Ice Climbing Conditions In The San Juan Mountains

Skyward Mountaineering is dedicated to building a supportive and informed ice climbing community in the San Juan mountains. Our local Ouray guides share up-to-date information on ice conditions, avalanche conditions, weather patterns, and unique variables that shape the ice forecast throughout the winter in an effort to help climbers of all levels make the most of their time in Colorado’s premier ice climbing destination. We strive to update this page with current and evolving conditions so you have the most current information about what rare routes are “in” and how classic standbys are forming throughout the winter season. Whether you’ll be spending most of your time climbing in the Ouray Ice Park, cragging at the Skylight area in Ouray, or exploring bigger backcountry routes in Eureka, we’re here to provide helpful info and possibly even convincing you to book a trip with our guides for an ascent of your dream route.

We want to foster connection, education and respect for the mountains. Join our community to stay informed, climb smart and experience the best ice climbing in the San Juans.

Winter 2025 - 2026 Ice Climbing Conditions

* The information provided here on current ice climbing conditions is just another resource, not a guidebook, not a guarantee, and certainly not a replacement for solid decision making, analysis of the snowpack, and solid climbing skills. Keep your brain turned on and make smart decisions based on your experience, skill and risk tolerance level.

Ouray

Camp Bird Road

  • Skylight Area:

  • Falls Creek:

  • Snowblind Friend:

  • The Ribbon:

  • Bird Brain Boulevard:

  • Talisman:

  • FECMEC:

CR-14

  • Dexter Creek Slabs:

HWY 550

  • Rock Of Ages:

  • Skyrocket:

  • Lower Cascade Falls:

  • Upper Cascade Falls:

  • French Slabs:

  • Horsetail Falls:

  • Bear Creek Falls:

  • Solar Circus:

  • Pony Up:

  • The Dungeon:

  • Kennedy’s Gully:

  • Gravity’s Rainbow:

  • Abraxas:

Silverton

Cunningham Gulch

  • Green Mountain Falls

  • Royal Tiger Creek:

  • Master’s Wall:

Eureka

  • Captain Roos:

  • Hell’s Highway:

  • Stariway To Heaven:

  • Hoser’s Highway:

  • Tempered By Fire:

  • Fat City:

  • Goldrush:

    Second Gully:

  • First Gully:

  • Outward Bound Wall:

  • Giant Steps:

  • Dukes of Hazzard:

South Mineral Creek

  • Sundance:

  • Direct North Face:

  • Snotty Nosed Brat:

  • Snowblind:

  • Campground Couloir:

Cement Creek:

  • Santa Claus Pillar:

Telluride

Down Valley

  • Silverpick Falls:

Downtown

  • Cornet Falls:

Bear Creek

  • Bear Creek area:

Bridal Veil Falls Area

  • Bridal Veil Falls:

  • Ingram Falls:

  • Sapphire Bullets Of Pure Ice:

  • True GRIT:

Ames/Ophir

  • Lower Ames Falls:

  • Ames Ice Hose:

  • Cracked Canyon:

We guide ascents of backcountry routes in Ouray, Silverton and Telluride throughout the winter and we want to share our knowledge of the area and these incredible ice climbing routes with you. Get in touch to discuss your goals and previous climbing experience and we’d happily make recommendations and provide a customized ice climbing itinerary for you. Let us share the stoke for ice climbing with you!

Book An Ice Climbing Trip