Guided Ice Climbing Trips
Wasatch Mountains; Big and Little Cottonwood and Provo Canyon
Utah is home to a wide variety of Ice Climbing trip opportunities. The Cottonwood Canyons and Provo Canyon have some of the coolest Ice Climbing routes in the West and RRA can guide you there. Routes range from very easy to as hard as it gets all easily reachable from Salt Lake City. Don’t miss the opportunity to get out and try this sport during a guided ice climbing trip. Level of difficulty and style of climbs are tailored to your ability level!
1/2 Day Guided Ice Climbing Trip
- Difficulty – Easy to Hard | WI2-WI5
- Days – 1/2
- Minimum age – 8
- Venues – Little Cottonwood, Provo & Maple Canyon
- Meets – 7:30 AM (PM trips available by request)
- Dates – December to March
- 1 Person $250 | 2 People $175 each | 3 People $145
Check availability and Book online now!
When it comes to Ice Climbing the Wasatch has something for everyone. This 1/2 day sampler of single pitch ice climbing is perfect for those that are new to the sport, gym climbers who want to climb outside or for folks who have been away from Ice Climbing for awhile.
1 Day Guided Ice Climbing
- Difficulty – Easy to Hard | WI2-WI5
- Days – 1
- Minimum age – 8
- Venues – Little Cottonwood, Provo & Maple Canyon
- Meets – 7:30 AM
- Dates – December to March
- 1 Person $350 | 2 People $275 each | 3 People $225 each
Check availability and Book online now!
If 1/2 a day just doesn’t seem to be enough we offer a full day of climbing. The Full day of top rope Ice Climbing allows time to do different climbs, work on technique, practice basic climbing and belaying skills.
Guided Multi-Pitch Ice Climbing
- Difficulty – Easy to Hard | WI2-WI5
- Days – 1
- Minimum age – 12
- Venues – Little Cottonwood, Provo & Maple Canyon
- Meets – 7:30
- Dates – December to March
- 1 Person $350 | 2 People $275
Check availability and Book online now!
Thought about multi-pitch Ice Climbing but not sure if it is for you? Have a route in mind but not sure if you can pull it off? Do you simply want to get off the ground more than one rope length? RRA can help.
Ice Climbing Photo Gallery
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Ice Climbing Trip FAQ
If you are looking to go on a great adventure, then you might be thinking about going ice climbing. Some of the most common questions that we get asked include:
Do I Need Rock Climbing Experience?
You do not need to have any rock climbing experience in order to climb ice. We offer guided outings for people who have never climbed, climbed in the gym, on the rock, or with a wealth of experience.
Can Different Ability Levels Ice Climb With One Guide?
It is certainly possible for different ability levels to climb with a single guide. Our guides have a tremendous amount of experience working with people of all ability levels. They will ensure that everyone gets to enjoy their adventure, regardless of their experience level.
How Old Do You Need To Be To Try Ice Climbing?
Our adventures have a variety of age requirements. For half-day or one-day guided ice climbing adventures, the difficulty will vary; however, the minimum age is 8. If you would like to participate in a multi-pitch guided ice climbing adventure, the minimum age is 12.
What Is a Typical Day Ice Climbing?
We will usually meet at 8 AM. Before ice climbing starts, we cover what you need to know to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Then, there is usually a combination of instruction, climbing, and breaks that keep the class active and engaged. The goal is to have you improve your climbing and have some fun.
What Are Ice Tools?
Ice climbing tools are what we use to move up the ice. Modern ice tools are designed to be easy to use, protect your knuckles and make ice climbing doable for almost anyone. Red River will provide these if needed.
What Clothing Should I Wear for My Trip?
You need to make sure that your clothes for ice climbing are functional and comfortable. It is best to dress in layers. Choose a base layer of polyester or, we prefer, wool. A mid-layer is recommended for trapping warm air, especially for those who get cold easily. A good mid-layer would include a down-fill vest or fleece jacket. Your outer layer should be a waterproof jacket with a helmet-compatible hood to prevent water or snow from dripping down your neck. Pants that are waterproof and that are easy to move around in are also recommended. For keeping your head warm, wear a thin beanie, or a buff. These can be worn under your helmet. Gloves are important as you need to be able to have good dexterity and grip for ice climbing. Choose a glove that is waterproof, and bring an extra pair if you have them. Climbing boots will do a good job at keeping your feet warm, as they are insulted. Thin wool or synthetic sock are a good choice.
