Climbing festivals are an awesome way to experience a climbing area, whether for the first or fiftieth time. They usually involve meeting new climbers, learning skills from professionals, good food and drink, entertainment, demoing climbing gear, and lots of free stickers and swag. Most are very affordable and support climbing-focused non-profits. What’s not to love? We pulled together the most comprehensive list of climbing festivals and events taking place in the US this year. Find one near you, or better yet, plan a road trip and hit as many as you can!

*Looking for non-climbing focused festivals? 42 Best Outdoor Adventure Festivals Across North America in 2021

Climbing festivals 2021

For the most up to date details about each festival, check out their website (links in the chart). We update this chart and page regularly, as more information becomes available (last updated in August of 2021).

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Ouray Virtual Ice Festival and Competition

Where: Ouray, Colorado

When: January 2021

How much: $20

Description: “The Ouray Ice Park is reimagining our annual Ouray Ice Festival so we can provide alternative ways to welcome guests to Ouray this season amid the Covid-19 pandemic. For our 26th annual Ouray Ice Festival, we will be going a different direction and hosting our first ever Virtual Ouray Ice Festival and Competition.”

For more climbing content, check out our Climbing Page

Mount Washington Valley Ice Festival

Where: North Conway, New Hampshire

When: February 4-6, 2022

How much: TBD

Description: “The Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest! Since its inception 26 years ago this event has been eagerly anticipated by ice climbers in the Eastern United States and is considered one of the premier climbing festivals in the country. It is intended to be a celebration of ice climbing and winter mountaineering and the people that make it a part of their lives. It continues to provide a great opportunity for those attending to network, socialize, try new gear and participate in multiple day courses, one-day technical clinics and privately guided climbs. The Mount Washington Valley is one of the finest waterfall ice climbing destinations in North America. Each year we offer a variety of skills-based clinics and exciting slide shows with featured climbers and guides from the New England area and around the world.”

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Cody Ice Climbing Festival

Where: Cody, Wyoming

When: TBD (usually held in the third week of February)

How much: TBD

Description: “Established in 1998, and now under completely new management and leadership the Cody Ice Climbing Festivals seek to teach and inspire climbers of all abilities to achieve great new heights. The Cody Ice Climbing Festival will offer world class instruction through on ice clinics in one of the most exciting ice climbing venues in the world. Our nightly speakers will draw from some of the most accomplished and inspiring alpinists and ice climbers alive. Regardless if you are an experienced climber or completely new to the sport the Cody Ice Fest can raise you to the next level as well as connect you to the ever growing community of climbers. The new Cody Ice Fest will be a champion for safety, stewardship, education and tons of on and off ice fun.”

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Michigan Ice Fest

Where: Munising, Michigan

When: February 9-13, 2022

How much: TBD – registration opens in May 2021

Description: “Quietly nestled on the south shore of Lake Superior we have some of the country’s most outstanding ice climbing and for years it was a secret treasure no one had ever heard of! Then the secret got out. With the release of two major films featuring the area, climbers are beginning to discover what many of us have known for decades: Michigan climbing is great and the Michigan Ice Fest is at the center of it all. The festival makes ice climbing accessible to the first timer, teaches advanced skills to those looking to improve and connects participants with the greater climbing community through slideshows and socials.

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Valdez Ice Climbing Festival

Where: Valdez, Alaska

When: February 12-14, 2021

How much: TBD (lodging + food separate)

Description: “With numerous 600′ waterfalls right off the road, Valdez is Alaska’s ice climbing Mecca. Come celebrate a uniquely Alaskan event…General Registration Ticket includes a personal entry badge/bus pass that gives you access to gear and demos, Fri and Sat evening events and admission to top ropes and clinics in the canyon!”

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Hueco Rock Rodeo

Where: El Paso, Texas

When: TBD

How much: TBD

Description: “Widely regarded as one of the world’s premier bouldering competitions, the Hueco Rock Rodeo is a cherished El Paso tradition. Bouldering, or rock climbing without the aid of a traditional harness and rope system, is enjoyed by extreme athletes all over the world, and this particular competition provides opportunities for all kinds of climbers by hosting events for children and adults of various levels of experience over the course of three days. Additionally, guests can sign up to attend workshops and learn tricks of the trade from veterans of the sport or indulge in the numerous food and beverage options provided.”

