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San Diego offers endless rock landscapes and climbing areas with a history dating back to the 1950’s. Mission Trails Regional Park, just under 30 minutes from the city centre, is the most accessible climbing location with over 150 established climbing routes. This quick, natural escape from the urban hustle spreads over 5900 acres of land, offering something for every level of climber. The Mission Gorge is the oldest and most popular established climbing area in San Diego County with water-polished metamorphosed granite and bolted routes and great climbs ranging from 5.7 to 5.11. Some of the classics include Mission Control (5.7), Suzie’s Wild Ride (5.8), and Escapade (5.11a)!

  • Proximity to the city and beaches and short approach

  • Mission Trails is San Diego’s backyard and adventure playground

  • Nearly 5,900 acres of open space providing a wide variety of climbs

Available itineraries

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing

Looking to get into outdoor rock climbing? San Diego has just what you need! This class is a great opportunity for those who have been indoor rock climbing and want to experience what it’s like outdoors, but it’s also a neat introduction for those without any rock climbing experience at all. Master the basics of top-rope climbing and become familiar with up-to-date equipment such as ropes, harnesses, carabiners, belay devices, and helmets under the watchful eye of an experienced local guide. Mission Trails’ stunning granite rocks will serve as the perfect training ground, so all that’s left is to gather your inner courage and climb away!

Multi-Pitch Climbing Private Course

Learn from the basic principles of multi-pitch climbing and equipment and enjoy the benefits of a professional guide! San Diego is the perfect spot to experience and observe the full process of a multi-pitch climb. The course is packed with lots of climbing and hands-on experience. You’ll gain the fundamentals like anchoring, lead climbing, lead belaying technique, guide-belay technique, rope management, and more. Put your new knowledge to the test under the watchful eye of your guide and upgrade your climbing skills to a new level!

Gym to Crag Lead Climbing and Anchor Course

If you’re experienced in the climbing gym and want to take your skills to the great outdoors, this one’s for you! Spend two days learning the ropes of outdoor lead climbing and anchor building under the watchful eye of an experienced local guide. Then, test your newfound knowledge on Mission Trails’ fantastic routes.

A Customized Day of Private Climbing With a Guide

Whether you’re looking to learn something new, hone in on your skills, or just want to have fun as much as possible in one day — this is the perfect choice! Go out with a guide, grow exponentially as a climber in a small group environment, and get inside knowledge from the pros. Let your guide eliminate any guesswork and get the most out of your San Diego climbing adventure!

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Meet your guides

Fabian Schillings “Fabi”
5.00
Fabian Schillings “Fabi”
Fabian Schillings “Fabi”
AMGA Rock Instructor
Fabi discovered rock climbing at a young age. Extensive trips to Yosemite, Joshua Tree and local San Diego areas inspired him to pursue his career as a rock climbing guide and instructor. In 2012 he obtained his Rock Instructor certification through AMGA. Today Fabi teaches and coaches all aspects of rock climbing at his climbing school and guiding service “Chillino Rock Climbing”. His uplifting and professional style of teaching has opened up new perspectives on hundreds of people’s lives!
Chillino Rock Climbing
5.00
Chillino Rock Climbing
Chillino Rock Climbing
Chillino Rock Climbing has been offering professionally guided adventures and classes in San Diego and California since 2012. They are experts in facilitating your rock climbing experience in a safe environment, guaranteeing a superb quality of teaching. Their guides are well trained to facilitate any level of climbing with the most fun and patient approach. Enjoy a variety of rock climbing programs from Introduction to climbing, lead-climbing classes, anchor building classes, multi-pitch climbing and customized group sessions.
5.00 (3 reviews)
Rppdx P. (source: Yelp)

Fabi has done an awesome job of fostering and supporting new & experienced climbers with his guiding business. I have experience climbing but have been very cautious and always nervous. From the first day with Chillino in a group session, I felt comfortable and had a great time. In just a few community sessions and a field trip to Idyllwild I have gained more confidence in my climbing. Now, I get super stoked to go climbing rather than being over taken by fear and nervousness.  

Fabi is friendly, technical and approachable. He does a great job of maximizing our time together by setting up multiple routes to climb and by talking through & teaching the technical details and theory of climbing. 

Chillino has helped me love climbing even more.

Anna N (source: Yelp)

Our instructor Will surpassed my expectations. I never climbed outdoors and only a couple times in an gym but he made me feel very safe and super supported from beginning to end. Will was absolutely amazing, very knowledgeable, and a great motivator. My partner and I had an unforgettable experience and would recommend this to anyone who is up for a fun yet challenging adventure!

Valerie H (source: Yelp)

Had such an incredible time doing my first trad rock climbing multi pitch! Coach Jakob was extremely professional and taught my friend and I so much. We went up over 2,000 feet and got to the top of a stunning mountain in Idyllwild. He was informative and we felt completely safe the entire time. It was a fun and beautiful adventure. We would highly recommend Jakob and Chillino Rock Climbing Group for your upcoming adventures!

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 San Diego, CA, please refer to the Official California For All 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
      • A full day of rock climbing
      • All technical climbing gear

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation
      • Accommodations
      • Food and snacks
  • 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.

  • No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb. 

  • 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:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
      • Water bottle
      • Food you can eat on-the-go
      • 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 max guest to guide ratio for a day of climbing with a private guide and the lead climbing & anchor course is 6:1. 
      • The max guest to guide ratio for multi-pitch climbing is 2:1.
      • For the day of climbing, intro to outdoor climbing, and the multi-pitch course, costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. 
      • For the lead climbing and anchor course, the price doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

    Climbing days 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 as young as 8 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.

  • Most people fly into San Diego International Airport. It’s about a 20-minute drive from there to the Mission Trails Regional Park.

    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. Once you and your guide agree on the details, your guide will inform you about the exact meeting time and location.

  • Day Trips Cancellations
    Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
    Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
    Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
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