Hear that splintering and cracking sound? Chances are it’s the ice over at Uncompahgre Gorge. These sounds are typically an indicator that the Ouray Ice Park is in full swing. Did you know the frozen climbing grounds are the first and largest in the world?
Uncompahgre Gorge’s walls are crisscrossed by more than a mile of pipe and crowned by an elaborate network of valves, faucets, and showerheads, all of which are essential to creating the ice walls climbers take on each day while the Ouray Ice Park is in session. These fixtures unleash thousands of gallons of runoff along the cliff face, causing the rock to cool. Once the temperatures tumble below 28 degrees, the water becomes a mist, causing the droplets to freeze and create ten-foot thick walls.
Once the walls are created, it’s up to a team of ice farmers to shape over 100 routes, eventually creating ice columns. Experienced climbers then use axes to pierce the precipice, pulling themselves up the pillars to take on the challenge. By the time the spring season comes around, the ice walls will melt away and trickle into the waters of the Colorado River.
This update is provided by The River’s Edge Motel Lodge & Resort. You’ll find five unique types of Ouray Colorado hotels at our location on the banks of the Uncompahgre River, and every single room has a view of the mountains. For more information on accommodations Ouray, amenities, questions about hosting your special event, or hotel specials, please call 888-547-5962. You can also visit us at 110 7th Avenue.