Rock Climbing

Climbing in the Adirondacks is addicting! Ranging from remote wilderness walls to classic roadside crags, the Park offers a smorgasbord of mountaineering adventures.  Since 1988 Rock and River has introduced over 20,000 clients to the joy and beauty of climbing in this very special region. When choosing Rock and River, you'll find:

• Friendly, experienced guides with an average age topping 40, most having guided here for over 10 years and all sporting a perfect safety record,
• A customer-oriented business philosophy that puts the clients’ needs first,
• A fair and affordable fee scale that allows access to professional instruction for families and working class individuals,
• People that care passionately about the region, their chosen profession and the clients they work with day after day…

Our climbing program has evolved over the years. Throughout, we've noticed that clients have progressed much faster when hiring a private guide as opposed to learning through a course. With this in mind, Private Guiding will be the program though which most clients will now register (see Private Guiding). We will however, continue to offer a 2 Day Beginning Rock course twice each season for those that enjoy learning in a group and/or simply can’t afford Private Guiding rates.

All guiding originates from our lodge unless other arrangements have been made. Clients are asked to be at Rock and River by 8:30 a.m. If needed, we provide all the technical gear, including rock shoes, harnesses, helmets and ropes. We also provide trail lunches for Private Guiding sessions and our Beginning Rock course. All groups (4 or more individuals) that register under Group Instruction must provide their own lunches. Because of our 30-foot indoor rock wall, most of our instructional sessions can be taught, rain or shine. We recommend loose clothing (sweats or shorts), sneakers, a rain shell, wool or pile sweater, day pack, water bottle and camera.

• Beginning Rock - 2 Day course
• Private Guiding - Rates
• Backcountry Adventures - Rock
• Group Instruction – Rates
  
   

BEGINNING ROCK-2 DAY

This course is appropriate for any beginner wishing to learn the basics of climbing. Our goal is to develop sound fundamentals, confidence and an overall awareness of what the sport entails. We begin the first day with a discussion and demonstration of basic climbing concepts such as belaying, rope handling and technique. We spend the rest of the day climbing and rappelling, employing a top-rope format. On the second day, we continue top-roping on a more challenging crag. This session provides a well rounded introductory experience and is taught in a low key, no pressure manner.

PRICE: $195
CLIENT/GUIDE: 4 TO 1
OFFERED: Annually the 2nd weekend of July and the 2nd weekend of August (sat. and sun.)


 

PRIVATE GUIDING

Private Guiding is the program through which most of our clients hire a guide. It’s offered year round, covers any discipline we teach (rock, ice, hiking, etc.) and includes instruction as well as guiding. This means pure beginners through experienced pros can register through and apply the Private Guiding rates. Popular requests include:

• Beginning climbers wishing to learn proper fundamentals and safety techniques
• Novice – advanced climbers wishing simply to become better, more efficient climbers or perfect skills such as learning to lead, aid climb, self-rescue etc.
• Experienced climbers seeking to be guided on backcountry routes as well as local classics
• Hikers seeking companionship or guidance up trailess 4000 footers
   

If desired, two or more people can share a private lesson, thus reducing cost. In these situations the client provides the additional people. If more than 3 people wish to hire a guide for climbing/hiking etc. then this falls under our Group rates (see Group Instruction below). When registering, please inform us as to your goals and experience. Usually registration by phone works best (we accept calls from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m)GIFT CERTIFICATES as well as PARENT/CHILD rates (17 and under, see below) are available.
 

* Extra children will be charged $50/day.


 

BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES - ROCK

The Adirondack Park houses many superb roadside climbing areas (upon which we usually guide/teach) but it is the more remote wilderness cliffs that make the climbing experience here truly unique. We've guided individuals, couples, parent/child teams as well as numerous groups (school, scouts, friends) into many of these locations and feel that these trips are the most memorable that we offer. From slide climbs to group top-rope sessions to multi-pitch classics, trips of any length and ability level can be arranged. We are highly experienced, know the region and enjoy the challenge of devising the perfect adventure!

With the backcountry opportunities being virtually endless, we've listed what we consider to be some of the very best below. These trips can be accomplished in a day or can involve camping where the guide hikes in and meets the group at a prearranged site. Even multi-day wilderness climbs involving a central base camp can be arranged. We offer these trips through our Private Guiding or Group Instruction programs (at those rates) and charge an additional surcharge per trip of $75. If the guide is required to stay out overnight special pricing arrangements need to be discussed. Call us if this is the case…

SOUTH FACE OF GOTHICS
Probably the most spectacular of all Adirondack settings, this Yosemite-like cirque has beautiful ledges, a grassy, open base and a wide variety of climbing challenges. The South Face can be climbed alone or in combination with the North Face Finger slide (5.3 friction) thus producing the ultimate Adirondack mountain day! Can be watched/filmed by friends from Pyramid Peak if desired.
Climb ratings: 5.5 - 5.10

