by Michele Kadison

Considered the ice climbing capital of the world, Ouray, Colorado has been hosting climbers since the 1970’s when some intrepid adventurers discovered the majestic ice falls formed by an excess water supply that leaked from one of the great pipes at the top of the Uncompahgre Gorge. Using rappelling equipment that by now seems quite antiquated, the climbers scaled the two magnificent vertical surfaces that loomed high above the relatively unknown town. Later on in the 1990’s, some entrepreneurial climbers were inspired by the frozen sheets and realized they could spray additional water over the mountain precipices to achieve the same effect. In this way, the little town of Ouray in the Colorado Rockies began to build a name for itself in the climbing world.

The Ouray Ice Park
In 1994, with hoses and sprinkler heads in tow, Michael O’Donnell and Bill Whitt set out to create more climbing surfaces in the Uncompahgre Gorge by spraying the rock walls and watching the water turn to crystalline ice. Through these two expert mountaineers, the famous Ouray Ice Park was born and with it, a new community of ice climbers who came to test themselves on sheer ice walls that still prove incomparable. Written up in Climbing, Rock & Ice, along with other industry magazines, the Ouray Ice Park hosts some of the most difficult and creative climbs imaginable. Michael O’Donnell went on to found San Juan Mountain Guides, LLC, the only year-round guide service in Ouray, Colorado. Here you can hire one of their 12 expert guides who have all the necessary qualifications for guiding you through some of the most exhilarating ice or rock climbs in the Colorado Rockies.

The Ouray Ice Park is located at the entrance to Uncompahgre Gorge off Country Road 361. Home to over 10,000 climbers a year, the park includes more than 200 climbs and uses a pressurized water supply to maintain and expand the crystal climbing walls. The park is open from 7 am to 5 pm between December and March or the beginning of April.

Made up of a large group of volunteers who maintain the park, The Ouray Ice Park is funded through memberships, corporate sponsorships, and monies raised by the yearly Ouray Ice Festival.

Backcountry Climbing
According to Clint Cook, who runs the well-known San Juan Mountain Guides, a local climbing outfit, there are at least 100 spectacular back-country climbs in Ouray, with his favorites being the Ribbon and the Skylight. “These climbs are absolutely magnificent,” Clint told me, “they are known for their ease of approach, their beauty of line, and their accessibility to spectators, so they’re popular with a lot of climbers.” When I asked him why Ouray is as especially popular with Colorado Rockies vacationers, he told me that with the backcountry trails as well as the only man-made ice park in the world, “there is nowhere else that ice climbing is as accessible. There’s a great balance in Ouray because there are climbs for everybody, no matter what their experience.” And of course, once in the Ice Park, “you can park your car, have a coffee, and in five minutes be on a climb!” As far as I’m concerned, Clint Cook’s opinion is all this Rockies.com editor needs! With certifications to guide climbers not just throughout the Colorado Rockies, but in Europe, Alaska, and beyond, he’s the expert’s expert.

If you have the moxie to climb what at first sight seems to be the impossible, then sign up for instructions at the San Juan Mountain Guides or one of the many other outfitters in town. Whether you’re a kid or a granny, there’s a climb for you! All you need is a qualified guide, the right equipment, and warm clothing, and you are ready to scale the many frozen waterfalls and walls of ice that make Ouray, Colorado the perfect Rockies vacation destination. Reach the top of your climb and discover the high that makes ice climbing one of the most rewarding and ecstatic of all the winter sports.

For more information on San Juan Mountain Guides, contact: 866-525-4925 or info@ourayclimbing.com where you will find year-round guide services and classes.

The Ouray Ice Festival
In January, the ice park hosts the annual Ouray Ice Festival, a Colorado Rockies winter season highlight. Hosting ice climbers from all over the globe, the festival is a perfect gathering place for manufacturers of the latest gear, corporate sponsors, and of course, the excited fans who come to support the climbing competitions. With bridges and stands located atop the Uncompahgre Gorge, visitors have a perfect view of seasoned and newly minted professional climbers as they rappel to the top of the impossibly sheer precipices that form a part of the great Colorado Rockies. Once night falls, the festival is ablaze with dining, dancing, films, and other events designed for one and all. It’s a great way for mere mortals to socialize with some of the most adventurous human beings on the planet!

