Climb Every Mountain...or Sheet of Ice

Well-known for winter climbing, Ouray also offers fantastic summer climbing. The mountains surrounding Ouray offer exciting opportunities for rock climbing and alpine mountaineering. The San Juan Mountain Range is the largest group of mountains in Colorado, featuring routes for climbers of all levels.

Ice Climbing

If there's one thing Ouray is known for around the world...it has to be our world-famous Ice Park.

The Ouray Ice Park is located in the Uncompahgre Gorge in Ouray, Colorado. It opened in 1995 and was the world's first park devoted exclusively to the sport of ice climbing. Climbing in the park is free.

Each January, Ouray hosts a now world-famous Ice Climbing festival...competitors and ice climbers from around the world descend upon Ouray to compete and show off their skills. It's an event not to be missed!

Mountaineering

Two spectacular ranges offer myriad opportunities for everyone from novices to veterans.

Sneffels Range (north and west of Ouray)
Mt. Sneffels (14,150 feet)
Good judgment and experience in exposed terrain required.

• South slope: Popular ascent for individuals with limited mountain skills
• North face: Extremely difficult alpine ascent for seasoned alpinists only
• Southwest ridge: Moderate route for experienced climbers

Peaks in the Sneffels Range include Teakettle, Gilpin Peak, Kismet, and Dallas Peak. Technical difficulty varies.

The Cimarrons (east of Ouray)
Uncompahgre Peak (+14,000 feet)
Basic skills required.

Wetterhorn Peak (+14,000 feet)
Technically difficult, challenging route.

Peaks in the Cimarrons include Horse Peak, Coxcomb Peak, and Matterhorn.

Rock Climbing

Enjoy small local crags, high alpine mountains, and everything in between. Popular destinations include Chimney Peak, the North Buttress of Mt. Sneffels, and Black Canyon.

Climbing Resources

CrimpPimp.com
Colorado-owned climbing company providing climbing holds and other excellent resources
www.crimppimp.com
sales@crimppimp.com

Above Ouray Ice & Tower Rock Climbing School
Climbing school and mountaineering guide service. AMGA and USMGA Certified.
Info@TowerGuides.com
888-345-9061

Hawks Drift Guides, LLC
Wilderness adventures.
hawksdrift@msn.com
970-325-7252

Ouray Ice Park
Ice-climbing park.
970-325-4288

Ouray Ice Climbing Festival
World-renowned ice climbing featival
2005 Festival: January 13—16

Ouray Mountain Sports
Outdoor equipment sales and rentals. Quality clothing.
leo@ouraysports.com
970-325-4284

San Juan Mountain Guides, LLC
Year-round professional guide service. AMGA certified guides.
info@ourayclimbing.com
970-325-4925

Safety Tips Whether you are learning to climb or have been climbing for a lifetime, all peaks require planning, navigation skills, and proper equipment. Ensure that your equipment is in good working order and that you fully understand how to use it. Always prepare for variable weather conditions. Whenever possible, climb in pairs or in groups. Let someone know where you plan to climb and when you expect to return. All climbs must be taken seriously. Climb with someone who knows the area or hire a local guide.

Have a peak or crag to suggest? Please send it to us!