HENDERSON CLIFF
While climbing on Henderson has existed for a few years, the land approach was private and thus the cliff saw little traffic. With the state's recent purchase of Henderson Lake near Newcomb, this cliff is now easily accessible by boat as well as by trail. The climbs are fun, highly scenic and afford a different view of the high peaks. The approach begins in the deserted village of Tahawus (an 1800's mining town) and camping is abundant. A unique cliff and location, destined to soon become popular.
Climb ratings: 5.8 - 5.10

THE COURTHOUSE
This is by far an away our favorite backwoods group top-roping site. It has great views, a relatively short approach and excellent camping nearby. The cliff is seventy feet high and offers numerous quality routes at all levels. Individuals as well as groups should consider the Courthouse if looking for a fun day away from the crowds.
Climb ratings: 5.5 - 5.10

ROOSTER COMB
Yet another great crag located on one of the region's most popular, well traveled peaks. Historic routes as well as a few newer crack lines make this crag a worthwhile day.
Climb ratings: 5.5 - 5.9

AVALANCHE PASS
The recently pioneered climbs of Avalanche Pass are as scenic as any in the East. With an abundance of multi-pitch crack and corner climbs of moderate grades, this area is sure to grow in popularity once discovered. The approach is straight forward as well as enjoyable and camping opportunities abound. Don't forget your film on this one!
Climb ratings: 5.6 - 5.10

BIG SLIDE
An Adirondack gem! A four mile hike to the summit slab and then an afternoon of fabulous friction climbing in an unparalleled aesthetic setting. With a base camp set in the John's Brook Valley, this trip can be combined with a few days of spectacular hiking.
Climb ratings: 5.7 - 5.9
 

ROGER'S ROCK
With the approach being by touring kayak or canoe, this four hundred foot slab rises directly out of Lake George and offers numerous climbs at moderate levels. Our most requested "off the beaten track" climb, this adventure, while not wilderness in nature, offers a spectacular setting nonetheless. Bathing suits are a must!
Climb ratings: 5.5 - 5.8

SNOWY MOUNTAIN
The short, high quality routes on the summit cliff of Snowy Mountain (near Indian Lake in the southern Adirondacks) provide a full day of climbing in an idyllic setting. A must for any Adirondack regular that enjoys combining classic hiking with fun, moderate climbing.
Climb ratings: 5.6 - 5.9

NOONMARK
Without a doubt Noonmark is one of the nicest and most popular of the Adirondack peaks. Better still, the west face sports a ninety foot summit cliff peppered with crack and face climbs that cover a wide variety of levels. Scenic and fun, this crag is a great combination hiking/climbing trip and is ideal for small groups as well as families. Can be made into an easy overnighter with a camping base merely a half mile in on Round pond.
Climb Ratings: 5.3 - 5.9

WALLFACE
The Northeast's largest wilderness cliff, climbing here is as adventurous as it gets! With a five mile approach and eight hundred foot vertical climb, this one or two day trip provides the ultimate Adirondack challenge. Fortunately, Wallface has full length climbs at all ability levels. Especially recommended during the Fall.
Climb ratings: 5.2 - 5.10

TRAP DYKE
More of a scramble than a technical climb, yet challenging all the same. This rock fissure up Mt. Colden involves a minimal amount of ropework yet a good deal of steep, open slab hiking. Truly an Adirondack classic in every sense of the word, open to anyone in good physical condition. For a complete adventure, a descent down the new slide on the backside of Colden can be added!
Climb rating: 4th class (non-technical)

GIANT 'S EAST FACE
This rarely done slide climb with a technical rock finish is destined to become a classic. It fills a niche for those looking for a varied mountain day complete with hiking, slide climbing and moderate roped climbing to an outstanding summit. A personal favorite!
Climb ratings: 4th class if bypassing the headwall finish, 5.5 if ascending the headwall


 

GROUP INSTRUCTION

The Adirondacks have long been considered the premiere eastern region for introducing groups to the joys and rewards of outdoor pursuits. Today, more than ever, these wilderness experiences are sorely needed. Recently, institutional programs have come under close scrutiny due to their increased environmental impact on the resources utilized. While it is true that one large group will impact the resource more so than several smaller ones, responsibly run groups of reasonable size that choose environmentally stable teaching sites provide benefits that far outweigh the costs. With this in mind we will continue to offer group instruction to the general public that emphasizes fun, proper fundamentals and responsible, courteous site usage.

Our program is ideal for school groups, scouts, summer camps or simply a group of friends looking to climb in a more social, less costly manner. Our format is flexible. Sessions range from standard top-roping sessions to independently designed courses tailored to a specific group's needs. Because we feel it is imperative that kids get introduced to the sport in a conservative, responsible manner, we encourage schools, camps and scout organizations to seek professional instruction.

From roadside crags to remote mountaintops, the Adirondacks have it all. If interested, please give us a call...

GROUP INSTRUCTION RATES*

OFFERED: YEAR ROUND
PRICES: PER PERSON PER DAY
 

* Includes all gear as well as rock shoes/ice boots.
   Lunch is not included in group activities.