The Eureka area outside Silverton is home to some of the best backcountry ice climbing in the San Juan Mountains. Frozen flows line the valley walls, from approachable single pitch lines to long multi pitch routes like Stairway to Heaven, all a short drive from town.

Unlike an ice park, these are natural routes. Formation, avalanche conditions, and approach logistics all matter, so guides pick the best objective for the day based on current conditions and your goals. Some days are about racking up pitches and coaching movement, while others are about experiencing a longer backcountry climb.

Eureka backcountry ice is a great next step for climbers who have climbed at an ice park and want a more adventurous day, and it is great preparation for bigger San Juan routes. If you are new to ice, pair it with our Intro to Ice Climbing Class or Ice Intensive I.