What Kind of Crampons Do I Need?
We recommend using rigid, 12-point crampons with a toe bail. They tend to work better when it comes to front pointing that is required for vertical ice climbing. Red River will supply these if you do not have them.
What Happens if there is Inclement Weather the Day of My Trip?
We will assess the weather conditions before every trip. If the weather conditions are not ideal for us to climb, we will provide you with a refund. If the weather conditions change in the middle of the trip and we have to cancel at the halfway point, we will provide you with a 50 percent refund. If we have to end the trip early but after the halfway point, the full trip amount will be charged. We may have to alter the itinerary, venue, or schedule for safety purposes.
What Happens if I Have To Cancel My Trip?
If you have to cancel your trip more than 48 hours prior to the day of departure, you will receive a full refund. On the other hand, if you have to cancel your trip within 48 hours, you will not receive any refund at all, full or partial. We make sure that our policies are clear when you book your trip.
Online reviews - 5 Stars
Why Choose RRA? - 20+ years of doing it right!
Since 2003, when rafting operations began, we have gone on to expand our operations into rock and ice climbing, canyoneering, guided ski touring, travel trips and outdoor education. We are so proud that this has garnered over 3,000, 5-star reviews across all online review sites. Land or water our clients rave about the quality of our guides, the depth of their knowledge, their ability to teach and most importantly, how incredibly fun each is. We believe our past guest's comments make the decision easy!
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Your Safety is our number #1 concern
Since we started this journey in 2003 we have safely hosted 100,000+ kids and adults on our rafting, climbing, canyoneering and skiing trips in Utah and around the world. RRA guides are at a minimum state licensed, insured and hold first aid and CPR certifications. Many of our river guides hold additional certifications in swift water rescue and whitewater instruction. Many, though not all, of our rock, ice, ski and canyoneering guides are AMGA trained or certified for the terrain they guide..
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Quality Equipment
When running trips quality equipment is paramount. RRA replaces its equipment on a regular basis. This ensures all the gear required to keep you safe and having fun is in top-notch shape.Back to top
Reputation
RRA has earned the reputation of a professionally ran, top quality guide service. We are a tight knit family run business. Once you adventure with RRA we guarantee you'll be back for more.Back to top
Do I need a reservation
YES! To guarantee space on the trip of your choice, we recommend reservations, especially on holidays and summer weekends. In order to provide the type of trip the we have become known for we do limit the number of people on a launch and we do fill up. In addition a lot goes into the planning of your day, including scheduling of guides, drivers, and ensuring that our equipment is always in top-notch condition. Make a reservation as soon as you know when you want to adventure with us and you'll avoid disappointment. Feel free to call us about reservations at any time @ 1-877-259-4046 or email.
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About Age Limitations
Youth Rate = 15 years and younger!Adults = 16 years and up!
All participants on river trips are required to wear a Coast Guard approved floatation device (PFD). For Fisher Towers trips we use an age limit of 5 and kids must weight at least 40 Lbs. On Climbing and Canyoneering trips the limit is 8 years of age. Ask yourself, what kind of previous outdoor experience has the child had? Use your best judgment on the child's preparedness. On the other end, folks well into their 70's have adventured with us.
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Which Trip to Choose
We are thrilled to have the ability to offer such a wide variety or trips. We also realize that this can create confusion. We are a fantastic resource and look forward to helping you choose the trip that is perfect for you and your group. Please feel free to call or email with any questions you might have, we love to help. Often after a brief conversation with one of our staff the the answers become clear.
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Where do we park/leave our things
There is plenty of secure parking on site at our offices. Valuables can be locked in your vehicles and will be perfectly safe for the duration of your trip. In addition we are more than happy to store anything that you may be extra concerned about in our offices while you are on your trip.
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Are there bugs
Thankfully there are usually very few to no bugs on our trips. The we travel through some of the driest terrain on the planet so there is generally no standing water for bugs to breed in. At the same time the current in the main river section is too swift to allow for breeding. This being said sometimes there are gnats or mosquitoes.
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What to Bring
Red River Adventures tries to make your trip with us as easy as possible!
