Explore this area in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next
Elevation: 1,889 ft 576 m
GPS: 61.3533, -149.3399
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 41,145 total · 187/month
Shared By: R Squared on Jan 17, 2007
Admins: L Von Dommelheimer
Page Updates (admin only)
Warning Access Issue: The Eklutna Canyon drainage is open to climbing but is on private property belonging to Ekultna Incorporated. DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Eklutna Canyon is a very popular place for ice climbing in Alaska. The climbs require around a 30-45 minute hike to reach. The hike is easy. You simply descend the hill to the river then follow the river until you reach the climbs. Usually footsteps are visible the whole way. There will be climbs and mixed routes on both the north and south sides of the canyon. The climbs range from WI2-WI4 and 10m to 70 meters in length.

Getting There Suggest change

To reach Eklutna Canyon, drive north on the Glenn Highway away from Anchorage and take the Thunderbird Falls exit No. 25. Park in the Thunderbird Falls parking lot and pay the daily five dollar fee. There are restrooms located in the parking area if needed.

25 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Eklutna Canyon Change
Type:  to 
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:   then:
 

Classic Climbing Routes at Eklutna Canyon

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
WI4
 30
● Mad Dog
Ice
WI4
 25
● T.J. Swann
Ice
WI3
 54
● Ripple
Ice
WI3
 27
● Boonesfarm
Ice 2 pitches
WI3
 21
● Annie Greensprings
Ice
WI4
 8
● The Dam
Ice
M7+
 4
● Two Flew over the Cookoo's Nest
Sport, Mixed
M5-6
 6
● Rawdog
Sport, Mixed
M5-6
 6
● Righthand crack
Sport, Mixed
M6
 5
● Left Crack
Sport, Mixed
M4+
 4
● Hot Dog Down A Hallway
Trad, Mixed 2 pitches
M5-6
 5
● Ecto Cooler
Sport, Mixed
M5-6
 11
● Unknown 1
Sport, Mixed
M6-
 10
● Hamburger in the Dark
Sport, Mixed
M4-5
 4
● Mystery Meat
Sport, Mixed
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Mad Dog
 30
WI4 Ice
● T.J. Swann
 25
WI4 Ice
● Ripple
 54
WI3 Ice
● Boonesfarm
 27
WI3 Ice 2 pitches
● Annie Greensprings
 21
WI3 Ice
● The Dam
 8
WI4 Ice
● Two Flew over the Cookoo's…
 4
M7+ Sport, Mixed
● Rawdog
 6
M5-6 Sport, Mixed
● Righthand crack
 6
M5-6 Sport, Mixed
● Left Crack
 5
M6 Sport, Mixed
● Hot Dog Down A Hallway
 4
M4+ Trad, Mixed 2 pitches
● Ecto Cooler
 5
M5-6 Sport, Mixed
● Unknown 1
 11
M5-6 Sport, Mixed
● Hamburger in the Dark
 10
M6- Sport, Mixed
● Mystery Meat
 4
M4-5 Sport, Mixed
More Classic Climbs in Eklutna Canyon »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Sun Angles Details:
Sun Details Unknown. Know About It?

Weather Averages

High
 
Low
 
Precip
 
 Days w Precip
 
Prime Climbing Season
J F M A M J J A S O N D
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Add New Photo Drop down
Photos

Hugging the wall on the way to climb the Ripple in Eklutna Canyon
Hugging the wall on the way to climb the Ripple…
 0
The decent into the canyon
The decent into the canyon
 0
Approach to the climbs in Eklutna Canyon
Approach to the climbs in Eklutna Canyon
 0

2 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading