David Hixenbaugh leading Ship’s Prow PC Ryan Nordstrom

This weekend March came in like a lamb and that we experienced a bit of “fools Spring”!  Lots of sunshine and 50 degree temperatures baked climbers as they headed out into the backcountry for a spectacular weekend of climbing. A couple of groups of climbers did the crossing to Grand Island and hit up a sunny west shore for what was mostly likely the first ascents of the season.

 

According to Captain Scott Gnas, the beta on the crossing to the island, ” the ice was 10″thick to climbers right, and the left was very questionable. All the snow on the ice melted yesterday as well”. Climbers please ask locals before venturing out onto the ice as conditions change daily!

PC Captain Scott Gnas

Some Other Day PC Ryan Nordstrom

Another group hit the seldom visited area of Spray Falls and climbed Ships Prow, Some Other Day and Brownie Surprise and a new line currently not in the guidebook.  Great hero ice on all climbs! A bit of a warning- with the warmer temperatures there has been significant ice and rock fall all along Pictured Rocks.  Please make a mental note when visiting the backcountry this spring!

Brownie Surprise PC Ryan Nordstrom

Lots of action was also found from Sand Point Road to Dairyland and beyond. In our opinion the best climbing conditions in the U.P. are in March as the ice is fat and the sun starts to come out from its winter hibernation!  There are still ample opportunities to get some swings in so grab your friends and head on up for some spring climbing!

 

 

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. Check back often for updates, pictures, and trip reports!