GUIDED ICE CLIMBING

Cooke City-Upper Clarksfork

Tucked away on the edge of Yellowstone National Park, Cooke City and the Upper Clarks Fork Canyon offer some of the most spectacular and reliable ice climbing in the Lower 48. Known for its long season—typically running from November through March—this remote region boasts a high concentration of quality ice climbs with minimal crowds and a truly wild backcountry atmosphere.

From roadside classics like The Booger and The Blue and the Green to remote multi-pitch gems tucked deep in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, the area offers something for every climber. Steep curtains of blue ice, thin technical smears, and frozen pillars form in abundance thanks to the area's cold, stable conditions and consistent freeze-thaw cycles.

The Upper Clarks Fork, just outside of Cooke City, is particularly renowned for its adventurous terrain and pristine setting. Approaches can vary from easy roadside hikes to full-day alpine missions, offering a wide range of experiences for both intermediate and advanced climbers.

Whether you're looking to try ice climbing for the first time or push your limits on classic routes, our experienced guides will help you safely explore this unforgettable winter playground. Let us handle the logistics, gear, and safety—so you can focus on the climb.

- Private guided trips customized to your experience and objectives
- Professional instruction based on any of our courses or a mix of course itineraries
- Beginner ice climbs to expert multi-pitch climbs
- For trips to Cooke City, we encourage participants to book at least two to three days to make the travel worthwhile
No experience required
- Professional climbing guide
- Personal climbing gear (ice climbing boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, helmet)
- Group gear (ropes, carabiners, climbing protection, slings, cordelettes, etc.)
- Food, water, transport, lodging
- Technical clothing, backpack, etc.
- Rescue insurance
- Trip insurance
- Guide gratuity
- Unforeseen expenses from circumstances outside of Montana Alpine Guides’ control
- Prices do not include a 4% Public Land Use Fee
- Additional Guide Travel Expenses may apply depending on guide and trip type for lodging and travel
Please see our Ice Climbing Equipment List for the required equipment for this trip. Technical equipment (ice boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, helmet) can be rented from MAG and is included in the cost. This must be coordinated in advance (especially boot sizes)!
Please see our Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policies.

TRIP DATES

You pick the dates. Trips run December to March.

We may be able to accommodate trips outside of these months – contact us for details!

TRIP DURATION

Basic Ice (8 hours)

Includes nearly all classic single/multi-pitch routes from WI3-WI5

Custom Advanced/Multi-pitch (8+ hours)

Trips curated by our lead guides to specifically match the objectives of ambitious or experienced ice climbers
Includes some of the most difficult ice climbs in the South Fork that require more than 8 hour days; routes that are WI6 and higher, link-ups, etc.