Rifle Ice Conditions 1-4-14

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Mike

Here’s the latest look at conditions in Rifle Mountain Park. Things are climbing great and there is plenty to do. Give us a call at 970-319-0656 if you want a guided trip or personal instruction from Glenwood Climbing Guides. Happy climbing!

The Pleasure Pillar in fine shape at the Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-5-14

The Pleasure Pillar in fine shape at the Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-5-14

Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-4-14

Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-4-14

Lone Tree (aka Upper Ice Cave) in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-4-14

Lone Tree (aka Upper Ice Cave) in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-4-14

Soul On Ice in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-4-14

Soul On Ice in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-4-14. Made some decent growth in recent weeks but hasn’t been climbed yet (we think).

Stone Free and Ice Palace in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-4-14

Stone Free and Ice Palace in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 1-4-14. The recent sunny, warm spell laid waste to Ice Palace but Stone Free has faired well but doesn’t appear to have been climbed yet (again, we think). Update from 1-7-14: I did hear word that someone climbed Stone Free but word was that it was pretty heads up. 

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Rifle Ice Conditions 12-21-13

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Mike
Climbing the Pleasure Pillar in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13.

Climbing the Pleasure Pillar in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13. It’s very climbable with a lot of steps and solid ice with a little thinness in spots. Enjoy!

The ice in Rifle has been great and we had the place to ourselves on a fine Saturday. The ice suffered in some areas due to some sun and warmer temperatures this week but in other areas things have grown. There was a lot of good, solid, cold ice while there was some extra wetness in spots due to the warm weather. All in all, it’s in fine shape for climbing. Let us know if we can help you get out there (970-319-0656). It’s going to be a great Christmas for ice climbing!

Here’s a look at what’s out there:

The Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13.

The Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13.

Lone Tree (aka Upper Ice Cave) in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13.

Lone Tree (aka Upper Ice Cave) in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13.

Lower Ice Cave in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13.

Lower Ice Cave in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13.

Soul On Ice in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13.

Soul On Ice in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13.

Stone Free and Ice Palace in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13. Ice Palace lost the battle with the sun this week but Stone Free faired a little better.

Stone Free and Ice Palace in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-21-13. Ice Palace lost the battle with the sun this week but Stone Free faired a little better.

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Rifle Ice Conditions 12-14-13

Posted on December 15, 2013 by Mike
Climbing at the Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13. Great conditions!

Climbing at the Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13. Great conditions!

The ice is climbing great in Rifle. Here’s a visual tour of what’s out there.

Give us a call at 970-319-0656 for guided ice climbing trips and gear rentals or check out www.glenwoodclimbing.com.

Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13

Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13

Stone Free and Ice Palace at Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13.

Stone Free and Ice Palace at Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13.

Soul on Ice at Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13.

Soul on Ice at Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13.

Lone Tree (aka Upper Ice Cave) at Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13.

Lone Tree (aka Upper Ice Cave) at Rifle Mountain Park, CO on 12-14-13.

Also, here’s a drive-by look at Glenwood Falls. Be wary of the forecast and when you decide to climb this thing. Additionally, Hidden Falls is looking good and word was there was tracks leading up to it.  Also, Mystery Falls looks like it has some ice on it.

Glenwood Falls on 12-14-13.

Glenwood Falls on 12-14-13.

Posted in Glenwood Canyon, Ice Climbing, Ice Conditions, Rifle | Leave a comment

The Perfect Gift

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Mike

Climbing gift certificates are the perfect gift for any current or aspiring climber.

Glenwood Climbing Guides gift certificate. The perfect Christmas gift.

Glenwood Climbing Guides gift certificate. The perfect Christmas gift.

Gift certificates can be used for a wide range of guided climbing activities. A climbing experience for a first time climber, classes for a new climber, or personal coaching to help an experience climber reach new heights. Rock or ice climbing, single pitch or multi-pitch, trad or sport, there are years of climbing adventures out there.

Give the gift of climbing this year. 970-319-0656. Glenwood Climbing Guides

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Rifle Ice Conditions 12-10-13

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Mike
Swinging the tools at the Final Curtain

Swinging the tools at the Final Curtain

Ice climbing season is here in Rifle Mountain Park. Here’s a quick rundown of conditions that we found on 12-7. I apologize for the low quality pictures, I was probably in a hurry because I was so excited to be swinging the tools!

Give us a call at 970-319-0656 for guided ice climbing trips and gear rentals or check out www.glenwoodclimbing.com.

The Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO. 12-7-13

The Final Curtain in Rifle Mountain Park, CO. 12-7-13. Center flow was in but sorta thin. Left side was pretty bomber. Right side (aka the Pleasure Pillar) was in.

12_7_13_LoneTree

The Lone Tree (aka Upper Ice Cave) in Rifle Mtn Park, CO. 12-7-13

Soul on Ice in Rifle Mountain Park, CO. 12-7-13

Soul on Ice in Rifle Mountain Park, CO. 12-7-13

Stone Free and Ice Palace in Rifle Mountain Park, CO. 12-7-13

Stone Free and Ice Palace in Rifle Mountain Park, CO. 12-7-13

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Giving Thanks

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Mike
The Rectory, Castle Valley, Utah. After climbing Coyote Calling

The Rectory, Castle Valley, Utah. After climbing Coyote Calling

Giving thanks is a valuable part of recognizing the important things in life. No holiday is needed but the Thanksgiving season is a great time to reflect on what we give thanks for. This year, I am thankful for many things and here are a few of those.

Read the rest here.

Stop and smell the flowers. Deep Creek, Colorado.

Stop and smell the flowers. Deep Creek, Colorado.

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Monday Movie – Granite Earth

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Mike

If you enjoy the TV nature series Planet Earth and if you enjoy climbing and if you enjoy humor, or at least one of the three, chances are you’ll enjoy this bouldering video mockumentary. Happy Monday!

Posted in Bouldering, Videos, Yosemite | Leave a comment

Monday Movie – The Only Blasphemy

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Mike

Storyteller John Long narrates his account of a gripping experience while free soloing with the legendary John Bachar in Joshua Tree in the 1970s. Listen below and enjoy the iconic images of the Stonemaster age from Dean Fidelman.

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Monday Movie – The Black Canyon

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Mike

I’m still a little sore and tired from a great weekend of climbing in the Black Canyon. Rainy weather provided ample excuse for tackling some smaller and easier objectives. The Black can be an intimidating place but incredibly rewarding. It’s a quiet canyon with few visitors and fewer climbers. The 2006 film, “First Ascent” by Sender Films has a great section about climbing in the Black. Below is just a trailer but it’s still fun and inspiring.

Also fun, albeit less exciting, are a series of historical videos from the National Park Service. Check them out here, here and here.

Now, plan a visit to the Black!

Posted in Black Canyon, Multi-pitch, Trad Climbing, Videos | Leave a comment

Monday Movie – 35

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Mike

Today is a good friend’s birthday. I love birthdays for the chance they provide to reflect on past times and to look forward to the future. They are a great time to think about what’s important and valuable in life.

Here is a great movie about birthdays and what’s important in life. Enjoy.

35 from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.

Posted in Trad Climbing, Videos | Leave a comment