating at the free outdoor rink, while those looking for a more laid-back experience can soak in natural hot springs surrounded by stunning mountain views. Whether you’re hitting the backcountry for skiing, taking an avalanche safety course, or simply strolling through the charming downtown, Ouray offers endless ways to embrace winter’s beauty and excitement.