Winter at Red-byrd Arch

A towering ice formation rises beneath the sandstone at Red-byrd Arch after unusually severe snow and freezing conditions in the Red River Gorge.

Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge, Kentucky · Winter snow and ice

Large layered ice column beneath the sandstone at Red-byrd Arch, surrounded by snow-covered rocks and winter forest.

The story behind the photograph

On January 23, 2024, Ryan and his cousin chose a spontaneous snowy day hike after Ryan’s unsuccessful backpacking attempt along Swift Camp Creek. Both had visited Red-byrd Arch before and approached from the Calaboose Ridge Road side using prior knowledge, maps, and a very faint trace rather than a formal trail. The ice and snow were unusually severe, and they used a short rappel to descend an icy section. Ryan remembers the fun outing and rappel with his cousin.

Photographed: January 23, 2024
Location: Clifty Wilderness, Red River Gorge, Kentucky