Q. I'm not sure which trip or course to sign up for right now.  Is that a problem?

• A. Not a problem at all.  We offer many different trip and course options to give clients an idea of what is available.  However, it is all very flexible, and we can change things up when you arrive, or even while we are down at the rock.  We recommend signing up for the outing that seems closest to your interest and/or ability level, and then we can further customize the outing when you arrive.

Q. What is the best time of year to climb at Smith Rock?

• A. Smith Rock is a great year round crag.  Our guides know where to find either sun or shade, so it doesn't matter if it's 40 degrees or 100.  The park is generally less crowded in the summer, and the weather is more stable.  Fall and spring have more comfortable temps, but with more competition for routes.  Winter is a bit more unpredictable weather-wise, but is perfect for locals who come out on sunny days; and no crowds!  It really is a toss up; it is nice either way really.

Q. I am worried about the heat.  Is this a problem? 

• A. Our guides know the park very well, and will make sure you get on routes that are in the shade on hot days.   In the high desert's dry climate, climbing in the shade is comfortable even on the warmest days.  Our half day trips are structured (meeting 8:30 am and 2:30 pm) so we can time the shade in particular areas of the park and keep you as comfortable as possible.  Familiarity with the sun/shade timing is one of the main benefits of climbing with a guide!

Q. Can non-climbing friends or family follow us and watch / take pictures?

• A. Of course!  Smith Rock has a great trail system, and most of the climbing routes have a trail going right up to the base.  Family and friends are welcome to hang out and watch.  Sometimes they come back and try it themselves!

Q. How long are your half-day trips?  How about full-day? 

• A. Half-day trips are generally between 4 - 4.5  hours from the time we meet to the time you are headed home.  Full-day trips have no time limit, although most people climb between 5-9 hours.

Q. I want to climb for less than four hours.  Do you have discount rates for an hour or two?

• A. We can sometimes provide an hourly rate, if requested, on slow days.  The hourly rate is based on 1/3 the total cost of the half-day rate for your particular group size.  For example, for a group of three (normally $255 total for a four hour half-day) the rate would be $85 per hour.  This is sometimes a good option if you just want to do a route or two.  The time starts when we start hiking to the climbs, so we normally choose an area with a short approach.  There is a one hour minimum charge for hourly climbing.

Q. What is the youngest / oldest client you have had?

• A. It is common for us to have kids as young as four.  We have had a few three year olds as well!  We have full body harnesses and shoes made just for kids.  Smith Rock has a great variety of easy climbs  (or even 20 foot boulders) that make kids feel like kings of the rock.  As for an oldest client, we have had first-time climbers in their late 70's make it up 100 foot routes!  There is no age minimum or maximum for rock climbing.  It is a low impact and extremely safe activity when done with a professional guide.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept?

• A. We accept any card with a Visa or Mastercard logo, as well as cash, and certified checks / money orders.

Q. Are we supposed to tip our Guide?

• A. Tips are customary in the guiding industry, and are definitely appreciated.  However, this is by no means mandatory.

Q. Is gear included in the cost of the trip?

• A. Yes; all equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, chalkbag, and backpack if needed) are supplied at no extra charge.

Q. What do I need to bring with me?

• A. Be sure to bring water (and food for full-day trips), and comfortable walking shoes for the trail in.  As for clothing, anything that allows for freedom of movement is fine.  If you are with a minor that is not your own child, be sure to bring a waiver and declaration of fitness signed by their parent / legal guardian.  These can be downloaded here. 

Q. Do I have to wear a helmet?

• A. Helmets are recommended, but if you do not want to wear one you can sign a protective headwear refusal form when you arrive.

Q. Do you get many people who have never climbed at all?

• A. A good percentage (probably about 40%) of our clients have never climbed outdoors on real rock.  Many have climbed before on indoor climbing walls, while perhaps 25% have never climbed at all, either indoors or out.  The famous walls of Smith Rock are the perfect place for your first climbing experience!

Q. Do you guide expert level climbers as well?

• A. We employ some of the hardest-climbing rock guides in the US (see about us page).  Whether you are climbing 5.1 or 5.14, we have a guide for you.  Additionally, our lead guides have received certification as climbing instructors, and stay up to date with ever-changing climbing practices and equipment.  Even the most experienced climbers will find there is something to learn from a professional guide.

Q. What if it rains during our climb?

• A. Our rain refund policy is the best in the business.  Check our rain /snow refund policy here.  However, it is rare to be rained-out here at Smith Rock.  It rarely rains for very long, so we can usually wait it out and keep climbing.

Q. Can I join with another group to save money?

• A. We do our best to accommodate these types of requests, although there are several factors that have to line up in order to make this work.  For example, there has to be a group going out on the day you are interested in, they have to be comfortable with having someone join them, as well as having similar experience / ability levels and goals for the day.  We will do what we can, but it is usually best to pay a little more and have a guide all to yourself.   

Q. How high will we go?

• A. That depends on your comfort level and how much time we have.  Routes range in height from 40 to 400 feet.  Some clients (small kids or those working to break a fear of heights) want to start even lower, so we sometimes rig a rope on a 20 foot boulder and move up from there.  Others want to go as high as possible right away.  Most clients go up 100 feet on several routes their first day out.   It is also common to have day-one climbers make it up 400 foot climbs! 

Have another question?

Check the Directions, client info, etc. page, or contact us