ice in RMNP

Thinking about ice climbing in RMNP this weekend. Any recommmendation which area we should climb. Don't like too long approaches. Thanks for any info.

Define "long"

Hidden Falls. Maybe 30 minute approach?

Yeah hidden falls is pretty much the shortest. All the rest will be a few miles at altitude, but a beautiful hike. HF's will be a sh*tshow because of all the people that don't like long approaches. :o)

I would say the overflow, but I climbed there last week. 3ish miles in, deep snow off the mills lake, and the ice is pretty crappy from all the cold and snow. Basically have to smash to get down to ice that isn't delaminating.

Maybe you should just go to silverplume on I-70 instead?

Thanks. We will be in the park area and definitely want to check the park. Maybe we will just join the crowds at hidden falls.

Go to Grace Falls below Notchtop. Never a crowd and the approach isn't too bad. Plus, there are great views there.

I would have to say that the views of the Park from Hidden Falls don’t do RMNP justice. The approach is super short but you get what you work for, a big crowd and marginal views. Loch Vale in’t a bad walk.