Other Activities in Ouray, Colorado:

Backcountry Skiing in Ouray
Now that you’re hooked on ice climbing in the region, there’s yet another reason to make Ouray, Colorado your ultimate travel destination. Backcountry skiers have discovered the mountainous areas are some of the most beautiful and varied for this rigorous winter sport. Combined with the exhilaration of downhill skiing, backcountry skiing allows you to revel in the Alpine terrain that twists and turns, revealing one beautiful vista after the other. Take a tour through Red Mountain Pass where you will find some of the best snow conditions in the Colorado Rockies. With majestic mountain pinnacles and densely wooded forests, this paradise is ideal for anyone wanting to get away from the long lift lines and explore untracked pure virgin snow. Warning from your Rockies.com

Editor: Be careful in the San Juans. They are known for avalanche activity, so make sure you’ve checked with local weather at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, and that you are carrying appropriate emergency gear.

Rafting in Ouray
Summer in Ouray, Colorado brings its own set of exciting activities, with rafting right at the top of the list. The Uncompahgre River is an ideal river for anyone looking to enjoy the magnificent scenery that unfolds with every bend. Take the stretch from Ridgway to Ridgway Reservoir if you’re a Class I or II rafter. You’ll be in the heart of the San Juan Mountains with a plethora of wildlife all around you. Keep your ears open for some of the most beautiful bird calls you’ve ever heard. You can also take some of the narrow canyon slices to paddle through some of the more remote areas of the river.

Gunnison River
According to Matt Brown, the owner of Scenic River Tours, Inc., nearby Gunnison River is an excellent alternative for rafters of every level. “The river has dam control and is ideal for seeing some of the most amazing Alpine canyons.” Matt says that Gunnison River is perfect for any level rafter, and with his company’s services there is a guide in every boat. Sticklers for safety, they won’t let you get into difficult waters unless you’ve rafted Class III rapids with them first. In summer, his company also provides guided fishing trips and rock climbing tours.

For more information on Scenic River Tours, call 970-641-1830

Mountain Biking in Ouray
One of the best kept secrets in the Colorado Rockies, Ouray has some of the best off-road conditions for mountain biking. Cycling on trails, back roads, or canyons that slash through the San Juan Mountains puts you the midst of some of the best vistas in the region. Take the challenging Imogene Pass, climb Portland Trail, or just have an easy afternoon pedaling on River Road and you will be in mountain biking heaven. Ouray is a great place to bike around with the family, especially if you want to visit some of the local sites and attractions. Rockies.com editors note: Bring sunscreen as the sun is strong at this altitude. Also be sure you stay hydrated on your ride by bringing enough water along.

Family Fun in Ouray:

Winter

Skiing
Ouray isn’t just for grownups looking for winter thrills. The thrills abound for the kids too! With a free rope toe, the Children’s Ski Hill is ideal for getting the little ones up the slope and watching them find their way down. Rent a pair of kid’s skis in nearby Montrose and have a great day teaching them the ins and out of downhill skiing.

Snowshoeing
What a great way for the family to enjoy the backcountry wilderness of Ouray. Take the hiking trails that in summer bring wildflowers and breezy meadows. In winter these trails are a fairyland of untrodden white, winding in and out of the beautiful woodlands. Bring along a picnic and enjoy the company of your loved ones in the great winter outdoors. Snowshoes can be rented right in Ouray.

Ice Skating and Sledding
With a local skating rink, skates are easy to come by, or take a sled down “Vinegar Hill,” a sledding slope that dates back 100 years!

Snowmobiling
Take the family on a snowmobile run through the backcountry trails. Cut through the San Juan Mountains and enjoy the multitude of trails that are perfect for the novice or the experienced rider.

Summer

Hot Springs
Ouray is known for its therapeutic hot springs. Soak under the Colorado Rocky sky as you feel your body melt into the healing waters.

Fishing
There are numerous options for fishing in Ouray. With its reputation for some of the biggest trout in North America, the streams and lakes are ideal for anglers looking for a relaxing day on the water.

Hiking
Ouray has hiking trails for every level of expertise. Take the groomed trails in Box Canon Waterfall & Park or the gorgeous trails in Cascade Falls that comprise the city park. The Baby Bathtubs, an amazing canyon with historic rock formations, is also a great hike for kids. Here they can wade in the cold water and play with the colorful rocks all along the riverbed.

Camping
The Uncompahgre National Forest is one of the most wonderful locales in the Colorado Rockies if you like camping in big nature. Here’s where the night sky makes ardent stargazers out of everyone. Ouray is also home to several groomed campgrounds that have all the necessary amenities for a perfectly comfortable camping experience.

For more information on the outdoor life in Ouray contact the Ouray Chamber Resort Association at 800-228-1876.

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