UPDATES
Even though we only had a few climbers this past weekend, people moved a lot of our hoses. Some of the places they put them created some big hazards and problems. Always do your best to leave our hoses where they are. If you have to move one for some reason or trip on one please do your best to put it back exactly how it was. Never spray them up in the air. Never point them away from the cliff or uphill. Never point them straight down at the ground. Some places we have very specific goals in mind. This time of year, one of the things we are trying to accomplish is building safety walls made of ice at the top of the cliffs. This makes our job and set up for climbers safer.
The ice at Pumphouse and Devils Kitchen has only been growing for a week. Despite the short amount of time, there are probably 5-7 routes that are climbable. The river is frozen enough to cross in several places.
All of the most iconic lines at Dynamite Shack are in! There are probably 8-10 climbable routes already! There is a new log bridge to get across the river at Dynamite
Beer Garden already has around 10 climbable routes. There still is some open water in the middle of the wall, but you can cross several places to get to most of the routes and to the top access trail.
Update 12/9/2025
Welcome to the 25-26 Ice Season!
We are open and we have ice-and it’s growing fast right now! If you have heard that we don’t have any ice -don’t believe it! If you have read on the internet or even on our own website that we are closed -don’t believe it.
We have had our fair share of challenges this fall though. After tireless work all summer by Ben and Danny we are in the process of bringing 3 more pumps online and expanding a lot! We have had issues getting the electrician to complete the electrical work. We have had 2 pumps stop working. We have had heat tape quit working. We have had to drag dozens of frozen hoses for up to a mile and then carry good ones back out.
As most of you probably know by now, we are overcomers! (Yes, it’s a word) Because of that fact, despite the setbacks and a near tropical November, we have ice! Keep in mind that it is early season. Don’t expect to be able to sink those 22cm ice screws, probably not even your 13s in a lot of places.
And now, we are proud to announce our newest area: Sherwin Groceries! This area (a couple hundred feet past Beer Garden) has only had water flowing for a couple days, but it’s starting to take shape. Were excited to see ice on these walls for the 1st time. We are still waiting for the electrical to be completed for the second half of Sherwin Groceries so stay tuned!
Most years we have climbable ice by Thanksgiving, but this fall was exceptionally warm. REMEMBER Lake City Ice never actually closes in the spring or opens in the fall. If there’s any ice and you want to climb it, it’s fair game!
Henson Creek is crossable at all 4 areas and most climbs that start at the river channel are accessible with a little creativity- most of our climbs start on the river bank and are always accessible. Keep in mind you will probably encounter thin ice or variable conditions including chandeliers and jellyfish. Remember to look out for hollow spots right at the top of the cliff from where we spray the water especially when leading. Watch your feet! Our pipes and hoses can be punctured by crampons. ***Remember these are imperfect assessments. Make sure you do your own homework. As always, all the climbing in Lake City is truly CLIMB AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Climb Safe! -Christian
