Lake City Climbing

Lake City is beautiful, historic mining town located deep in the San Juans. The town is already well known by Alferd Packer fans and as a summer retreat for Texans. It has always had a quiet history of backcountry ice climbing. Ice farming around Lake City began over a decade ago. Since then a few new ice park destinations have been created near town. New modern mixed lines by Ryan Nelson and Jared Ogden should keep even the world's best mixed masters busy.

There are many opportunities for lodging in Lake City. Climbers will be pleased to find reasonably priced cabins with kitchenettes at a couple locations. There are a few motels too. Tottub at the Matterhorn. Beer and restaurants can get kind of tricky. One of the liquor stores closes by 7:00pm! There are a few restaurants, bars, and a brewery open during the winter months. As of 2022 there is a local ice gear shop with rentals (boots, tools, crampons, and helmets) at San Juan Soda Co., 227 N Silver Street, Lake City, (970) 417-0080.

The classic route is the Sherman Climb/IXel Peak (previously misnamed Half Peak route). Three+ pitches of wilderness ice with a relatively short approach. Beware of the avalanche bowl on top. Many of the backcountry climbs can have serious avalanche danger, similar to Silverton/Eureka. Ice areas to check out around Lake City include the Lake City Ice Park, Sunshine Peak climbs, Gods Crag and Cataract Gulch to name a few.  Ice development has continues along Henson Creek as of 2021/22 and the ice park has tripled in size.

The Official Lake City Ice Climbs Website.