Durango

Ice Climbing 

Durango is home to some of the best food, music and skiing in Colorado. World class mountain biking, whitewater boating, solid rock climbing and a very good bluegrass music festival are found here as well. It also quietly holds some spectacular ice climbing. From easy cruises in benign territories like East Animas ice and Cascade Creek to desperate classics like Upper Haflin Falls and The Seven Year Itch, the Durango area holds in a veil of tongue-in-cheek secrecy some very fine ice routes. Durango itself is one of the biggest cities in Southwestern Colorado with all the ammenities that come with such a bustling burg. Here are a few favorites:

Best Breakfast: College Ave Cafe (By far! Check them out!) Best Place to Stay: The Strater (If you are rolling in it.) Best Place to Stay if You Are Not: Spanish Trails InnBest Lunch: City Market salad bar Best Shopping: Pine Needles Mountaineering

Restaurants and shopping abound here for those whose primary interest is not clinging to giant popsicles. Come soak it in.

Getting There 

Look on the map.

[Durango is located in the SW part of the state. It is located at the junction of US 160 & Hwy 550. It lies about 75 miles S of Ouray.]

Featured Route For Durango

Cascade Canyon Main Flows WI4-5 M4-5  CO : CO Ice & Mixed : ... : Cascade Creek

Rap or hike to base of climbs on south side of canyon, immediately below Cascade Creek's lower pool (see photo of Jen). Many choices for ice and mixed. Easiest being obious gully just climber's right of center. Rap shelf above climbs offers relatively easy TR placement....just watch your step. There is a steep hike out just east, or downstream, of these climbs (on the south side) that tops ou near the anchors....[more]