- The Ouray Ice Park is the first of its kind in the world and host of an annual festival in early-January.
- There is no charge to use the park, and all proceeds from festival events go toward the park's operations.
- The festival also hosts an ice climbing competition that attracts climbers from around the globe.
Overview
The Ouray Ice Park consists of dozens of 80-to-200-foot waterfalls along a one-mile stretch of the Uncompahgre Gorge with climbing routes scattered the length of the park. Just looking at the series of frozen waterfalls is spectacular, and watching climbers make their way up the vertical ice sheets is an experience. There is no better time to visit the park than during the Ouray Ice Festival, a celebration of all things ice climbing.
Location/Directions
The Ouray ice climbing park is located at the south end of Ouray along Highway 550. From Telluride, go west on Highway 145 and turn right at the stop sign onto Highway 62. At the next stoplight, turn right onto Highway 550 and look for the park on the switchbacks after passing through Ouray. For more information call (970) 325-4288.
Hours/Seasons
The ice park opens in mid-December and can stay open until March depending on how cold the weather is. The annual Ouray climbing festival is held in early January.
Fees/Cost
The park is free to use. Ice Festival auction, slideshow and dinner proceeds are contributed to the operation and maintenance of the ice park.
More Info
The Ice Festival hosts one of the premier climbing competitions in the country with climbers from all over the world attending. There is also free ice climbing demos and a kids wall.
