Ice climbing up a frozen waterfall is a unique way to take in Colorado’s world-famous backcountry. This sport, once an essential part of rock climbing, offers stunning new outdoor challenges to overcome, as well as some great photo opportunities. Taking on your first waterfall is without a doubt a spine-chilling moment. However, once you become acquainted with your ice tools, pick up the rhythm, and get into the flow of things, you’ll find it to be one of the most thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable backcountry experiences you can have. The Rio Grande Trail near Aspen is the perfect place to get acquainted with the fundamentals—and once you graduate from Aspen’s scenic beginner-friendly climbs, you can head right to Redstone’s soaring sandstone cliffs and push yourself on some classic routes, such as the Avocado Gully, Marble Falls, and The Drool. From WI 2 to WI 5, and M2 to M10, rim to canyon, most routes have easy access and are just minutes from the car. There’s no right or wrong way to experience Aspen, but climbing breathtaking waterfalls might just be the most interesting one!
My family spent the day climbing with the team at Aspen Expeditions. It was an amazing day – fun, challenging, educational and our guides were great. Highly recommend spending the day, or more, with Amos and his crew.