
Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area Moab
A popular climbing spot near Moab, Utah, offering diverse routes and scenic canyon hikes, best enjoyed in the cool morning air.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal temps, less sun exposure

Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area Moab
Best Time
Ideal temps, less sun exposure
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular climbing spot near Moab, Utah, offering diverse routes and scenic canyon hikes, best enjoyed in the cool morning air.
"Gorgeous spot with great climbing. Will always be a must while in Moab."

Bring Your Beta!
No cell service! Download offline maps & route info from Mountain Project. :iphone:
Start Early
Beat the heat and crowds. Morning shade is your friend! :sunrise:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Climbing Routes
Various walls within the area
Offers a fantastic range of climbs, from beginner-friendly to challenging trad and sport routes.

Morning Shade
North-facing walls
Enjoy cooler climbing conditions in the morning as the sun hasn't yet hit the rock faces.

Scenic Canyon Views
Along the approach and at the climbing spots
The hike up to the crag offers beautiful desert scenery, a great reward for the effort.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Navigation and Beta
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Beta!
No cell service! Download offline maps & route info from Mountain Project. :iphone:
Start Early
Beat the heat and crowds. Morning shade is your friend! :sunrise:
Hike to the Crag
A moderate hike gets you to the climbing. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Check the Sun
Sun hits the walls by noon, making them too hot to touch. :hot_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Beta!
No cell service! Download offline maps & route info from Mountain Project. :iphone:
Start Early
Beat the heat and crowds. Morning shade is your friend! :sunrise:
Hike to the Crag
A moderate hike gets you to the climbing. Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Check the Sun
Sun hits the walls by noon, making them too hot to touch. :hot_face:
Base Jump Spectacle
You might see base jumpers launching from nearby cliffs. :rocket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area for its diverse routes and beautiful canyon setting. The morning shade is a major plus, though the sun quickly makes the rock too hot to touch by midday. While the hike up is moderate, the lack of cell service and the need for pre-downloaded route information are key considerations for a successful trip.
"Great climbing area in Moab. We got to see some base jumpers as well as we headed up the wall. Recommend bringing a guide book OR lots of pictures from mountain project as there is no service in the canyon. We got there early luckily and it was still busy. The sun makes it hot Quick!"
Ricky Boyer
"Crazy slap. Went back in June of 2024. It’s good until about noon when when sun can hit the wall and it gets too hot to touch."
Isaac Lloyd
"Lots of options and and good starter routes, both trad and sport options. Shaded in the morning."
Chad Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ice Cream Parlor is located south of Moab. Access involves a hike from the parking area into the canyon. Be prepared for a moderate uphill trek on rocky terrain.
Yes, there is a parking area, but it can get busy, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
The approach is a hike over rocks, not a paved path. It's considered moderately difficult but rewarding with scenic views.
No, you cannot drive directly to the climbing walls. Access requires a hike from the designated parking area.
While primarily a climbing destination, the hike into the canyon offers beautiful scenery that non-climbers can enjoy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no specific permit is required for climbing at Ice Cream Parlor, but always check local regulations as they can change.
This is an outdoor climbing area, so it's accessible during daylight hours. However, climbing is best avoided during the hottest parts of the day.
There is typically no entrance fee for the climbing area itself, but standard fees for nearby national parks or BLM land may apply depending on your access route.
Tickets aren't applicable here, but for popular Moab activities like Arches National Park, booking timed entry passes in advance is crucial.
Yes, booking a local climbing guide in advance is highly recommended, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with the area.
🎫 🧗 Onsite Experience
Ice Cream Parlor offers a variety of climbing styles, including sport and trad routes, with options suitable for different skill levels.
Yes, there are good starter routes for beginners, making it a popular spot for those new to climbing in Moab.
Essential gear includes climbing shoes, harness, helmet, rope, quickdraws, and plenty of water. A guidebook or downloaded route photos are also vital.
The area is shaded in the morning, which is ideal for climbing. However, by noon, the sun can make the rock too hot to touch.
Yes, it's common to see base jumpers launching from nearby cliffs, adding an exciting element to the experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services directly at the climbing area. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks or head back to Moab for dining options.
Moab offers various dining options, from casual cafes to brewpubs. Many climbers enjoy grabbing a meal in town after a day on the rock.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can certainly bring your own food and find a spot to enjoy a picnic before or after your climb. Remember to pack out all trash.
Pack high-energy, easy-to-eat snacks like trail mix, energy bars, sandwiches, and plenty of water to stay hydrated in the desert heat.
The nearest grocery stores are located in Moab, so it's best to stock up on supplies before heading out to the climbing area.
📸 📸 Photography
The hike up offers scenic canyon views, and the climbing walls themselves provide dramatic backdrops. Look for unique rock formations and the climbers in action.
Drone usage is often restricted in sensitive natural areas and national parks. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for photographing climbers from a distance. A sturdy tripod is also helpful.
Yes, if you have a good zoom lens and are in the right position, you can capture photos of base jumpers. Be mindful of their flight paths.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for non-climbing activities nearby, consider visiting Hole 'N' the Rock, a unique home carved into a sandstone cliff just south of Moab. It offers a different kind of adventure and is generally more accessible for all ages. Remember that Moab itself has many family-friendly attractions, including dinosaur tracks and scenic drives.
🧗♀️ Beginner Climbers
Prioritize safety and preparation. Ensure you have all the necessary gear, including a helmet and harness. Download route information from Mountain Project beforehand, as cell service is unreliable. Visiting in the early morning is key to avoid the intense desert heat and enjoy the shaded routes.
🚗 Van Lifers & Road Trippers
Remember that amenities are limited at the climbing area itself. Stock up on groceries and water in Moab before heading out. The lack of cell service means you'll need to rely on downloaded maps and offline communication. The van life community is strong in Moab, so you might find fellow travelers to share tips and experiences with.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Climbing at Ice Cream Parlor: A Beginner's Guide
When planning your visit, remember that Moab's desert climate is a significant factor. The sun can be intense, and temperatures can soar quickly. Visiting in the early morning is crucial for a comfortable climbing experience, as many of the walls are shaded during these hours. By midday, the rock can become too hot to touch, making climbing difficult and potentially dangerous. Always carry ample water and sun protection.
Beyond the climbing itself, the approach hike to the crag is part of the adventure. It's a moderate trek over rocky terrain, offering beautiful views of the surrounding canyon landscape. This makes the destination enjoyable even for those who might not be climbing the entire day. Keep an eye out for base jumpers who often use nearby cliffs, adding an extra thrill to the scenery.
Navigating Moab's Desert Environment
Cell service is notoriously unreliable in many of Moab's canyons, including the area around Ice Cream Parlor. This makes offline navigation essential. Download maps of the area using apps like Google Maps or AllTrails before you leave a place with service. Carrying a physical map and compass is also a wise backup. For climbing beta, ensure you have downloaded route descriptions and photos from resources like Mountain Project.
When it comes to timing your visit, consider the seasonal weather patterns. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. Summer can be extremely hot, making early morning or late evening the only viable times for strenuous activities like climbing. Winter can bring cold temperatures and snow, though it's generally less crowded. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit