Rock Climbing North Carolina
North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest has a multitude of amazing rock climbing areas and draws climbers from every level to its rock faces year round! On this introductory course, we'll spend time at areas ideal for beginner climbers; Looking Glass and Cedar Rock, both located less than 15 minutes from our base camp. Over two full days, we will focus on the essential skills required to get out on the rock and climb! Topics covered include climbing movement and bouldering skills, knots and rope work, belaying and rappelling and communication in climbing. Climbing equipment, showing you what you need (and what you don't need) as well as looking at storage and proper use. Creating anchors using natural components (trees, boulders) and bolt anchors for top rope climbing set ups, reading climbing topos and deciphering climbing grades. Leave No Trace wilderness skills, climbing history and ethics, debunking common myths in climbing and climbing equipment, and of course the most important—lots of rock climbing! All meals, camping accommodation and required technical equipment are provided. The course will be run by professional instructors that are certified by The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and that have many years experience in teaching Rock Climbing 101 and many other technical skills courses.
Rock Climbing North Carolina Itinerary:
- Day 1
Your trip begins today in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina. Arrive at the Asheville REI store at 6:30 p.m. this evening to meet your guides, get to know your fellow climbers and review the weekend's itinerary. There will be time to shop the REI store with your guides as well if you like for gear or any last minute personal items you may need. From the store it's a short 15 minute drive to our basecamp where we'll settle in around the campfire and enjoy getting to know the group. Dinner tonight is on your own, so eat before you arrive. Rest well tonight before our climbing adventure at Looking Glass Rock tomorrow.
- Day 2
We start our day with breakfast in camp and prepare lunches to bring with us to the rock. A 30-minute moderate hike takes us to Looking Glass Rock where we will begin learning the basics of climbing site awareness, equipment use and terminology. We then start looking at beginner to advanced climbing movement and technique. We'll have lunch at the climbing site and then continue working on climbing techniques and skills into the afternoon. We'll pack up and hike out in time to be back at camp before dinner. Back at our campsite we have access to hot showers and flush toilets. We'll enjoy dinner and another great evening around the campfire. All meals included.
- Day 3
After breakfast and packing our lunches we will head to Looking Glass Rock or another amazing climbing area such as Cedar Rock, depending on the group's skills and interests. We'll cover some review in the morning before delving into new skills. We'll have lunch again at the climbing site and then continue climbing into the afternoon. We plan to end by about 4:00pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and trail conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Professional instruction; transportation from the meeting point to the climbing area and back; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; tent accommodations; group climbing equipment (see gear list for details).
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature. Note: alcoholic beverages are not allowed at the campsite per USFS regulations.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) NC, 10 minutes.
Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) SC, 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) 2 hours.
This trip is rated Moderate (3) as we plan to climb for 4-6 hours per day and will have to hike moderate distance (30 minutes) from the parking area to where the climbs are located each day. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.
Temperatures can range from 50 – 80° F during the day to 40 – 60° F at night. Trip members should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the gear recommendations.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Rock Climbing North Carolina
Having the proper gear is vital to your comfort and overall enjoyment of the seminar. Attached is a gear list that has been specifically designed for this trip. We often get asked if all items appearing on this list are really required. Our guides assert that climbers must arrive prepared as indicated. If you do not already own all of the necessary gear and are not certain if you will participate in climbing trips on a regular basis, please consider renting.
Weather
Temperatures can range from 50 – 80° F during the day to 40 – 60° F at night. Trip members should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the gear recommendations below.
Gear Checklist
- Tents
- Kitchen and cooking equipment
- Climbing rope(s)
- Climbing Helmet
- Climbing harness
- Locking carabineer & belay device
- Climbing shoes
- Chalk bag & chalk
- Any other required technical rock climbing gear
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Sleeping pad/mat
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries/bulb
- Daypack, 2000 - 3000 cu. in., to be used during climb
- Approach shoes – sneakers or hikers
- Rain gear (Waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants)
- Midweight wool or fleece jacket/sweater
- Midweight, thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool (no cotton)
- Lightweight pants-loose and comfortable
- Synthetic T-shirts
- Synthetic long-sleeve shirt
- Synthetic, quick-drying hiking shorts—loose and comfortable
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and use when not climbing
- Sun hat
- Bandana for sun protection
- Energy snacks and powdered drinks
- Eating utensils: 1 large bowl, insulated mug or cup, spoon
- Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration pack
- Sun block and lip balm w/high SPF
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Towel
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Personal first-aid kit
- Camera with spare batteries
- Reading and writing materials
- If you want, feel free to bring your own harness, helmet, climbing shoes, chalk bag and chalk (please do not bring ropes or hardware)
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Guides (23)
- Group camaraderie (22)
- Quality equipment provided (19)
- Activity level (18)
- Well organized itinerary (18)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual adventurer (16), Casual/ recreational (5), Avid adventurer (3)
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active adventures (17), All the details planned for me (15), I liked the itinerary (13), Good value (11), Destination (9)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 23 customers
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Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
This was my first experience with an AMGA accredited guide. In hindsight, it makes all the difference and I will seek accredited guides in the future.
