Ice Climbing Rocky Mountain National Park

This route starts right off the famed Chasm Lake, below the East Face of Longs Peak and follows a ribbon of white up to the loft of Longs. Continue on the main trail around the Lake, past Lower Chaos. The Trail ends on the North side of the lake, and you’ll see a smaller climber trail heading West. You’ll pass some solitary boulders on the hike, but the main area still lies ahead. From here, maneuver over a talus field that will take you to the main area. This four-day AAI aid climbing and big wall technique seminar is designed for competent leaders who wish to expand their horizons and their climbing ability …

This deep cleft is a mix of rock, casual snow and ice, and a final ascent up a hanging ice curtain. But a massive rockfall in the late 1990’s destroyed the lower part of the route, and it is now much less popular than in the past. An AAI Climber enjoys the surreal summit of an alpine spire called “Zowie” after climbing the South Face (II+, 5.8+). Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object.

Be prepared and check the forecast when planning your trip. Ice climbing can be great fun for families, and there’s gear out there to outfit little ones. However, most guides will tell you that youth ages 12 and older will likely have a more enjoyable experience than elementary school aged children. Brisk temperatures can quickly take their toll on kiddos. Also know that in Rocky, hiking at least one mile is required to access even the most beginner level ice features.

Sport climbing dominates in summer and fall when the temperatures are moderate and the sun rises early and sets late. Everyone wants to get in as much time on the rock as they can. In the 5.10 range you can’t beat the Casual Route on Long’s , but there are other stellar 10s in the park. Chasm View Wall offers some spicy routes, and Spearhead has a couple classic 10s (The Barb and Age Axe?) with The Barb having a reputation as an “easy” 10. The Yellow Wall on the Diamond is 10c if done with the Forrest Finish variation, and is possibly the most spectacular route I have ever done. Pervertical Sanctuary (10+) is also apparently totally classic.

Guided ice-climbing and alpine mixed climbing in the heart of Colorado’s Front Range. Kor’s Flake (III, 5.7+, 6 pitches) A longer route that summits the massive Sundance Buttress. This is a major outing that can be finished with a scramble to the top of the Needles, the high point of Lumpy Ridge. You might feel like you’re ascending a castle’s tower, as the route gets ever steeper and narrower through 8 pitches of high quality climbing.

American Alpine Institute

It is a mecca for local climbers, as well as those from around the world. Opportunities for climbing exist in many areas of the park including Lumpy Ridge and Longs Peak. This route is an excellent introduction to multi-pitch ice for climbers who’ve already logged some ice routes and are looking for the next step in their progression for waterfall ice climbing. Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses hundreds of winter climbs and thousands of skiable acres for any ability level. A budding alpinist might venture to Hidden Falls to try ice climbing for the very first time, or utilize the falls as a serene training ground for bigger routes.

Once raptors have selected nesting spots, the initial closures are lifted or adjusted. The specific areas which raptors choose for nesting sites are closed. A climbing party is limited to a maximum of four people; all must climb. Natural resources… Chipping and drilling holds destroys the rock face. Mountain Project and Access Fund are partners in an effort to protect and preserve climbing areas and the environment.

Explore This Park

Of the moderate routes in the area, the North Ridge is among the longest, with 8 pitches of quality climbing guarding the summit. This will require a minimum of two days of skills in the surrounding Estes Park Valley and two days to climb the route. Another great climb that doesn’t require as lengthy an approach is at Hallet Peak. An hour-and-20-minute hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead leads to this 12,000-foot high peak and the Love Route (5.9). At 14,249 feet, Longs Peak energizes climbers from miles away.

The North Ridge route 5.6 II ascends incredible rock for 7 memorable pitches. If you are planning on camping in the park, there are designated campgrounds, or you can obtain a wilderness permit and camp in the backcountry. If you are looking at doing a high peak, hiking in and camping near the base of the climb can be a nice way to reserve energy for the climb. Estes Park Ice Climbing includes some of the best, and most extreme ascents in the country. Popular ice and mixed climbs are scattered throughout Rocky Mountain National Park.

The sounds and beauty of nature surround the climber and create an environment which cannot be duplicated on urban climbing walls. The mosaic of rock formations, vegetation and water which give us so much pleasure are critical ingredients of life for the wildlife which inhabits these areas. Bats and packrats are fascinating inhabitants of cliff crevices, and can easily be located by the guano surrounding their roosts and nests. To avoid interactions with humans, black bears, mountain lions and bighorn sheep often haunt the rocky terrain sought by climbers.

Guided Trip Rates

If this isn’t possible you will receive a refund less the previously outlined service charges. Rates are per person, e.g. 3 people for a Regular Day would be $269/person for a total of $807. Trip start times are custom but generally we recommend 9AM starts for most ice climbing December through March for best use of time and ice conditions.

The Kiener’s Route finds its way up this imposing face via an incredible yet moderate line. Many other scrambling routes are listed on this page in the Alpine Rock & Ice Tab, above. The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers fields trips, seminars, and has a good selection of books. A good external site with listed hikes and other information.

Although some birds of prey vigorously defend their nests, raptors in general are very vulnerable to human impacts. In fact, their future and our enjoyment of them may well be dependent on our ability to respect their requirements for life. Closures may be put in place to protect raptors and other wildlife. Golden eagles are highly sensitive to disturbance during their courtship and nesting cycle. Courtship and nest selection begins in February, and the eagles often rotate between several established nest sites in an area.

Alan modeling solid lead technique on the Black Lake Slabs. The Diamond is the name given to the upper portion of the East Face of Longs Peak. In many ways it is the most iconic alpine wall in the lower 48 states, topping out at 14,000 feet, and unrelentingly vertical. The Colorado Mountain School site has details about their courses and guided climbs in the Park, and elsewhere. A visit to the Facebook group Colorado Ice Conditions or Mountain Project will provide you with visuals of ice conditions—not just in Rocky, but all over the state. The next section of ice looked thicker and again my friend handed off the lead to me.

Weather charts data from the Niwot Ridge Meteorological site, located at at 11,572 ft on Niwot Ridge, 30 miles south of RMNP. This gives you an indication of recent regional high altitude conditions. Experience the magnificent natural beauty of Colorado’s Rockies with Moon Rocky Mountain National Park. Sign up for exclusive offers, original stories, activism awareness, events and more from Patagonia.