Private 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 climbing instructor 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.

  Prerequisites:

  Intro to Outdoor Climbing: No prior climbing experience necessary!
  Sport Climbing Course: Participants in this course must have prior experience top-roping 5.7 outside or 5.9 in the gym.
  Multi-Pitch Sport Climbing Course: Before participating in this 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.
  Trad Climbing Course: To participate in this 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.
  Big Wall and Aid Climbing Course: Before participating in this 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.
  Technical Self Rescue Course: Participants are expected to have previous experience climbing multi-pitch climbs.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  Owens River Gorge has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, the Private Intro to Outdoor Climbing is perfect for you. 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, Owens River Gorge has loads of routes to spend the day on. 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.

• 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 Intro to Outdoor Climbing, 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 private courses, costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.

  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.