We will clearly outline what we will provide and let you know what you need to bring. Generally, all necessary group equipment for you to take part in our trips is included. RRA provides avalanche safety equipment, skis, splitboards, poles, and ice climbing boots. We will provide trip-specific lists to assist you in bringing the right things.
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What the Weather is Like
Be prepared for hot (75-110 F degrees) weather during June, July, and August. You can expect cooler temperatures (55-90 F degrees) during April, May, September, and October. August is usually the wettest month (short-lived but intense thunder showers).
April 73|42
May 84|50
June 85|58
July 101|64
Aug 98|63
Sept 89|53
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What Risks Are Involved
Red River Adventures has an unblemished safety record. We personally screen and train our employees vigorously each year. Each of our guides receives extensive instructions on safety, swift water rescue and first aid training. Our Climbing and Canyoneering guides are highly trained and many are AMGA certified. Our trips take place in rugged, remote "wilderness" settings. You should be in good general health to participate. Non-swimmers can go and are more than welcome. We provide Coast Guard approved life jackets for your safety.
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Alcohol Policy
Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip.
Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.
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Charter and Group Rates
Red River Adventures offers a group rate discount of 10% to groups of 10 or more. Additional rates reductions are available for school, club, church, or special-interest groups on some trips. We are happy to, when ever possible, customized trip lengths and itineraries. Please contact us for help in arranging your charter trip or for group rate information.
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What To Pack
Red River Adventures will provide all the technical equipment required to guide our listed climbing options. However, climbers are strongly encouraged to bring their own climbing gear, if they have it, on our guided climbs. Instructors will inspect any personal equipment brought prior to use on our trips. In some instances, there may be a required gear list. This will be distributed prior to the course dates.
Ice Climbing
- Down Coat/Synthetic puffy coat
- jacket/pants(soft shell or gortex)
- coat or other warm under layers
- three pairs of gloves
- hat that fits under a helmet
- bottle/thermos for hot tea
- sunscreen
- warmers/Toe warmers
General
We are always available to answer any questions you may have. A complete packing list will be emailed prior to your trip.
Reservations are HIGHLY recommended! Many dates sell out far in advance!
A refundable payment is due to guarantee your reservation.
We accept:
Full Day & Half Day Trips
Payments- A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
- 7 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 8 days or more prior to departure: Full refund!
- 7 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled.
Large Groups (14 or more)
Payments- A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
- 14 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 15 days or more prior to departure: Full refund.
- 14 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
Clinics, Courses, and Exams
Payments- A deposit of 50% of the total is due at the time of reservation.
- 30 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 31 or more days prior to start: Full refund.
- 30 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
International Trips
Payments- A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
- 120 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 120+ days prior to departure: 10% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
- 119 - 60 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
- 59 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
Trip Insurance
Insure Your Trip
We highly recommend using a credit card with trip protection or purchasing travel insurance. Popular credit cards with trip coverage include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred / Reserve
- Capital One Venture X
- Amex Platinum
- BOA Premium Rewards
If your credit card doesn’t cover trip protection, consider these travel insurance providers:
- Allianz
- World Nomads
- Travel Guard
- Tin Leg
Travel insurance can cover your activity, course, clinic, or your entire trip — often at a reasonable cost. Regardless of your trip’s length or size, it’s smart to protect yourself from unforeseen changes.
⚠️ Note: Cancellations or changes for ANY reason are subject to our cancellation policy and will only be refunded as outlined. Please protect your investment by insuring your trip!
Weather Policy
Weather is part of the dynamic environment we operate in. Conditions may not always be ideal.
- If RRA determines conditions are suitable: No refunds if you choose to cancel/discontinue.
- If RRA deems conditions unsafe: We may shorten the route, change the venue, or cancel the remainder of your trip.
Refund Breakdown for RRA-Ended Trips
- Less than halfway complete: 50% of the trip fee is charged.
- Halfway or more complete: Full trip fee is charged.
General Policies
Red River Adventures (RRA) reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, insufficient bookings, or other circumstances beyond our control. We will make every effort to reschedule. If a reschedule isn’t possible, bookings canceled by RRA will receive a full refund.
Alcohol
Full and Half Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip.
Climbing/Canyoneering trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.