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Red Rock Rendezvous

Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

When: TBD

How much: TBD

Description: “Red Rock Rendezvous is one of the country’s largest outdoor climbing festivals, with clinics for ALL climbers, regardless of skill level. Beginning climbers can join the Friday UClimb event for personalized instruction in small, encouraging groups. There are also several clinics for beginning climbers throughout the weekend. Be sure to check out the gear package option – it’s a really affordable way to get into climbing! Intermediate & advanced climbers find plenty of challenging clinics, in topics ranging from big wall rigging systems to self rescue and much more. All climbers will enjoy the world-class instructor athletes, the Friday & Saturday night slideshows and movies, the Saturday night buffet party, and the Sunday morning pancake breakfast. Red Rock Rendezvous is so fun, many participants return year after year!”

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Flash Foxy Women’s Climbing Festival

Where: Bishop, California; Chattanooga, Tennessee

When: TBD

How much: TBD

Description: “The Women’s Climbing Festivals (WCF) came to fruition through an identified mutual desire many women to have a space that physically connects female climbers together and provides them with an opportunity to meet and climb with other women. WCF was established in 2016 in Bishop, CA and 2017 marks the expansion of the climbing festivals to two locations! The WCF in Chattanooga in Fall 2017 will be the first at our second location. Our hope is that it provides women with a space for camaraderie, conversation, connection and climbing – 1) the opportunity to meet other passionate female climbers from across the country, 2) the invitation to women who may have felt intimidated for various reasons to try climbing outside to come, experience climbing outdoors and take introductory clinics in a supportive environment, and 3) the ability to gain confidence, skills and stoke, which they can take back and share at their local crags and beyond.”

Need the best gear for all these climbing festivals? Check out our Buying Guides

Beanfest

Where: Cochise Stronghold, Arizona

When: TBD

How much: Beer, Bacon, or Beans to share

Description: From an article in The Desert Leaf (April 2017) by Craig Baker “Beanfest: The Anti-Festival for Climbers”:

“They call the festival “Beanfest,” and it is strictly an informal affair— more a group camping trip than a festival, really—but since it’s been running uninterrupted since the early 1970s, attendees happily relay the fact that it’s one of the oldest and longest-running rock climbing festivals in North America. In fact, it’s almost as old as the sport of rock climbing itself, at least, that is, as we know it today. But Beanfest wasn’t supposed to be a festival at all. It started in Bear Canyon with a handful of local climbers— Steve Grossman, John Steigler and Fig Fiola, among them—many of whom still climb today and have earned the status of local climbing legends.

During one ill-fated camping trip in the Santa Catalinas, the group found themselves rained-in with only a pot of beans to eat. They began passing around a bottle of tequila to battle the cold and lift their spirits, when Steigler thought it would be a good idea to anoint his fellow climbers with the beans. A couple of members of the group were horrified by this turn of events and took off into the darkness, but the newly “beaned” group went out after them and, after a short search, brought them back to the Campsite and smeared beans across their faces, as well.

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Still today, that beaning ritual is the crux of Beanfest. The gathering supports between 50 and 100 climbers who come to climb, drink, and make merry (typically, in that order), and those new to the festival are welcomed with a spread of hot beans to the forehead and/or face, along with a hefty helping of tequila poured straight down their gullet, from the bottle. The beans are supposed to remain on those newcomers’ faces until the following morning—a challenge made much easier by the generous infusion of alcohol into the bloodstream, though it does tend to make for rather messy sleeping quarters.

You do not necessarily need to be a climber to attend Beanfest, but you do need to be invited by one. It’s also expected that you bring something— food, alcohol, or entertainment—to share with the rest of the revelers onsite. The festival revolves around the sport, though, so if you ever happen to find yourself there, it would behoove you to at least give it a shot.”

