Lake City Ice Park - Ice Climbing
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About
Summary
Come for the ice climbs, stay for the authentic, down-to-earth mountain town vibe. Located just over Engineer Pass from the ice climbing mecca of Ouray, Lake City Ice Park has something to offer seasoned pros, first-timers, and everyone in between.
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Distance
0.0 miles
Destination Distance From Downtown
172.4 miles
Difficulty
3 of 5 diamonds
Lake City Ice Park features a variety of ice and mixed routes, ranging in length from 60 to 100 feet. All routes have toprope access, so while the ability to lead ice isn't a must, parties should have knowledge of climbing systems to build safe anchors.
Time To Complete
1 hours
Time required for a day here depends on the number of routes you climb, their difficulty, and whether you plan to lead or toprope them. The ice park is less than a hundred yards from the streetside parking area, so there's no approach to the base of the climbs. A well-trodden path on looker's left—you'll want your crampons on for this—leads to the top of the climbs, where posts and trees are available for anchor building.
Seasonality
Winter
The climbs are usually in by early January, and Lake City Ice Climbs keeps farming the ice until it melts in the spring.
Dog Friendly
No
Dogs aren't prohibited by any specific regulations here, but they don't mix well with ice climbing: crampons on everyone's feet and enough falling ice that humans wear helmets at all times mean pups should steer clear of the ice park.
Fees Permits
Yes
Lake City Ice Park is free to use, but climbers must sign a release. Waivers are available at several spots around town, most conveniently at the High Country Market on Gunnison Avenue, which marks the turnoff for the ice park.
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