> OUTDOOR CLIMBING
OUTDOOR
TRIPS
Want to try climbing? Need to get out on a new adventure? These outings are perfect for those newer to climbing.
OUTDOOR COURSES
Ready to move from gym to crag? Want to learn about anchor building or trad? These course will take your skills to the next level.
PRIVATE
GUIDING
Going solo and need a guide? Looking for an exciting group event? Customize an outing for yourself or your group.
> OUTDOOR TRIPS
Let's Go Climbing
Get out for a day on real rocks.
No experience necessary.
We bring the gear and the guides!
> OUTDOOR COURSES
Are you ready to take your climbing to the next level?
We believe it is essential to learn, practice and master essential skills in order to manage risk and have a successful outdoor experience. Therefore, we offer a variety of courses designed to help you achieve your goals and desired skill proficiency.
Gym to Crag Skills
Are you outdoor curious? Have you been spending lots of time in the gym and are looking for a world beyond plastic? Our Gym to Crag outings are designed to help you take that next step, no matter if you are a rope climber or boulderer (yes, it is a word). You will learn the differences between the indoor and outdoor climbing environments which include:
- Fundamentals of outdoor etiquette
- Additional safety considerations
- Transitioning skills (i.e. spotting, pad placement, other belay device, advanced knots, rappeling, etc)
- Reading routes and adjusting grades
- Next steps on your outdoor journey
Pre-requisites:
- All climbing ability levels welcome
- Should be comfortable climbing in a gym environment
Anchor Classes
Intro to Top Rope Anchors
This skills-intensive course allows you to take your outdoor climbing to the next level. This course provides the necessary knowledge and skills to set up a top-rope system using fixed anchors. Content will include:
- Fundamentals of anchor anatomy and forces
- Equipment review and care
- Advanced knot tying and use of hitches
- Building anchors using trees, rocks, and bolts
- Safety and site management
Pre-requisites:
- Solid belay skills
- Comfortable at height and moving in an exposed environment
- Your own harness. You are welcome to bring your own helmet and other climbing gear.
Advanced Top Rope Anchors
This skills-intensive course will build on your previous knowledge of basic top rope anchors. Content will include:
- Placing protection
- Building anchors with trad gear
- Rappelling
Pre-requisites:
- Solid belay skills
- Foundational top rope anchors knowledge and skills
- Your own harness. You are welcome to bring your own helmet and other climbing gear.
Intro to Sport Climbing
Ready for the sharp end? Whether you have been honing your lead climbing indoors or outdoors, this course will help solidify your skill set and confidence. Content includes:
- Equipment review and care
- Belay device types and their distinctions between a lead and top rope belay application
- Clipping techniques, stances and climbing movement
- Mock leading (practicing clipping and lead movement with the security of a top rope belay)
- Setting and cleaning anchors
Pre-requisites:
- Lead climbing and belaying experience in an indoor or outdoor setting
- Own harness and shoes; helmets will be required but can be provided
Intro to Trad Climbing
This course focuses on the fundamentals of single pitch traditional (“Trad”) climbing with a heavy emphasis on gear placement and anchor building. Content includes:
- Equipment review and care
- Essential gear for building a rack
- Gear placement, extension techniques and strategies to reduce rope drag
- Route reading
- How to bail
Pre-requisites:
- Lead climbing and belaying experience in an indoor or outdoor setting
- Solid understanding of anchors
- Own harness and shoes; helmets will be required but can be provided
- Bring personal TR, sport or trad rack and rope. Additional gear provided.
Self-Rescue
Many climbers venture outside and hope everything goes well. What if it doesn’t? Do you know how to help yourself, your climbing partner or maybe a nearby climbing party? This course will teach you basic rescue skills for those times.
Skills Taught:
- Weighted and un-weighted belay take overs and climber pickoffs
- Counterbalance ascents and rappels
- Ascending a rope
- Lowering an injured climber
- Escaping the belay
- Passing the knot
- Basic haul systems
Pre-requisites:
- Solid belay skills
- Basic understanding of top rope anchors
> PRIVATE GUIDING
Does our schedule not work for you?
Do you have a group event you are looking to book?
Not a problem! We offer custom outings for individuals and groups. This allows for flexibility in date, time, and program content so that you are able to build the experience you want.
Private Guiding
Half-day (Up to 4 hours)
- 1 person $175 a day
- 2 people $140 per person
- 3 people $115 per person
- 4 people $90 per person
- 5 people $85 per person
- 6 people $80 per person
For groups of 6 or more, please go to the Group Climbing.
Full-day (Up to 8 hours)
- 1 person $225 a day
- 2 people $200 per person
- 3 people $175 per person
- 4 people $150 per person
- 5 people $140 per person
- 6 people $130 per person
For groups of 6 or more, please go to the Group Climbing.
Group Trips
Half-day (Up to 4 hours)
- 7 – 12 climbers $75 per climbers
- 12 – 18 climbers $70 per climber
- 19+ climbers $60 per climber
Full-day (Up to 8 hours)
- 7 – 12 climbers $115 per climbers
- 12 – 18 climbers $95 per climber
- 19+ climbers $75 per climber
The above pricing is based on standard trip design. We can also customize the type of program which may adjust pricing. Customized options could include service/stewardship work, hiking, teambuilding, campouts and more. Please reach out to explore all options.
> FAQs
Where do you climb outside?
Pennsylvania has a lot of great of climbing areas. The areas we use for programs and guiding include High Rocks, Birsdsboro, and Emmaus to name a few.
Do I need my own climbing gear?
No, we provide everything you need for the climbing portion. You may bring your own gear but we will check it before use. You will receive a packing list for personal items a few days prior to the outing.
Is climbing outside harder than climbing inside?
Not necessarily. Some climbers find it easier and some find it harder. the mechanics of climbing and belaying are similar. However, it is definitely different and you will need to learn to move without colored rocks on a more natural surface.
What happens if the weather is bad?
You will be contacted a few days before your trip if weather is looking questionable. Your guide will help develop the best course of action and communication about whether the outing should proceed.
How do I set up and outdoor climbing trip?
We offer both open enrollment courses as well as private and group guiding. If a posted date doesn't work for you then please contact us for private options.
