Finding new climbing areas is always awesome, but when you find them 5 minutes from the road they are even better. With all of the snow we have had this year and perfect freeze/ thaw temps the North Fork of the Shoshone has provided some really cool new routes. Unfortunately this area is very condition dependent and routes can be in one day and gone the next.

I have named the area “The Shooting Range” since it’s so close to the road and there are so many targets (climbs) to hit. A cold river crossing and a short walk to the base of the wall makes this place one of the closest ice climbing areas around. Literally 5 minutes from the car and you are there!

Aaron Mulkey on the First Ascent of “Levrolution”

As April came around all of my ice climbing partners disappeared, but luckily I was able to talk my wife Kelly and Tanner to make the trip to the area. I wasn’t able to talk them into an early morning departure so I set off on my own to start cleaning the routes and placing bolts. After about 5 hours I had three routes ready to climb and sat around in the sun waiting for their arrival.

Aaron Mulkey on the First Ascent of “Levrolution”. Really fun mixed climbing connecting the drips.

Aaron Mulkey on the final pillar to the top.

Tanner swinging with a smile after enjoying the “Levrolution”

After ticking of “Levrolution” we moved on to the next climb. Tanner couldn’t believe how close to the car the climbing was and kept laughing because he thought I was lying about the short approach and how close the climbs were.

Tanner Callender on the First Ascent of “Liquid Limitations”

This climb was difficult to take pics on and is tucked into a gully. The first part is up this small vein of ice and the next next section is a short 20 foot mixed wall to lower angle ice above.

Aaron Mulkey on the First Ascent of “Party Trick”

After Liquid Limitations Tanner, Kelly and I moved over to “Party Trick”. This climb is a very skinny pillar with some mix climbing on the wall behind the pillar. This pillar leads you to some easier ice above.

Aaron Mulkey being very delicate on “Party Trick”

As we finished up the last route we were super psyched and ready for more, but the sun was setting and it was Margarita time.

The cold hike back to the car with my trusty partner !

As you can see there will be more routes being developed in this area.

Not a bad place to live and play!