Colorado Climbing Company Logo
Climber swings into the ice on a pitch of West Gully above Black lake in Rocky mountain national park

West Gully of Black Lake Guided Ice Climb

West Gully of Black Lake Guided Ice Climb

A snow and ice climb deep in Rocky Mountain National Park

A snow and ice climb deep in Rocky Mountain National Park

West Gully of Black Lake Guided Ice Climb

A snow and ice climb deep in Rocky Mountain National Park

West Gully of Black Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park classic ice climb. After a wonderful winter hike deep into Glacier Gorge the climb comes into view below intimidating McHenry Peak. With moderate climbing and an alpine setting it's great for fit climbers looking to do a bigger alpine ice route.

West Gully of Black Lake is a Rocky Mountain National Park classic ice climb. After a wonderful winter hike deep into Glacier Gorge the climb comes into view below intimidating McHenry Peak. With moderate climbing and an alpine setting it's great for fit climbers looking to do a bigger alpine ice route.

Quick Facts

Location:

Estes Park

Estes Park

Estes Park

Prime Season:

Winter-Spring

Winter-Spring

Duration:

8-10 hrs

8-10 hrs

Itinerary Type:

Private

Private

Skill Level:

Moderate

Moderate

Price:

From $404

From $404

Is this a good climb for someone who has only climbed single pitch?

It primarily depends on conditions. If you've never done a big winter hike and are used to climbing in an ice park with easy trails and short approaches this might be a bit rough. The hike in is roughly five miles and if there have been recent snow or significant wind it can really sideline the day. There are other backup options that can be a substitute if the approach is a bit too deep to get to reasonably.

Do I need avalanche gear?

The approach and the climb itself do go through significant sections of avalanche terrain. Guides will often require guests to use avalanche beacons and other equipment to manage that risk. While this can make for slightly bigger packs it's worthwhile to bring the right tools.

Is the climb pretty long?

It's as long as most of the bigger ice routes in the park and elsewhere in Colorado. With three or four pitches of climbing depending on snow conditions. The pitches are fairly long and with an involved approach it's a nice big day in the mountains.

Do I need a timed entry reservation?

No. When you climb with our guides in Rocky Mountain National Park we handle timed entry and any overnight permits. You only need a National Parks pass or to pay the entrance fee.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

The West Gully sits above Black Lake deep in Glacier Gorge. This scenic basin in Rocky Mountain National Park is home to several climbs in the shadow of Longs and McHenry peaks but West Gully is a crowd favorite. Under the shadow of these by towering peaks and alpine walls it offers moderate snow and ice climbing in a setting that feels like a true alpine adventure.

The approach from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead passes Mills Lake passing another classic, All Mixed Up which can often be inaccessible mid-winter. Continuing deep into the gorge the day is as much about efficient winter travel as it is about climbing. Guides help manage the pace and sometimes challenging route finding just to get to the base of the route.

A great climb on it's own it is also a great step for climbers who have climbed single pitch ice somewhere like an ice park or done other multipitch climbs and want a more alpine ice climbing experience making it good preparation for other alpine routes in the park like Martha's Couloir or Dreamweaver.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

The West Gully sits above Black Lake deep in Glacier Gorge. This scenic basin in Rocky Mountain National Park is home to several climbs in the shadow of Longs and McHenry peaks but West Gully is a crowd favorite. Under the shadow of these by towering peaks and alpine walls it offers moderate snow and ice climbing in a setting that feels like a true alpine adventure.

The approach from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead passes Mills Lake passing another classic, All Mixed Up which can often be inaccessible mid-winter. Continuing deep into the gorge the day is as much about efficient winter travel as it is about climbing. Guides help manage the pace and sometimes challenging route finding just to get to the base of the route.

A great climb on it's own it is also a great step for climbers who have climbed single pitch ice somewhere like an ice park or done other multipitch climbs and want a more alpine ice climbing experience making it good preparation for other alpine routes in the park like Martha's Couloir or Dreamweaver.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Includes

The West Gully sits above Black Lake deep in Glacier Gorge. This scenic basin in Rocky Mountain National Park is home to several climbs in the shadow of Longs and McHenry peaks but West Gully is a crowd favorite. Under the shadow of these by towering peaks and alpine walls it offers moderate snow and ice climbing in a setting that feels like a true alpine adventure.

The approach from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead passes Mills Lake passing another classic, All Mixed Up which can often be inaccessible mid-winter. Continuing deep into the gorge the day is as much about efficient winter travel as it is about climbing. Guides help manage the pace and sometimes challenging route finding just to get to the base of the route.

A great climb on it's own it is also a great step for climbers who have climbed single pitch ice somewhere like an ice park or done other multipitch climbs and want a more alpine ice climbing experience making it good preparation for other alpine routes in the park like Martha's Couloir or Dreamweaver.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Nearby Climbing Locations

Below are some recommended climbing locations within the vicinity if you're interested in some alternative destinations. Colorado is home to many climbing areas and we want to help you find the one that is best for you!

Climber with skis on their back ascends Flying Dutchman in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes

Intermountain

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber with skis on their back ascends Flying Dutchman in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes

Intermountain

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber with skis on their back ascends Flying Dutchman in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes

Intermountain

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber adjusts their tie in at a belay on Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber adjusts their tie in at a belay on Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber adjusts their tie in at a belay on Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in yellow looks down at their feet while climbing in the Lake City Ice Park

Lake City

From $296

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in yellow looks down at their feet while climbing in the Lake City Ice Park

Lake City

From $296

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in yellow looks down at their feet while climbing in the Lake City Ice Park

Lake City

From $296

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Common Climbing Course Options

Some climbing areas are better suited for certain types of climbing classes than others. Below are a few of the classes we commonly do here if you are interested in learning to climb. While we can always figure out ways to make something work these climbing courses work well in this area.

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

6435 Garlock Way

Colorado Springs, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider and employer operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel & Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, commercial use authorization for Rocky Mountain, North Cascades, Denali, Black Canyon National Parks and Colorado National Monument, and special use authorizations for Eldorado and Castlewood Canyon State Parks.

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For climbing reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com

6435 Garlock Way

C/S, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

Climb with us!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.

Copyright © Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.