COLORADO SPRINGS CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Swinging Picks on Frozen Falls: A Full‑Day Guided Ice‑Climbing Run from Front Range Crags to San Juan Waterfalls
An eight‑hour guided ice‑climbing day with Colorado Climbing Company that covers beginner introductions through advanced multi‑pitch options and explains the routes and kit you’ll need.
Swinging Picks on Frozen Falls: A Full‑Day Guided Ice‑Climbing Run from Front Range Crags to San Juan Waterfalls.
Experience the peculiar, granular world of frozen waterfalls across Colorado: guided days take you to Front Range crags and San Juan ice parks where ephemeral curtains of ice allow climbers to learn tool technique, crampon use and—if you choose—push into multi‑pitch climbs such as The Sherman Route.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Frozen Waterfalls and High‑Range Views
Climbs take place on frozen waterfalls and ice formations across Colorado’s mountain ranges, from Front Range venues to the San Juans near Lake City, offering dramatic, seasonally transient terrain.
From Introductory Lines to The Sherman Route
The trip spans beginner‑friendly venues for learning crampons and tools up through more committing, multi‑pitch climbs—The Sherman Route is cited as an advanced option for climbers progressing from single‑pitch ice.
Statewide Coverage and Tailored Site Selection
The operator places parties across Colorado—Front Range crags, San Juan ice parks and backcountry lines—matching venue selection to ability and conditions so climbers find an appropriate challenge.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
A guided day moves from logistics and technique to climbing: after meeting and traveling to the chosen site you’ll work with guides on basics—how to fit and use crampons and ice tools—then climb a sequence of routes that can range from short, instructional lines to longer, multi‑pitch ascents for those advancing toward The Sherman Route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring personal clothing and footwear suitable for winter alpine activity, personal snacks and water, and arrange transportation to the climbing site or lodging. Expect to cover guide gratuities, trip insurance and any costs not provided by the operator.
Transportation to sites or lodging is the participant’s responsibility; plan for gratuities and additional costs not associated with services provided by the Colorado Climbing Company.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a full‑day ice‑climbing trip?
The guided outing is an eight‑hour trip.
What are the age and group size limits?
Participants must be at least 8 years old and groups are limited to up to 8 people.
Where do we meet for the trip?
Meeting locations vary by trip and are set by the operator to suit the chosen climbing site.
What should I bring with me?
Bring personal clothing and footwear appropriate for winter climbing, snacks and water, transportation to the site or lodging, trip insurance, and money for guide gratuities and any extra costs not covered by the operator.
What levels of climbing are available?
Trips range from beginner‑friendly ice venues to more committing and technical climbs—including multi‑pitch routes such as The Sherman Route—across Front Range and San Juan locations.