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Ogden Climbing Festival

Where: Ogden, Utah

When: TBD 2022

How much: TBD

Description: “The Outdoor Program at Weber State University, GEAR:30, and the Front Climbing Club are proud to host the 12th annual Ogden Climbing Festival Presented by Black Diamond, and Beehive Cheese (OCF12). The Ogden Climbing Festival is the premier climbing event in the region. The Festival brings together climbers from all climbing disciplines to introduce them to best of Ogden Utah.

Brothers of Climbing Springfest

Where: Joshua Tree, CA

When: TBD

How much: TBD

Description: “Building off the success of The Color the Crag Climbing Festival last October, BOC SpringFest 2018 is a three day festival taking place on April 27-29 at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground and Joshua Tree National Park. Our goal is to create more opportunities to encourage diversity in the sport of rock climbing and outdoors.

Our mission is to increase access and exposure to communities with low levels of participation in outdoor recreation by building relationships, providing positive representation of climbing, education, and just plain old fun.” Check out Brothers of Climbing Facebook page for even more events and festivals around the country!

Leavenworth RockFest

Where: Leavenworth, Washington

When: TBD

How much: TBD

Description: “Washington’s largest rock climbing festival. Where you’ll find climbing clinics, bouldering competition, shoe demos, food & drinks, giant raffle, campground competitions, the responsible climber series, Icicle Canyon cleanup, and more! We highly encourage everyone to pre-purchase their tickets to Rockfest. All proceeds from the event benefit the Leavenworth Mountain Associations mission of strengthening the community through climbing. More specifically, these funds will be used to help outfit the students in our Youth Climbing Club and aid in our various stewardship projects. There are several options for getting tickets to the event, entering the bouldering competition, camping, clinics, etc. so you can personalize your Rockfest by adding the experiences you want!”

Flash Foxy Summerfest

Where: New River Gorge, Fayetteville, WV

When: TBD

How much: TBD

Description: “The Flash Foxy Summerfest is a new event in 2019 that celebrates women, is put on by women but open to anyone who wishes to attend. Programming will be located in the town of Fayetteville as well as at the AAC New River Campground. All speakers, panels, and presentations will focus on the stories, challenges and triumphs around women in climbing. Clinics and workshops will be led by female guides and female athletes. We’re excited to bring the opportunity for more conversations to happen amongst all members of the climbing community.”

Ten Sleep Climbing Festival

Where: Ten Sleep, Wyoming

When: July 9-11, 2021

How much: TBD

Description: “The Ten Sleep Climbing Festival is unlike any other climbing festival in the US! Our festival brings over 500 climbers down out of Ten Sleep Canyon and into the tiny town of Ten Sleep for an evening of fun, live music, promotion of climbing/outdoor companies and culture, good food, and good brews. Join our title sponsor Black Diamond athlete Carlo Traversi and North Face athlete Matt Segal for a night of sharing hard sends, projects, and the professional side of climbing. Fee is $10 to support the newly formed Bighorn Anchor Initiative replacing anchors and bolts throughout the Bighorns and Basin climbing areas.” And before heading there, check out our Ten Sleep Climbing Guide for everything you need to know

International Climber’s Festival

Where: Lander, Wyoming

When: July 15-8, 2021

How much: TBA in March

Description: “The International Climbers Festival features both free community events and exclusive events for attendees. Ticket holders can enter raffles, compete in competitions and sign up for clinics. Non- ticketed attendees can explore the Art Crawl (40+ vendors and artists!), peruse the trade fair, meet new people, experience the climbing community, and enjoy free music Wed – Saturday at the Forge and Lander Bar.”

HomoClimbtastic

Where: New River Gorge, West Virginia

When: TBD

How much: Free

Description: “HomoClimbtastic welcomes rock climbers from near and far to experience world-class rock climbing at the New River Gorge in beautiful West Virginia. Climb trad? We’ve got that. Climb sport? We’ve got that, too. Bouldering? There’s some of that, too. Are you a top-roper? Make some friends and shoot up those routes! Homoclimbtastic is for everybody who has a modicum of outdoor rock climbing experience. Get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!”

