Starved Rock State Park

Mountain/Rock

Starved Rock State Park

Page Type: Mountain/Rock

Location: Illinois, United States, North America

Lat/Lon: 41.32056°N / 88.99561°W

County: La Salle

Activities: Ice Climbing

Season: Winter

Elevation: 567 ft / 173 m

Page By: drjohnso1182

Created/Edited: Mar 26, 2008 / Mar 30, 2008

Object ID: 391308

Hits: 353

Page Score: 89.47% - 16 Votes

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Table of Contents

Overview

Getting There

Red Tape

Camping and Amenities

Guidebook

External Links

Images

Overview

Starved Rock State Park encompasses a section of sandstone bluffs and narrow canyons on the south bank of the Illinois River. The miles of trail, historical significance, well-appointed lodge, wildlife (including bald eagles in the winter), and proximity to Chicago make the park a popular destination year-round. While rock climbing is prohibited, ice climbing is permitted when conditions allow. To check ice and other park conditions, call 815-667-4726.

There are currently (2008) five canyons in which ice climbing is permitted:

French Canyon: At least two falls. The main fall comes in as either a ramp or staircase and is WI1.

Wildcat Canyon: Probably the most impressive ice fall at the park. WI4.

Tonti Canyon: At least two falls. WI3+

Lasalle Canyon: A short curtain of ice.

Ottawa Canyon: No information at this time.

The canyons are highlighted in blue in the map below; there are also signs and maps along the trails to indicate the canyons. The ranger station where you will need to sign in (see Red Tape) is also highlighted.

Getting There

Per the state park website (see External Links):

I-39 southbound: South to I-80 east (exit #59). Go 2 miles to exit #81 (Rt. 178, Utica). Go south (right) 3 miles on Rt. 178 and follow the signs into the Park.

I-39 northbound: North to Exit #48 (Tonica exit). Go east (right) for approximately 5 miles to the T-intersection, which is Rt. 178. Go north (left) for approximately 5 miles and follow the signs into the Park.

I-80 Eastbound and Westbound: Get off at exit #81 (Rt.178, Utica). Go south 3 miles on Rt. 178 and follow the signs into the Park.

For precise directions from your location, use the following link:

View Larger Map

Red Tape

Currently (March 2008), there is no fee for day use or ice climbing at Starved Rock.

Ice climbers must sign in at the ranger station (see map in the Overview section). If you enter the park from the west, the ranger station (park office) will be on your right before you reach the Visitor Center.

Ice climbing is only permitted in the canyons listed above. Call 815-667-4726 to find out if the conditions are appropriate for ice climbing. Rock climbing is not allowed.

Crampons should not be worn on wooden bridges or walkways.

Portions of the park are closed during hunting seasons. See the park website for dates and closures.

Camping and Amenities

If you wish to stay overnight, your options include:
- hotel rooms at the lodge
- cabins
- 133 Class A-Premium campsites
- youth group campsites
See the park website for reservation information or campsite permit information.

The lodge includes a nice restaurant (when they offer it, the prime rib buffet is recommended).

Guidebook

Superior Ice - Ice climbing information for many Upper Midwest areas

External Links

Starved Rock State Park - state park website

ClimbingCentral.com - some route information; check the forum for occasional reports on ice conditions

Looking down Lasalle Canyon

Images