At a Glance
- Routes: 200+
- Season: Jan–Feb
- Intro Clinics: Daily in season
- Festival: Late January
The Ouray Ice Park
Every winter, Ouray irrigates 2,000 feet of canyon wall using a network of overhead pipes — creating over 200 individual ice climbs ranging from beginner pillars to elite M-rated mixed routes. The park is free to climb and managed by the nonprofit Ouray Ice Park Inc.
Routes are rated WI2 through WI6+ and are categorized by section of the canyon. The park opens in early January and closes in mid-February depending on temperatures. An average season sees 25,000+ visits.
Getting Started: Gear and Clinics
If you've never climbed ice, book a half-day clinic through one of the local guide services — San Juan Mountain Guides and Ouray Mountain Sports both offer intro programs. Gear rental (crampons, ice tools, harness, helmet) is available in town.
The Ouray Ice Festival in late January brings world-champion climbers to demonstrate, teach, and compete. The festival also includes films, gear demos, and parties on Main Street — a unique atmosphere even for non-climbers.
Stay Ice Season at The Lumberyard
The Lumberyard Condos is the ideal ice season base — 2 blocks from Main Street and a 10-minute walk to the Ice Park canyon entrance. The full kitchen is key during ice season when you want a warm breakfast before an early start.
Ice season weekends fill fast — book your January or February stay as early as possible at ouraycondos.com.