Idaho Mountain Climbing Festival

Where: Castle Rock State Park, Idaho

When: August 19-22, 2021

How much: $95

Description: “It’s 2021 and we are back! We are excited to be hosting 350 of the raddest climbers from Idaho and beyond. Join us for climbing, trail running, workshops, festival shenanigans, live music and more!

The Idaho Mountain Festival is Idaho’s all-inclusive climbers retreat. This four-day climbing festival is hosted inside Castle Rocks State Park near Almo, Idaho–right next door to the world renowned City of Rocks National Reserve. At the festival, climbers will have the chance to enjoy the classic granite rock climbing and a solid collection of entertaining attractions. The National Parks (band) will play on Friday night at 7pm. The 2021 5Point Film Festival will be shown on Saturday Night. There is free camping and every breakfast and dinner will be free. Every attendee will get a free massage from the International Institute of Massage Therapy.”

Psicobloc Masters Series

Where: Park City, Utah

When: TBD

How much: TBD

Description: “Psicobloc (aka Deep Water Soloing) is a form of solo climbing over a (deep) body of water. Psicobloc is undoubtedly one of the most unique and purest forms of climbing. Elite climbers like Chris Sharma make regular pilgrimages to exotic locales like Mallorca to push the envelope of technical climbing and experience the special challenge afforded by Psicobloc.” The Masters Series takes place in Park City, Utah and is one of the most fun and exciting climbing competitions in the country. Watch some of the best climbers in the world compete head to head in this one of a kind in climbing festivals.

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Salt Lake Climbing Festival

Where: Brighton, UT

When: August 28-29, 2021

How much: $55-$130

Description: “Each year as part of our educational initiative, the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance hosts the only climbing festival in Salt Lake City. Set in our own beautiful backyard of the Wasatch Front, there are skills-based climbing clinics for both beginner and seasoned climbers. Clinics will run in single and two-day formats, with our base camp, dinner and festivities held at Brighton Ski Resort.

We welcome all ability levels and identities to learn and grow with us as our local climbing community blossoms.”

Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic

Where: Smith Rock State Park, OR

When: October 1-3, 2021

How much: TBD

Description: “Tie in with the AAC and CAMP USA for the widely anticipated return of the in-person Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic! Uniting climbers around the campfire at world-class climbing destinations, the Series gathers the climbing community to celebrate, to learn and develop new skills, and to give back to the crag.

Films, parties, presentations, vendor villages, local food, and craft beer bring climbers together—both seasoned and new, local and visiting—to strengthen and celebrate the bonds within the community. Clinics, led by professional athletes and local guides, help you build the skills necessary to level up your climbing—be it leading outside for the first time or pinning their way up a new route in the Torres del Paine.

Join the community—you belong here!”

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Index Climbers Festival

Where: Index, WA

When: September 11-12, 2021

How much: $15+

Description: “The Washington Climbers Coalition and American Alpine Club – Cascade Section are proud to bring you the 3rd Annual Index Climbers Festival at Washington’s finest crag. This year’s celebration will be bigger and better than ever. Saturday will feature clinics led by Mountain Bureau and local athletes, an open climbing competition with prizes, with an evening community celebration at The Outdoor Adventure Center.”

“Also new this year by popular demand – we have added a stewardship day on Sunday to specifically care for the Index crags, trails, camping and areas of town impacted by climbers.  Join us on Sunday to give back to Index.”

New River Gorge Craggin’ Classic

Where: New River Gorge, WV

When: September 24-26, 2021

How much: $50+

Description: “Tie in with the AAC and CAMP USA for the widely anticipated return of the in-person Craggin’ Classic Series! Uniting climbers around the campfire at world-class climbing destinations like the New River Gorge, the Series gathers the climbing community to celebrate, to learn and develop new skills, and to give back to the crag.

