Climbing Courses in the Owens River Gorge

Things to know

• Covid measures in Owens River Gorge, California

  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, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Owens River Gorge, CA, please refer to the US Government’s international travel guidelines and California’s official COVID-19 travel advice.

  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’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • One, two, or four days of climbing courses depending on your chosen itinerary

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation
    • Accommodations
    • Food and snacks
    • Technical rock climbing equipment
• How fit do I need to be?

  If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. 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.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  For the Sport Climbing Course, participants must have prior experience top-roping 5.7 outside or 5.9 in the gym.

  For the Multi-Pitch Sport Climbing Course, you’re expected to have taken a sport climbing course or have experience leading sport climbs at a grade of 5.6 or higher.

  To participate in the Trad Climbing Course, you must have taken a previous sport climbing course or have experience top roping outside at a grade of 5.7 or higher and leading inside at a grade of 5.8 or higher.

  Before participating in the Big Wall and Aid Climbing Course, you’re expected to have taken a trad multi-pitch climbing course or have experience leading trad multi-pitch climbs at a grade of 5.8 or higher.

  For the Technical Self Rescue Course, participants are expected to have previous experience climbing multi-pitch climbs.

• What about required equipment?

  When it comes to technical climbing equipment, you’ll need:

  • • Helmet
    • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
    • Ropes
    • Climbing shoes
    • Cord — 7 mm, 15 feet
    • Prusik cord
    • Sling — 120 cm
    • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

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

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
    • Water bottle
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • Hiking or approach shoes
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional

  You will be provided with a more detailed equipment list upon booking your desired course.
  Some additional equipment, such as the assisted braking belay device, quickdraws, alpine draws, and micro-traction style device, can be provided by your guide.
  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 age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The max guest-to-guide ratio for the Sport Climbing Course, Trad Climbing Course, and the Technical Self Rescue Course is 4:1.
    • The max guest-to-guide ratio for the Multi-Pitch Sport Climbing Course is 3:1.
    • The max guest-to-guide ratio for the Big Wall and Aid Climbing Course is 2:1.
    • For these group courses, the cost does not decrease as the group grows.

  Please note that your guide might charge private course rates if less than 2 people sign up. Climbing courses in Owens River Gorge can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  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.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the Owens River Gorge, most people fly into Reno Tahoe International Airport 4 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.