Are you looking to plan a climbing trip for the first time? Our guides have worked together to put together this short guide to help you along your way! Whether its your first time climbing or if you are an experience gym climber looking to get outside for the first time, consider hiring a guide. Hiring a qualified guide will make a huge difference in the success of your trip because guides generally already know the areas that you want to climb at and will be able to help you plan your trip and save you time at the crag by showing you around. This means that you can spend less time doomscrolling Mountain Project at the cliffs and more time climbing!
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The first item on the agenda for planning a trip is “where”. If it is your first time climbing outside its recommended to pick an easily accessible beginner friendly crag. When searching for a crag, look for one with a short approach and routes well within your grade range. Be sure to do your research on the area before you arrive, this will help you save time once you get to the crag and maximize your climbing time. Consider purchasing a guide book for the area if one is available. Guidebooks tend to be much more detailed than mountain project, and still work if your phone battery happens to die while you are out for the day.
Pro Tip: If it is your first time climbing outdoors, be careful to not overestimate your ability. Climbing 5.10 in the gym and climbing 5.10 outside are not the same. There is a steep learning curve when transitioning from gym to crag.
Next, decide when you will be going. While conditions are definitely a big factor that will help you send hard, if it is your first time to an area or your first time going outside, go when you can. As long as it isn’t a totally rained out weekend, a weekend full of climbing is better than a weekend not climbing. That’s not to say don’t consider the weather, some crags stay dry even in heavy rain, some get sun and stay warm in the winter and others get shade and are cooler during the hot summer months. Use the available information you have about surrounding crags to see if one makes a better choice than another.
Pro Tip: Get outside as much as you can. Research has shown that the biggest difference between people who send hard grades outside and those who don’t, is time spent at the crag.
Before you leave you a day, weekend, or longer on your climbing trip, make sure you have everything you need. Unlike going to the gym, accidentally forgetting an item like your shoes, chalk, rope, or even tape can totally ruin your trip. When you get ready to head out, triple check to make sure you are prepared. Also, don’t forget about properly fueling yourself. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for crag.
Pro Tip: Make a packing list and check off items as the go into your vehicle. This will ensure nothing gets left behind.
If you are staying overnight at, or near a crag, make sure to have those plans fully prepped before you leave. There is not much worse than arriving only to find out your campground is closed, full, or needed a reservation leaving you stranded for the night after a long and tiring day at the crag. A good nights sleep is a must have for a good day at the cliffs and a restless night will mean a rough day 2.
Pro Tip: Have a bad weather backup plan. If worst come to worst, don’t stay in a miserable or unsafe situation, there is no shame in bailing to hotel for the night if something goes wrong.
Finally, be aware of the areas ethics and have the skills you need to be safe. It is recommended that you always follow Leave No Trace principles in order to help keep the area clean and access open. I always also follow the rule, “leave it better than you find it”. If you see trash, trail damage, or another problem, clean it up. This will not only make the area more enjoyable for others, but will help ensure that the area remains accessible to climbers in the future. Many crags have been shut down do to land managers displeasment with how climbers treated the area. Also be sure you have the skills to be safe at the crag. If you are unsure of your technical skills, its your first time climbing outside, or don’t have practice with technical skills in high risk scenarios, hire a guide. Guides are both proficient in technical skills and excellent teachers. One day with a guide will progress your climbing further than ten days without one, and you can ensure that you will be safer and have a more enjoyable experience.
Pro Tip: Hire from the AMGA. AMGA certified Guides and Instructors are industry leaders in all things climbing and mountaineering. When hiring from the AMGA you can be sure you are getting the best instruction and care possible.