Guided Climbing Camp in Smith Rock, Oregon

Top three reasons to go rock climbing in Smith Rock State Park

The birthplace of American sport climbing with over 1500 routes
The volcanoes of the Cascade Range provide a striking backdrop
Easy access with campground located next to the climbing

Boasting over 1500 climbing routes of varying length and style, Smith Rock is the perfect destination both for beginners and advanced climbers alike. Known as the birthplace of American sport climbing, its rich history, inexpensive and convenient camping scene, and vast potential for year-round climbing make it also one of the best locations in the USA. Just about 40 minutes north of Bend, OR, you can find massive volcanic tuff towers and spires, as well as Scarface — the U.S.’s first climb rated at 5.14! Find out more about why every sport climber needs to visit Smith Rock State Park from Jessica Meiris, rock guide and helicopter pilot.

Season

June through October

Nearest city

Bend, OR is a half hour’s drive

Duration

4 days

Skill level

Beginner to advanced

Book This Adventure

Make the most of your trip to Smith Rock State Park with the help of a guide and up your skills on this 4-day climbing camp. Meet new rock climbing enthusiasts from all over the country and make friends for life as you climb various routes for every level. Your guide will make sure you stay safe and have fun while you try to achieve your climbing goals!

Itinerary

After meeting with you guides, head to the camping site and start camp at Smith Rock State Park around 1:00pm. Get to know your guides and group as you climb for the afternoon. After a few hours of having fun on the rocks, come back to the camp where you’ll enjoy a delicious healthy fresh dinner prepared by your guides. Relax with your group around the campfire before retiring to your tent that is already set up for you – how easy is that?

Each morning you’ll start your day early so you can pack in a full day of climbing. Explore different areas of the park with a guide and climb anything from classic sport climbs, basalt cracks in the Gorge, to the welded tuff knobs and pockets on the Westside. Your guide will make sure you get some one-on-one individual attention to help you achieve your personal climbing goals. On the third night, head with your group to a local restaurant for dinner.

After a relaxed breakfast, say your goodbyes to the camp and your fellow climbers. If you wish to stay and climb for the day, you can hire a private guide and continue to work on your personal climbing goals. Though the camp ends after breakfast, you can return to the airport at any time of day.

Meet your guide

Chockstone Climbing Guides

At Chockstone Climbing Guides they believe all clients deserve the best service from professionals that are trained in the current, highest standards of practice in our industry. They were the first Smith Rock guide service accredited by the AMGA in 1999. Their company follows best practices in the field and meets the highest industry standards of business practices regarding permits, insurances and environmental practices.

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Smith Rock State Park please refer to the Smith Rock State Park website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

- An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 4 days of rock climbing
- Accommodations in tents
- Food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks
- All technical climbing gear
- All climbing gear
- Permits
- Airport pick-up and drop offs from Redmond, OR

What’s not included:

- Transportation
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Dinner on the last day of the camping

This climbing camp is ideal for the gym climbers and weekend warriors that wish to upgrade their skills and technique. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level and help you with skills to develop any personal climbing goals.

Smith Rock has plenty of options for beginner climbers, but this camp is ideal for gym climbers and weekend warriors that want to upgrade their skills. However, if you are still new to rock climbing, there are many other options in Smith Rock for beginners. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced climbers, Smith Rock has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

- Helmet
- Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
- Ropes
- Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
- Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

- Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
- Water bottle
- Food you can eat on-the-go
- Clothes for 4 days of camping
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

- The group size for this camp is up to 4 people with one guide.
- You will be paired with climbers with a similar skill level.
- Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

Min. age requirements:

- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to Smith Rock, most people fly into Portland International Airport (PDX), 3 hours away. From there you can rent a car or take a huttle. Smith Rock State Park is located in Central Oregon; the town of Redmond is 8 miles away and Bend is 23 miles to the south.

You will meet your guide at the Smith Rock State Park within walking distance to the camp. The exact climbing spot will be discussed after the booking as guides make that decision after considering the skill level of the group and factors such as crag traffic and weather.

View FAQ