Besides our guide, the best part of the trip was being with women only. We didn't care how we looked and the camaraderie was nice. It was all about helping and encouraging each other. And little did I know that Asheville was the east coast mecca for outdoor climbing. The climbs were so much fun!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, Women only group
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- My husband and I traveled to Asheville for a wedding and I wanted to take advantage of Asheville's resources while there. I had tried indoor climbing a couple of times and outdoor once. I loved the outdoor experience so much that when I found the women's rock climbing weekend in Asheville on REI's website, I had to do it!
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Each time I reached the top of the rope and arrived at my goal. Lindsay was so calm, encouraging and helpful; she made it happen for us and was a terrific model.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Hiking boots were helpful. If you are traveling a distance, rent equipment from REI rather than lugging.
Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
This is a fantastic trip for people who are just beginning to climb or have no experience (I had none). The guides were very knowledgeable and were able to fit the difficulty of the routes to the level of the group. Even if you got in over your head the guides were there with the beta you needed. This knowledge allowed the guides to inspired confidence in the entire group as we worked to develop our sill. At the end of this trip I looked back I disbelief at the things this trip allowed me to do. This was a great experience at a very reasonable price.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, REI did my homework 4 me
Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
Extremely knowledgeable guides. Great group. Felt comfortable trying things which were a physical climbing challenge due to the quality of the support from guides and other trip attendees. All around positive experience, and amazingly fun.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Destination, Good Value, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Was looking for an introduction to outdoor climbing and traveling solo. Wanted to learn the right way to be safe and have fun on the rock.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Loved the variety of routes setup by the guides. Constant challenges were available.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Pack light, camping equipment can be rented from the REI store nearby and climbing gear can be borrowed from climbing guides. Trip leaders take care of all of the details.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- Activity Level
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
Our guides, Lindsay and Travis, were great. They were extremely professional, were relentless about the group's safety, and made the trip very fun for all of us.
Before the trip, I had a few email interactions with REI Adventures consultants, and I was very happy with their customer service.
The only improvement that I would recommend is more communication from the guides before the trip about what gear you need and what you don't. I came prepared with everything on the list, and found that I didn't need several of the items because the guides had enough. Also, some more details about where we are staying, etc. would have been useful before I left home.
Overall, this was a really great trip and I will definitely look to use REI Adventures again.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Experienced Guides, Good Value
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I chose this trip because it is close to where I live, and it gave me the opportunity to climb outside with an experienced guide.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- I knew I would love the climbing, which I did. The highlight for me was how much I enjoyed camping. I haven't been in years and was a little apprehensive, but found myself really enjoying that part of the trip.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
I LOVED IT!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Looking to try a new sport and with a free weekend to get out of town, I couldn't pass up this opportunity, which turned out better than expected on all levels -- particularly new friends who were just as enthusiastic and excited about free climbing, and our simply awesome solid guides Lindsay and Todd who were great fun and support all the way.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Seeing how much I really like rock climbing - as this was my first experience - with the unfolding of this delightful weekend of climbs!
Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
I could not imagine a better experience for a first time climber. The trip was well-organized throughout the entire weekend.
The guides were exceptional, truly skilled, and most importantly, they were very patient and understanding with people like myself who had never climbed. At the same time they pushed us in a friendly way to get the most out of our capabilities and the trip.
Both locations were beautiful and had lots of climbing routes.
I definitely recommend this trip to anyone with little or no climbing experience who wants to learn and have a good time. However, to get the most out of this trip you need to be physically fit.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Recommended by a Friend
Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
Our guides, Tracy and Eric, did an outstanding job taking care of the logisitics and they went to great lengths to help each and every person in the group. Few people had any climbing experience before, but within a few hours of the first day everyone was climbing well. Tracy and Eric really worked with the group so everyone reached or exceeded their goals.
As a group we quickly came together, learned to trust each other on the rock, and enjoyed getting to know each other at the campsite. This was a very enjoyable weekend.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- First time climbing and we wanted to make sure we had quality instruction
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Climbing with my son and all of the other adventurers. Seeing everyone push themselves to get to the top of each climb.
Pros
- Activity Level
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
Our guides (Stacy and Eric) were awesome. Their experience level and desire to teach really stood out ... Awesome trip!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Wanted an opportunity to experience rock climbing for the first time.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Learning the basics of rock climbing with awesome guides! Beautiful scenery and a great group of people!
Pros
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
Great
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
Pros
- Exceeded Expectations
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Rock Climbing North Carolina:
Amazing trip, had a blast
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Always wanted to go
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Meeting the great pe
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