Films, parties, presentations, vendor villages, local food, and craft beer bring climbers together—both seasoned and new, local and visiting—to strengthen and celebrate the bonds within the community. Clinics, led by professional athletes and local guides, help you build the skills necessary to level up your climbing—be it leading outside for the first time or pinning their way up a new route in the Torres del Paine.

Join the community—you belong here!“

More East Coast climbing: Seneca Rocks, WV Climbing Guide

24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell

Where: Jasper, Arkansas

When: September 22-26, 2021

How much: $45

Description: “24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell is an endurance rock climbing competition held annually on the last full weekend of September, within the steep sandstone cliff walls of Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Jasper, AR. Teams of two have the opportunity to choose between a 12 hour and 24 hour event, and the climbing festival lasts a full 4 days with food, camping, music, swag, games, competition, and most of all fellowship.”

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Yosemite Facelift

Where: Yosemite National Park

When: September 21-26, 2021

How much: Free

Description: “The Yosemite Facelift, the largest organized volunteer cleanup of any national park, is hosted by the Yosemite Climbing Association in partnership with the National Park Service and Delaware North Parks and Resorts at Yosemite. This annual event happens in coordination with the National Public Lands Day in September.” It also includes speakers, film screenings, camping, food, and swag!

While are at the Yosemite Facelift, go climb Half Dome! Check out our Trip Report: Climbing Snake Dike

Rumney Craggin’ Classic

Where: Rumney, NH

When: September 17-19, 2021

How much: TBD

Description: “The American Alpine Club is teaming up with CAMP Technical Adventure Equipment to bring the Rumney Craggin’ Classic back to New Hampshire this September 17-19!

This grassroots festival features engaging clinics led by professional climbers and local guides on topics ranging from intro to climbing, self-rescue, crushing your next project, and more. Get ready to dance to great music, eat delicious local food, enjoy free beer, snag wicked good deals on gear, watch epic films, and make your corner of the earth a little better by participating in a crag stewardship project.

The festival grounds is our very own Rattlesnake Campground, which is so close to the crag you can almost belay out your tent!

What makes these events truly exceptional is the community of passionate and friendly folks who show up to celebrate our shared vertical pursuits. So, whether you’re new to clipping bolts or have been projecting routes for decades, we want to welcome you to the Rumney Craggin’ Classic! “

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Joe’s Valley Bouldering Fest

Where: Orangeville, Utah

When: September 23-26, 2021

How much: TBD

Description: “The Joe’s Valley Bouldering Festival is one of the first events of its kind in the West – an outdoor bouldering festival that brings climbers together with the local community. As the popularity of climbing continues to grow, it is vital to craft a culture that focuses on positive relationships with the land we recreate on, the towns that host our visits, and the people that welcome us.

“It’s not just a bouldering festival, it’s a community celebration that brings the locals and folks from around the world together,” said Castle Dale Mayor Danny Van Wagoner. “No matter who you are or where you’re from, the Joe’s Valley Fest is an event you will feel welcome at and will absolutely love.”

Red River Gorge Rocktoberfest

Where: Red River Gorge, Kentucky

When: TBD

How much: TBD

Description: “This is the biggest RRGCC fundraiser of the year and is what enables the RRGCC to make their mortgage payments and to save money for future purchases. The event runs Friday through Sunday and consists of sponsor booths with the latest gear, raffles and contests for prizes, a movie, live music, food trucks, crate stacking, a climbing competition on Saturday, and clinics taught by professional athletes on Sunday.”

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Devil’s Lake Craggin’ Classic

Where: Devil’s Lake, WI

When: October 15-17, 2021

How much: TBD

Description: “Tie in with the AAC and CAMP USA for the widely anticipated return of the in-person Devil’s Lake Craggin’ Classic! Uniting climbers around the campfire at world-class climbing destinations, the Series gathers the climbing community to celebrate, to learn and develop new skills, and to give back to the crag.

Films, parties, presentations, vendor villages, local food, and craft beer bring climbers together—both seasoned and new, local and visiting—to strengthen and celebrate the bonds within the community. Clinics, led by professional athletes and local guides, help you build the skills necessary to level up your climbing—be it leading outside for the first time or pinning their way up a new route in the Torres del Paine.

