Basic Rock Climbing Northern Virginia
Crescent Rocks and Elizabeth Furnace are the perfect places for beginners to learn the fundamentals of rock climbing. Our introductory course will focus on the essential basics: equipment use, terminology, rope handling, knots, belaying and movement on the rock, including proper footwork and hand placements. All meals, tent camping, technical equipment and instruction are provided.
Basic Rock Climbing Northern Virginia Itinerary:
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Day 1
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 our final gear check we caravan to the Fairfax Metro Park and Ride lot to leave our vehicles then travel as a group to our campsite to settle in and enjoy a great 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.
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Day 2
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.
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Day 3
After breakfast and packing our lunches, we’ll once again get in the van and head to Crescent Rocks or another area such as Elizabeth Furnace, 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 to return to camp for farewells by about 4:00 p.m. to pack up then we’ll be transferred back to the Park and Ride 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.
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.
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 within 21 days 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.
Basic Rock Climbing Northern Virginia
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.
Weather
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.
Gear Checklist
- Main climbing rope/s
- Climbing Helmet
- Seat harness
- Locking carabiner & slotted belay device
- Chalk bag & chalk – optional
- Rock Climbing Shoes (can be rented from REI in College Park, Maryland, but not at the Fairfax store where we meet, so please arrive with shoes)
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Sleeping pad
- 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
- Headlamp, spare batteries/bulb (no flashlights)
- 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
- Toiletry kit with ½-roll toilet paper and Bic lighter
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Towel
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Personal first-aid kit
- Camera with spare batteries
- Reading and writing materials