This area has farmed ice directly below the city water tower. Routes range from WI3-M scary. Use toprope anchors off trees above routes. There are at least 15 lines, 80-100 feet, facing north or northwest. Natural lines are found along Henson Creek between the two ice parks if you are there on just the right day. Be sure to sign a waiver, found conveniently located throughout town, before climbing at the park.
From Garrett Bales: The Lake City Ice park is located approximately 1/6 mile up the Henson Creek road right out of the town of Lake City. The necessary permits have been obtained from the BLM, and the climbing is up and running. Everyone is asked to sign a quick release waiver before climbing. These can be acquired at a couple places around town including the Chamber of Commerce Tourist Center by the post office, Lake City Auto, Mocha Moose Coffee Shop, Storm Front Gallery, Sportsman's BBQ Station, Town Square Cabins, and at Sweet Peas goodies shop located in the center of town across from the town park. Sweet Peas also offers great local beta and killer cookies.
There are approximately 50+ routes approximately 80 feet tall ranging in difficulty from fun moderates to more challenging with many F.A.s yet to be ticked. All routes are ice/mixed, and all pro is not pre-placed. Seasons range from now January 07 to ice melt.
Lake City is a small town with few amentities, so plan accordingly. Try to support the local population. The ice park has been made possible by the Town of Lake City and a couple volunteers, namely Craig "Mad Dog", Mike Camp, Gabe McNeese, and Freeze. Aside from the ice park, Lake City offers some of the best ice climbing in the country. IXL Mountain and Tick Rock, home to Jedi Mind Tricks, are just a couple of areas quick off the mind. Rock on.
Getting There
Walk or drive to where Henson Creek meets up with Lake City on the west edge of town.
From Garrett Bales: Go to Lake City, CO. Mapquest works great, Once in Lake City go to Henson Creek Road also called Engineer Pass road, right on the outskirts of town. Look across the river at the cliff side with all the obvious ice routes on it, get out and pick a line.
Ice Fest? Is Lake City now having one or were you just refering to Ouray's. As much as I have loved Ouray's party, it's gotten a bit too big and expensive for me. Lake City would be totally cool for a mini fest. I bet we wouldn't even have to make reservations or pay to be in a clinic to get to climb.
We were quite pleased. A very nice alterative to Ouray. We didn't find any info on these BUT - they have installed about 7, 24" galvanized steel posts along the top of the cliff for rappel points. A real help.
To reach these posts, it is definitely more than a half rope (even a 70meter) - so you'll need double ropes or just walk down, it only takes about 5 mintues.
DO BEWARE, and careful to not step on the poly water pipes!! They run the water at night, and turn it off about 8-9am.
Thinking about swinging by here on the way home from Wolf Creek next weekend.
I've dabbled a bit, but I'm a rock climber, not an ice climber. So we're just looking to screw around on TR, no interest in leading ice. To set up TRs here... what do I need beyond normal anchor stuff? One rope, two? Sounds like tree anchors - how far back are the trees/how much webbing do I need to bring to set up anchors?
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