Climbing Near Copper Harbor, Michigan

Secluded, 20-150+ ft. grey basalt cliff outcroppings. Awesome climbing experience in the isolated Keweenaw Peninsula. Great beginner crags and a handful of classics for the seasoned vet. Be aware of the private property boundaries along Cliff Drive. Watch for poison ivy and ticks. These two nasties are not pervasive but present. Loose dogs can get skunked, porcupined, or picked up by the sheriff. Some of the approaches and/or climbs might be vegetated due to a lack of traffic. Fall colors are amazing. Hopefully the Aurora Borealis will put on a show if you're camping in the Keweenaw.*Guidebook for area can be purchased from Down Wind Sports.There are approximately 66 known and documented routes at Cliff Drive.Areas are listed in order as you would come across them driving northeast along Cliff Dr.- Ice Fall Area (19 routes)- Diamond Block (3 routes)- Overkill Roof (Unknown)- Brave Words Block (2 routes)- Free to Roam Block (1 route)- J.C. Area (17 routes)- Obsession Area (20 routes)- Tower Area (4 routes) Head to da U.P. eh! From Houghton, drive north on US 41 past Calumet and into Ahmeek to a left turn onto Cliff Drive. Hiking approach time 15-40 minutes, depending on going to the base or top of climbs/cliffband. Make sure to park as best you can off the road and not be a traffic hazard.For more information contact Down Wind Sports

While access is hard in the winter Cliff Dr. sports over 20 known ice lines. Several form consistently every year, some come and go depending on the amount of snow and sunshine. Consider this area lead only for ice climbing. (Sure you can top rope it, but someone has to lead it first.) Hiking and finding climbs from the top is very unlikely and for sure treacherous. Many ice climbs are referenced to the rock climbing route closest to it, buy the guidebook! While there are a few mixed lines at Cliff Drive, if you don't know for sure that it is not a rock climb do not dry tool or mixed climb it. This area is true Michiganeering! Cliff Dr. is only plowed from the north end in the winter. You must drive on US41 past Mohawk and then turn left onto Cliff Dr. The plowed portion of the road ends around Ice Fall Area. The approach to the base of the cliffs is horrible. Deep snow piles up against the base of the cliff and in the boulder field below. Be prepared to break through snow bridges in the boulder field and fall in waist, chest, or even head deep. There is seldom a boot pack and the terrain is very steep for use of skis or snowshoes.

A separate area for the bouldering along Cliff Drive From Houghton, drive north on US 41 past Calumet and into Ahmeek to a left turn onto Cliff Drive. Hiking approach time 15-40 minutes, depending on going to the base or top of climbs/cliffband. Make sure to park as best you can off the road and not be a traffic hazard.