Climbing
Surrounded by the impressive Elk Mountain Range, which are home to a handful of 14,000-foot peaks, it’s no wonder why Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado are perfect places to begin or hone your skills in alpine mountaineering and rock and ice climbing.
more infoAspen Activities Ctr
At Aspen Activities Center you will find all the information you need to plan a winter ski/snowboard vacation or summer vacation in Aspen or Snowmass,
(970) 925-6025
Aspen Expeditions Inc
Aspen Expeditions is owned and operated by internationally certified IFMGA/AMGA mountain guide Dick Jackson. AE's formally trained and/or AMGA certifi
(970) 925-7625
Aspen Recreation Ctr
Our goal is to ensure that your experience related to any of our facilities, parks, trails or programs is the best possible. Whether you are a long-ti
(970) 544-4100
Ute Mountaineer
For over 27 years, the Ute Mountaineer in Aspen, Colorado, has provided summer and winter outdoor gear from over 300 leading manufacturers including P
(970) 925-2849
At any time of the year, climbing in and around Aspen is an adventurous experience. Whether you’re a full-on novice or are looking to perfect some of your fundamental skills, the climbing in the area is top notch. One of the best ways to ensure a fun and safe time in the mountains is to hire a professional guide through one of the guiding services located in Aspen.
Alpine mountaineering can be a technical sport, and the summits of mountains around Aspen can be technically challenging to reach. Surrounded by four 14,000-foot peaks (Maroon Bells, Pyramid, Castle and Capitol Peaks) Aspen is home to some of the finest mountaineering in the lower 48 states. There is also Mount Sopris which harbors non-technical routes to its summit, but to reach the top is a test of physical and mental endurance. From mountain vistas to airy exposed ridgelines to high-country meadows that flourish with dozens of colorful wildflowers in summer, a trip to the Aspen alpine world is truly exciting. Again, the best way to travel through the high-country safely is to hire a professionally certified guide who knows the terrain. Depending on your skill level, most guided services will teach basic skills such as safe travel on rock and snow, rope management, self rescue techniques and knot tying.
There is also an abundance of rock climbing in the area. One of the most popular places to get into the vertical world is at Independence Pass. Comprised of a beautiful canyon with towering granite crags, the rock climbing in this area is great for beginners and more advanced climbers alike. From top roping to challenging multi-pitch routes, the area offers an ideal setting to start your rock climbing career or hone some of your skills. Again, hiring a guide is recommended.
In the winter months, the climbing in and around Aspen doesn’t come to a sudden halt. Instead, numerous frozen ice waterfalls and slabs are created from the cold temperatures and offer some exciting and challenging ice climbing. Just a short 10-minute drive outside of downtown Aspen is an ideal beginners spot to learn all the fundamental techniques associated with ice climbing. Located in a sunny spot that has a few frozen waterfalls, the climbing in the area is a great place to learn how to front point using crampons and make precise pick placements with an ice axe. Again, hiring a guide is recommended.
For more information on all types of climbing in and around Aspen, check out the visitors center located in the downtown.
45FOther pages you might find helpful:
Adventure Specialists
Join in on a cultural and exciting mountaineering vacation with the Adventure Specialists.
Climber.Org
A great resource for climbs, trip planning, and where to go climbing.
