Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area Moab - Image 1
1 / 3

Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area Moab

5
·8 reviews·Moab, United States

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Ideal temps, less sun exposure

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area Moab - Image 1

Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area Moab

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Ideal temps, less sun exposure

CrowdMedium

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.

5
(8 reviews)

"Gorgeous spot with great climbing. Will always be a must while in Moab."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Climbing Routes

Diverse Climbing Routes

Various walls within the area

Offers a fantastic range of climbs, from beginner-friendly to challenging trad and sport routes.

Reddit
Morning Shade

Morning Shade

North-facing walls

Enjoy cooler climbing conditions in the morning as the sun hasn't yet hit the rock faces.

Reddit
Scenic Canyon Views

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.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Moab's desert sun is intense. Visit Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Many routes are shaded then, making for a more comfortable climb. Reddit

Navigation and Beta

Cell service is spotty to non-existent in the canyon. Download offline maps and bring a guidebook or plenty of photos from Mountain Project. This is crucial for finding routes and understanding the climbs. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Ideal temps, less sun exposure
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Summer mornings
Why
Shaded routes, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We literally sprinted the entire rest of the canyon and climbed out the side #canyon #canyoneering #moab #fypシ゚viral #viral #foryou #foryoupage
@2mili2mili
1M likes • 12.2M views

Bring Your Beta!

No cell service! Download offline maps & route info from Mountain Project. Reddit :iphone:

Start Early

Beat the heat and crowds. Morning shade is your friend! Reddit :sunrise:

You never know when this will come in handy 😂 #tiktokpartner #levelupbootcamp #climbing #ice
@climbingsnowboarder
271.8K likes • 4M views
brushing your teeth at ice cream parlor >> ! 🧗🏼‍♀️ (swipe for the cutest crag dog)
madison.husmann
285 likes • 0 views

Hike to the Crag

A moderate hike gets you to the climbing. Wear sturdy shoes! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Check the Sun

Sun hits the walls by noon, making them too hot to touch. Reddit :hot_face:

Life is better on the road ☀️🌵💚 • • • • • #utah #moab #vanlife #vantravel #promastercampervan #promasterconversion #climbing #icecreamparlor #vanconversion #camperrenovation #customvanbuild
toastmaster2500
105 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Beta!

No cell service! Download offline maps & route info from Mountain Project. Reddit :iphone:

Start Early

Beat the heat and crowds. Morning shade is your friend! Reddit :sunrise:

Hike to the Crag

A moderate hike gets you to the climbing. Wear sturdy shoes! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Check the Sun

Sun hits the walls by noon, making them too hot to touch. Reddit :hot_face:

Base Jump Spectacle

You might see base jumpers launching from nearby cliffs. Reddit :rocket:

What Travellers Say

5
(8 reviews)

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

Great climbing options
Morning shade
Scenic canyon views

What People Dislike

Gets too hot by noon
No cell service

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking area, but it can get busy, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

The approach is a hike over rocks, not a paved path. It's considered moderately difficult but rewarding with scenic views. Reddit

No, you cannot drive directly to the climbing walls. Access requires a hike from the designated parking area. Reddit

While primarily a climbing destination, the hike into the canyon offers beautiful scenery that non-climbers can enjoy. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no specific permit is required for climbing at Ice Cream Parlor, but always check local regulations as they can change. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Tickets aren't applicable here, but for popular Moab activities like Arches National Park, booking timed entry passes in advance is crucial. TikTok

Yes, booking a local climbing guide in advance is highly recommended, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with the area. Reddit

🎫 🧗 Onsite Experience

Ice Cream Parlor offers a variety of climbing styles, including sport and trad routes, with options suitable for different skill levels. Reddit

Yes, there are good starter routes for beginners, making it a popular spot for those new to climbing in Moab. Reddit

Essential gear includes climbing shoes, harness, helmet, rope, quickdraws, and plenty of water. A guidebook or downloaded route photos are also vital. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, it's common to see base jumpers launching from nearby cliffs, adding an exciting element to the experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Moab offers various dining options, from casual cafes to brewpubs. Many climbers enjoy grabbing a meal in town after a day on the rock. Reddit

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. Reddit

Pack high-energy, easy-to-eat snacks like trail mix, energy bars, sandwiches, and plenty of water to stay hydrated in the desert heat. Reddit

The nearest grocery stores are located in Moab, so it's best to stock up on supplies before heading out to the climbing area. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted in sensitive natural areas and national parks. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area can be a fun stop for families, especially if you have climbers in the group. The hike into the canyon offers a chance for kids to explore and enjoy the desert scenery. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and water for everyone, as amenities are scarce. While the climbing routes themselves might be too advanced for very young children, the general atmosphere and the possibility of seeing base jumpers can be exciting. Reddit

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. TikTok 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. TikTok

🧗‍♀️ Beginner Climbers

Ice Cream Parlor is a great introduction to Moab climbing for beginners. The area features several sport climbing routes with good bolt placements and accessible anchors, perfect for learning to lead or setting up top ropes. Reddit It's highly recommended to go with an experienced climber or hire a local guide who knows the area and can provide essential climbing beta. Reddit

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. Reddit Visiting in the early morning is key to avoid the intense desert heat and enjoy the shaded routes. Reddit

🚗 Van Lifers & Road Trippers

The Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area is a fantastic pit stop for van lifers and road trippers exploring Moab. The scenic drive and the opportunity for a morning climb make it a worthwhile detour. TikTokInstagram Many van dwellers find dispersed camping options in the BLM lands surrounding Moab, offering a budget-friendly way to stay close to the climbing action. TikTok

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. Reddit The van life community is strong in Moab, so you might find fellow travelers to share tips and experiences with. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Climbing at Ice Cream Parlor: A Beginner's Guide

The Ice Cream Parlor Climbing Area is a gem for climbers visiting Moab, offering a good mix of routes for various skill levels. For beginners, the area provides excellent opportunities to practice sport climbing and top-roping. Many routes are well-bolted and have accessible anchors, making them ideal for those learning to lead or for setting up top ropes. It's highly recommended to bring a climbing guide or experienced friend if you're new to the area, as route finding can be tricky without service. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating Moab's Desert Environment

Moab's desert environment presents unique challenges and rewards for visitors. The intense sun and dry air mean that hydration is paramount. Always carry more water than you think you'll need, and consider electrolyte supplements. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are non-negotiable, even on cloudy days. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok