Northern Virginia Rock Climbing

Northern Virginia Rock Climbing Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Meet fellow climbers at the REI Fairfax before transferring to our campsite to enjoy dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure!

  Your trip begins today in Fairfax, Virginia. Arrive at REI's Fairfax, Virginia store no later than 5:00 p.m. One group transfer from Washington Dulles International Airport is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. for those flying in. At the Fairfax store we'll have an opportunity learn about climbing and camping gear essentials and to review our trip itinerary. After a final gear check, we’ll leave our cars at the REI Fairfax parking lot (with windshield notices for overnight parking approval) and travel as a group to our campsite where we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner. Dinner tonight will likely be served after 7:00 p.m. so try to be sure to eat something on your way to our rendezvous. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Climbing instruction begins! Learn new techniques and skills for rock climbing.

  We start our day with breakfast in camp and prepare lunches to bring with us to the rock. We'll load up the van and head to our climbing area. A short hike takes us to the base of the climbs where we'll offer initial basic instruction including climbing site awareness and terminology. We then start in on the climbs, working on technique and refining our skills. We'll have lunch at the climbing site, then continue working on developing our abilities into the afternoon. We'll pack up and hike out in time to be back at camp. After dinner we can try out the camp's 400-foot zipline! Instruction and Climbing: 6-7 hours. All meals included.

• Day 3 Practice the skills you learned yesterday and further your climbing techniques on the famous local routes.

  After breakfast and packing our lunches, we'll once again get in the van and head to Great Falls, Elizabeth Furnace, or areas such as Carderock depending on the group's skills and interests. We'll have some review in the morning before trying out new climbs. We'll have lunch again at the climbing site, then continue climbing into the afternoon. We plan leave the rock site by about 4:00 p.m. to pack up then we'll be transferred back to the REI Fairfax store for those retrieving vehicles. From there, those needing to return to the airport will be shuttled back to Dulles. Please plan no flights out before 7:00 p.m. tonight. Instruction and Climbing: 6-7 hours. Breakfast and lunch included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. 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.

Please be advised that single accommodations may be unavailable.

All accommodations; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; airport transfers from Dulles International Airport if needed; professional instruction and guiding; transportation from the meeting point to the climbing area and back; group climbing equipment (see gear list for details) and first-aid kit.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; climbing shoes; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages (please do not bring); soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Dulles International Airport, Chantilly, VA: 2 hours

REI will provide one group transfer from Washington Dulles International Airport to REI at 4:00 p.m. on Day 1 of the trip.  Please plan to arrive prior to 3:00 p.m. in order to take advantage of the transfer as you will need to retrieve your bags before meeting up with the group.  You will meet your group and guide at baggage claim #4 at the airport at 4:00 p.m.

If you miss the group transfer for any reason, you must arrange your own transportation to the Fairfax REI store.  Taxi service is available from the airport to the Fairfax REI store for about $25.00 one way.  Our guides will provide the return shuttle to the airport when the trip has ended.

This trip is rated Moderate (3) as we plan to climb for 4-6 hours per day and will have to hike a short distance 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 50-80º F during the day to 40-60º F at night. Trip members should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the gear recommendations below. This trip operates rain or shine.

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.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Gear Checklist