Ice Climbing At This State Park In Illinois Will Make You Feel Like You Can Do Anything
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published January 05, 2019
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Winter is not the time of year to stay indoors and just curl up on the couch all week. There are a plethora of exciting things to do this time of year, especially if you love nature. This season, try ice climbing at Illinois’ most popular state park.
Have you ever wanted to climb a waterfall? Well, now is your chance! Scroll on for more details.
Starved Rock State Park is the most popular state park in the state. Located on the north side of Illinois, it is known for its canyons and waterfalls, which are stunning anytime of year.
Spanning 2,600 acres, there are many trails through this well-known park, and they are accessible year round. While there may be fewer individuals out in the winter, the park is rarely ever barren.
Some of these trails lead to waterfalls, which are just a five- to 10-minute hike from where you park. Bring your own gear on the chilliest of days for a chance to conquer these ice mountains.
Basic ice climbing gear includes crampons, ice picks, helmets, rope, boots, gloves, harnesses, belay and rappel devices, and other tools. If you've never tried it before, try going with someone who has.
There are four canyons at which guests are allowed to attempt to climb. French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, LaSalle Canyon, and Tonty Canyon are available when conditions are right.
In order to go ice climbing at Starved Rock State Park, guests must bring at least one friend and sign in at the maintenance building. The park is open between 7 a.m. and dusk.
Even if you don't like to climb, it is still worth a trip and a hike to see these amazing ice formations. Frozen in time and completely solid, these giant icicles are unforgettable.
Whether from the top of a frozen waterfall or the top of an overlook, the views you'll find at this state park will take your breath away and make you feel like you can do anything. Get outside this winter and explore a whole other side to nature.
