Recently, more and more trad climbers and outdoor adventurers have been turning to Colorado’s icy cliffs and cascades for their share of high-altitude thrills. While not for the faint of heart, ice climbing up magnificent vertical walls of frozen water is a surreal and thrilling experience, as well as an excellent way to explore the Front Range’s snowy wilderness. Only minutes outside of Denver, areas like Clear Creek Canyon abound with fantastic frozen flows, magnificent ice-covered rock slabs, narrow mountain couloirs filled with ice, and plenty of routes for both newcomers and seasoned ice aficionados alike. Test your endurance, learn new skills, and conquer the white crystal walls towering over you with the help of an expert guide. Once you reach the top, the majestic views of Colorado’s Rockies are guaranteed to hook you in and leave you wanting more!
Experience the thrill of climbing a frozen waterfall
Upgrade your skills on Colorado’s varied and engaging routes
Learn ice climbing fundamentals in Denver’s beautiful backcountry
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Denver, Colorado, please refer to Colorado’s COVID-19 travel guidelines.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up an ice wall using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
No prior experience is necessary. If you’ve never donned a harness, your experienced instructor will teach you the fundamentals of ice climbing and help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.
All technical ice climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
Ice climbing boots can be rented from your guide for a fee of $20 USD.
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Ice climbing in Denver can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has ice climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the climbs near Denver, CO, most people fly into Denver International Airport half an hour away. From there, you can rent a car or take a cab, bus, or train to Denver.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
