Climbing

Climb!

The exhilaration exists throughout the entire climb. At the bottom, looking up, intimidation and excitement at what lies ahead. During the climb, challenging the strength and agility of the body; challenging the mind to strategize the next hold and how it will affect the rest of the climb route. At the top, looking out and feeling that adrenaline assist as you survey the world you just conquered.

Ice climbing is tricky in Iowa as there are really no climbable natural ice formations. Luckily Iowa, specifically Cedar Falls, has Don Briggs and his silo ice climbing techniques. Equipped with gear and staff, you can call ahead or stop by the farm during the winter season and try your hand at this amazing activity. With the help of specialized gear and an incredible team of people, you can look forward to a unique experience.

Rock climbing exists wherever there are rock formations or an indoor rock wall to climb. There are quite a few of these indoor rock walls in Iowa staffed with people enthusiastic about getting newcomers on their way to developing a healthy addiction to the sport. Outside there is a whole state full of parks and climbing opportunities. There are certain sports where you just have to know someone to show you how to do it. Climbing could be that kind of sport. But it’s not. If you don’t know where to start then try a local rock climbing wall. WHAMO, you’ve just met people that climb and can help you take your first steps (literally) to becoming a climber. Remember Don Briggs words of wisdom that should ring always in the ears of beginners, “GET PROPER INSTRUCTION!”

Ice Climbing Farm Location

Rusty Leymaster Farm
Address – 2524 Jepsen Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Indoor Rock Climbing Walls

UNI Wellness and Recreation Center
Address – 1223 W. 22nd Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0156
Phone – 319.273.5960
Website – www.uni.edu/wellrec/facilities/climbing_wall.html
Email – Palisades_Kepler@dnr.iowa.gov

University of Iowa
Info – 25 ft. tall by 67 ft. long climbing wall, over 2100 sq. feet of climbing surface. Features a dropped ceiling and a shredded rubber landing surface.
Address – E216 Field House, Iowa City, Iowa 52242–1111
Phone – 319.335.9293
Website – www.recserv.uiowa.edu/programs/TTE/climbing.htm
Email – Palisades_Kepler@dnr.iowa.gov

SportsPlex West
Info – 36′ high. Entre Prises climbing wall.
Address – 890 SE Olson Drive, Waukee Iowa 50263
Website – www.sportsplexwest.com

Wall-Nut Creek
Info – 4000 square feet of climbing wall area with overhangs, arêtes, dihedrals, straight walls, and chimneys. WNC features two top out boulders with bouldering to fifteen feet. Instruction is available.
Address – 27385 530th Ave., Kelly, Iowa 50134
Phone – 515.460.4121
Website – www.iowaclimbing.com

MUM Recreation Center
Info – 28 ft indoor climbing wall, 3 overhangs, 8 top-ropes, 3 30-ft climbs, and one auto-belay device for solo practice.
Address – Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa 52557
Phone – 641.472.1112
Website – www.mum.edu/student_services/facilities.html

Lied Recreation Center
Info – 1100 Sq. ft indoor climbing wall surface, built by Nicros. Offers climbing classes, from beginner and belaying to lead climbing.
Address – Iowa State University, 2220 State Gym, Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone – 515.294.2929
Website – www.recservices.iastate.edu/lied

Outdoor Rock Climbing

Palisades–Kepler State Park
Info – Climbers and rappellers must register at the park office.
Address – 700 Kepler Drive, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Phone – 319.895.6039
Website – www.iowadnr.com/parks/state_park_list/palisades.html
Email – Palisades_Kepler@dnr.iowa.gov

Backbone State Park
Info – Climbers and rappellers will find many challenging cliffs of rugged dolomite limestone throughout the park. The most popular rock escarpments to climb are located near the Backbone Trail. Climbers and rappellers must register at the park office.
Address – 1347 129th Street, Dundee, IA 52038
Phone – 563.924.2527
Website – www.iowadnr.com/parks/state_park_list/backbone.html
Email – backbone@dnr.iowa.gov

Pictured Rocks
Address – Hwy 38, Monticello, IA 52310
Phone – 319.462.4101
Website – www.iowadnr.com/parks/state_park_list/backbone.html
Email – info@jonescountytourism.com