Join the community—you belong here!”

Climb Smart

Where: Joshua Tree National Park

When: November 5-7, 2021

How much: $15-$189

Description: “We’ve worked closely with the Park and have secured INDIAN COVE GROUP CAMPGROUND and the Amphitheater to have the entire event within the Park!

We’re operating a smaller, more spaced-out event this year; we are limiting to 120 registrants… and are at 90+ registrants as of the reschedule date (March 3, 2021). Do not wait too long! This event is FOJT’s one big fund-raiser of the year, in support of JOSAR, HARP, JT Climber Stewards, Climber Coffee, Access Fund and running our operations for the entire next year.

After October 15, 2021, A full clinic schedule can be downloaded from our website at www.friendsofjosh.org

Also, share with your friends through your social stream! Activism and Advocacy go together, right? :-}”

Heading to Friends of Joshua Climb Smart? Check out our Guide to Joshua Tree National Park

Shelf Road Craggin’ Classic

Where: Shelf Road, CO

When: October 22-24, 2021

How much: TBD

Description: “This October, head on down to the best limestone sport cragging Colorado has to offer, and with the American Alpine Club and CAMP USA, and be treated to a weekend of climbing, community, clinics, contests, beer, slideshows, films, giveaways, stewardship and fun.

Films, parties, presentations, vendor villages, local food, and craft beer bring climbers together—both seasoned and new, local and visiting—to strengthen and celebrate the bonds within the community. Clinics, led by professional athletes and local guides, help you build the skills necessary to level up your climbing—be it leading outside for the first time or pinning their way up a new route in the Torres del Paine.

Join the community—you belong here!”

Moab Craggin’ Classic

Where: Moab, UT

When: October 29-31, 2021

How much: TBD

Description: “The Moab Craggin’ Classic, powered by CAMP Technical Adventure Equipment, is the grassroots desert climbers fest! This October, we’ll be uniting climbers around the campfire at a world renowned destination to celebrate all things climbing. Meet new belay partners, learn new skills and techniques, and give back to the local crags.

The Moab Craggin’ Classic features climbing clinics taught by professional climbers and local climbing guides. New this year, we are hosting Adventure Film Fest, featuring gritty, creative, visceral, inspiring, poignant adventure films. Evenings are for partying, so we’ve lined up beer from Moab Brewery, a festive costume contest (with prizes!), presentations, music, gear giveaways, and high-fives a’plenty! To round out the festival you’ll also get to enjoy a vendor village, gear demos, and, of course, a crag stewardship project.

So grab your buddy, extra water, and rally to the desert for the Moab Craggin’ Classic!”

Bishop Craggin’ Classic

Where: Bishop, CA

When: November 5-7, 2021

How much: TBD

Description: “This 3-day climbing festival is a true celebration of climbing and community in the Eastern Sierra. Started over a decade ago by local climbers looking to clean up the Buttermilks and afterwards drink some beers with friends, the Highball has always been a grassroots event by climbers, for climbers.

Films, parties, presentations, vendor villages, local food, and craft beer bring climbers together—both seasoned and new, local and visiting—to strengthen and celebrate the bonds within the community. Clinics, led by professional athletes and local guides, help you build the skills necessary to level up your climbing—be it leading outside for the first time or pinning their way up a new route in the Torres del Paine.”

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Bozeman Ice Festival

Where: Bozeman, Montana

When: December 4-12, 2021

How much: TBD

Description: “The Bozeman Ice Festival (BIF) began in 1996 and is dedicated to promote and protect access to ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon while developing an Olympic-caliber competition in Bozeman. The event draws professional climbers and participants from across the globe for a myriad of clinics, World Cup events, demos of the latest gear, inspiring films and evening entertainment, and camaraderie of the climbing tribe. The clinics of the festival operate in Hyalite Canyon, one of America’s longest and most influential histories in waterfall ice climbing.”

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