Chasing The Glow: Adventure In Colorado’s Ice Parks

Even seasoned ice climbers admit the idea of using spiky boots and axes to scale a 100-foot wall of frozen water seems daunting and unnatural at first.

“I enjoy it,” says Christian Hartman, owner of San Juan Soda Co., which doubles as Lake City’s only spot to rent ice climbing gear. “But even then, I think it’s a pretty weird sport.”

However, he adds, “being on the ice is really beautiful.” And once the nerves wear off, there’s something special about climbing among the unique, glimmering ice formations of Western Colorado’s ice parks.

There’s just a handful of man-made parks like them in the country, and we get two: the Ouray Ice Park and Lake City Ice Park.

The former is the largest in the world, and while Lake City’s measurements are less official, it’s likely the second. Both are free and public, but climbers can find information about supporting them on their respective websites.

Despite being a short drive from each other, the parks offer two different climbing experiences. Here’s what you need to know about each.

OURAY ICE PARK: THE MECCA

Despite humble beginnings, the Ouray Ice Park has become a bonafide climbing mecca.

Photo by Lora Slawitschka

It boasts over 200 routes spanning two frozen miles, stewarded by dedicated ice farmers. Thousands flock to the city each year to scale them, and some of the biggest climbers and brands in the sport attend the annual Ouray Ice Festival.

“There is no other ice park in the world like ours,” executive director Peter O’Neil says.

According to legend, it started when backcountry climbers realized they could create better ice routes in the gorge by accidentally popping holes in the penstock above its rim. Whatever the catalyst, the park that exists today emerged from collaboration among local climbers, government officials, business owners and landowners who envisioned it as a boost to the city’s off-season economy.

O’Neil even cites a 2022 study that estimates the park’s annual economic impact at $18 million.

And, he says, “It’s a relatively easy place to learn.”

Multiple outfitters (a complete list is on the park’s website) guide in Ouray, and O’Neil and Hartman encourage beginners at either park to hire one for their first trip. Clinics are also an affordable way to try climbing, O’Neil adds, and Ouray hosts two festivals that have plenty.

From January 9-11, 2026, All In Ice Fest offered programming for participants from historically marginalized groups including the BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and adaptive communities. Then, the park’s flagship festival runs from January 22-25, featuring a pro competition, clinics, vendor village and evening events.

ourayicepark.com
allinicefest.com

LAKE CITY ICE PARK: THE HAVEN

Lake City has managed its public ice park for just shy of 10 years (climbers may have funneled water into the park for a decade before that), but it’s growing rapidly — at least in terms of ice. Hartman, along with Parks and Recreation director Ben Hake, promise it’s still a quiet climbing spot.

Photo by Christian Hartman

With just over 400 residents, Lake City sees little winter traffic. The ice park brings customers to businesses like Hartman’s soda/gift/ice climbing shop that stay open year-round, but not enough to make climbs feel crowded.

Just one guide, from Colorado Climbing Company, is based here, and climbers can book through Hartman. A handful of outfitters based elsewhere also guide in the park.

“What makes it special, according to the climbers, is that it’s a laid-back atmosphere,” Hake says. “I hear them say it’s like the Wild West.”

Night climbs are fair game, and the ice climbing season lasts until athletes stop climbing the ice.

Hake doesn’t climb, but he devised the simple system of pumps and hoses that lets a small team farm a mile of vertical ice on walls reaching 200 feet.

“We have a lot of space, and a lot of ice,” Hartman says, and it’s only growing.

Last year, the park opened a new climbing area with 30 to 40 routes called “Devil’s Kitchen,” adding to its three original sections. This winter, Hake plans to open another called “Sherwin Groceries.”

And, the annual Lake City Ice Festival goes down February 7, with competitions, demonstrations and awards.

lakecityice.com
sanjuansoda.com

Originally published in the winter 2025-26 issue of Spoke+Blossom.