Backcountry Ice Climbing

If you’re contemplating a day spent conquering icy waterfalls and towering ice formations in Colorado’s rugged San Juan Mountains, then a backcountry ice climbing tour with Mountain Trip could be on your radar. While we haven’t personally tackled this specific experience, we’ve looked into what makes it special—and it seems like a solid choice for those wanting to combine stunning scenery with a dose of adrenaline.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how tailored it sounds. Whether you’re just starting out or are already comfortable with ice, the guides seem committed to customizing your day to fit your skill level. Plus, the emphasis on safety, expert instruction, and all the technical gear included are big pluses. However, it’s not a casual outdoor activity; you should be prepared for a full day’s effort and a bit of physical fitness required.

One thing to keep in mind is the cost—$409 per person isn’t cheap, but considering all the gear, the personalized guidance, and the remote backcountry locations you’ll visit, it starts to look like a fair value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re someone who loves mountain adventures, enjoys learning new skills, and appreciates beautiful mountain views, this tour could very well be a highlight of your trip to Telluride. But if you’re not comfortable with physical activity or don’t want to invest quite so much, you might want to explore other options.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who are physically able, eager to learn or improve their ice climbing skills, and looking for a guided experience in some of Colorado’s most scenic and remote areas. It’s not a quick, superficial outing, but a real immersion into the world of ice climbing—done safely and with plenty of professional expertise along the way.

Key Points

• Tailored routes mean your experience matches your skill level and goals.
• Expert guides ensure safety and effective instruction, ideal for beginners and seasoned climbers alike.
• All technical gear is provided, so you won’t have to worry about bringing your own equipment.
• Remote backcountry locations offer stunning mountain scenery and fewer crowds.
• Physical fitness required—this tour isn’t for everyone, but it’s manageable with moderate fitness.
• Free cancellation makes booking with confidence easier, especially for weather-dependent activities.

This experience offers a chance to scale icy waterfalls and frozen formations in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, near Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride. Since 1973, Mountain Trip has built a solid reputation for guiding climbers of all levels safely through these stunning backcountry environments. The guides are either AMGA certified or trained, emphasizing personalized attention and safety.

The core idea is blending education with adventure. Whether you want to learn the basics of ice climbing or push your skills further, guides will tailor your route accordingly. You’ll explore remote ice routes, away from the crowds, in some of Colorado’s most breathtaking mountain terrain.

The Experience in Detail

Expect to start your day at the designated meeting point at 801 Main St, Ouray. From there, transportation to the climbing site is usually arranged, and the guides will brief you on safety, techniques, and what to expect. All technical gear—including boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, and helmet—is provided, meaning you can focus on the climb rather than logistics.

Throughout the approximately 8-hour day, you’ll get hands-on instruction covering essential ice climbing techniques. Guides will also teach you alpine safety skills—useful not just for this tour but for future mountain adventures. Routes are customized, so your day might include single-pitch ice climbs or multi-pitch routes, depending on your experience level and goals.

The Terrain & Scenery

The remote backcountry locations near Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride are known for their stunning ice flows—some cascading down cliffs, others forming solid walls that look ready-made for a climber’s dream. The scenery alone makes this tour worth considering; towering mountains, icy waterfalls, and quiet natural beauty envelop you in a truly unique environment.

Who Would Benefit from This Tour?

This tour is perfect for those with a moderate physical fitness level who are eager to get outside and challenge themselves. If you’re a beginner, you’ll appreciate the focus on learning proper techniques and safety. Experienced climbers will find the routes adaptable to their skill level and enjoy the personalized guidance.

While it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it could be suitable for adventurous teens or older teens who are physically capable and eager for a mountain challenge. However, because of the technical gear and physical demands, it’s best suited for active individuals comfortable with strenuous outdoor activities.

Price & Value

At $409 per person, this experience is an investment in a day of guided adventure. When you consider that all technical gear is included, and you’re paying for the expertise of seasoned guides in a stunning remote setting, it starts to look like a good value—especially if you cherish learning new skills and creating memorable mountain experiences.

The guides have over 50 years of experience behind them, and their accreditation through the American Mountain Guides Association adds a layer of trust. Plus, the small-group, private tour format means personalized attention, which is key for both safety and enjoyment.

Morning: You’ll meet at the designated spot in Ouray, where the guides will check your gear and give safety instructions. After some initial training, transportation to the remote climbing locations begins. Expect a scenic drive through mountain roads that set the tone for the day.

Midday: Once at the ice routes, guides will assess your skill level and set routes accordingly. You’ll learn how to use crampons, ice axes, and proper body positioning. As you climb, the guides provide tips and support to help you improve your technique.

Afternoon: You might complete several pitches, exploring different sections of ice in the area. The guides will keep safety protocols front and center, so you can focus on enjoying the climb and the incredible views. They’ll also teach you alpine safety skills—like how to assess ice conditions and handle unexpected weather.

End of Day: Back at the meeting point, you can reflect on your achievements and ask questions about future climbs or ice climbing gear. The entire experience provides not only the thrill of conquering ice but also valuable skills and a sense of accomplishment.

Pros:

• Personalized routes tailored to your ability
• Expert instruction from seasoned guides
• All gear included, no need to rent or bring your own
• Remote, stunning scenery provides a memorable backdrop
• Flexible for beginners to advanced climbers

Cons:

• The price point might be high for some travelers
• Requires moderate physical fitness and comfort with outdoor activities
• Weather can impact plans; cancellations are possible but generally flexible with full refunds or rescheduling
• The full day can be tiring—consider your stamina before booking

In essence, if you’re after an authentic, guided ice climbing experience in Colorado’s beautiful San Juan Mountains, this tour offers a combination of expert guidance, stunning scenery, and the thrill of scaling frozen waterfalls. It’s best suited for active travelers who are eager to learn and challenge themselves in a remote mountain environment.

While not a casual or beginner-only activity, it’s accessible for those willing to get a bit outside their comfort zone and enjoy the mountain’s icy beauty. The all-inclusive gear, personalized coaching, and scenic setting make this a memorable choice for adventurers wanting to add a unique chapter to their Colorado trip.

If you love the idea of conquering ice with expert support and soaking in breathtaking mountain vistas, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. Just be prepared for a full, active day that leaves you with plenty of stories—and hopefully, some new skills.

Is transportation provided for the tour? Yes, pickup is offered from the meeting point in Ouray, and transportation to the remote climbing sites is included.

What should I wear? While personal clothing isn’t included, you’ll want to dress in layers suitable for outdoor mountain activity—think moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, and a waterproof outer shell.

Do I need prior ice climbing experience? No, the tour is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced climbers, thanks to the personalized guidance and route customization.

What gear is included? All technical gear such as boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, and helmet are provided. You only need to bring appropriate clothing and personal items.

How long is the tour? Expect approximately 8 hours, including transportation, instruction, and climbing time.

Is this activity safe? The guides are experienced and certified, and safety protocols are emphasized throughout. However, as with all mountain activities, some risks are inherent.

Can I cancel if the weather turns bad? Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. If weather conditions cause cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for families or children? The tour is tailored for active individuals with moderate fitness; suitability for children depends on their experience and comfort with outdoor mountain activities, but it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly.

If you’re craving an authentic Colorado adventure that combines technical skill and breathtaking views, this backcountry ice climbing tour could be just the challenge you’re seeking. Prepare for a day of effort, learning, and awe-inspiring mountain scenery—you’ll have stories to tell long after you’ve packed away your gear.