Ouray Ice Park
More than 200 ice-climbing routes created by spraying water onto the walls of the Uncompahgre Gorge, one of the world's best-known artificial ice-climbing venues.
The Ouray Ice Park lies in the Uncompahgre Gorge at the southern edge of town. Each winter, water is sprayed onto the gorge walls and freezes, forming more than 200 frozen waterfall routes of varying difficulty along about 1.6 kilometers. Admission is free for the public, though donations are suggested. Beginners can sign up for half-day or full-day introductory courses with local guiding companies in town, with all equipment included. Visitors who don't climb can walk the footbridge above the gorge to watch the climbers. The Ouray Ice Festival in January features competitions, lectures and gear exhibitions. Note that the gorge edges are icy and slippery, so wear non-slip footwear.
Opening hours
Winter, about 7:00 am–5:00 pm (depends on ice conditions)
Nearby sights
- Ouray Perimeter Trail
- Ouray County Museum
- Wiesbaden Hot Springs
- Box Cañon Falls Park
- Cascade Falls
- Ouray
- Ouray Hot Springs Pool
- Bear Creek Falls