Lot of snow is on the ground and cold temps have descended upon us! Looks like we will be heading into a great early season of climbing. Currently there are relatively few climbs that are climbable in the park as late fall rains have put a lot of water into the ground which will ultimately be good for forming ice, but it will take a bit for those true waterfalls to form up. Anything with a historically low water flow, like Left at the Alter, is good! This formation has seen its first ascent this season but once again, climbable climbs are few and far between. On a side note, the Park Service is working on the bridge across the Miners River which is adding quite a bit of an approach to the Bridalveil area. This will continue through the season so plan accordingly.

FROM THE PARK SERVICE

Miners Beach will only be accessible via the North Country National Scenic Trail from Miners Castle. Miners Castle will remain accessible during the closure of the bridge.
The bridge over the Miners River is nearing the end of its lifespan. The Federal Highway Administration has called for a full replacement of the bridge, citing declining structural integrity.

Please be mind full that Munising early season formations are extremely delicate and knocking any pillars down at this point may take a month to reform. BEFORE MAKING THE LONG DRIVE UP– please call Down Wind Sports for up to the minute conditions: 906-387-8020

Weather and ice conditions can change hourly and what may appear to be “good conditions” to one climber may not be so to another. Please remember that just because a conditions report says that a particular climb is “in”, each individual is ultimately responsible for making his/her own climbing decisions

At Michigan Ice we take pride in being your go to site for current ice climbing conditions for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as well as climbs throughout the Upper Peninsula. Planning a trip to Pictured Rocks? We have you covered for all the latest snow and ice conditions on all of your favorite climbs. We also offer a full guide service and are currently booking guided ice climbing trips for the 23/24 season! Check back often for updates, pictures, and trip reports!