Covid measures in Ragged Mountain, Connecticut

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 Ragged Mountain, CT, please refer to Connecticut’s Official State 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 half or full day of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary All technical climbing gear What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations Food and snacks

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?

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.

What about required equipment?

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 age requirements

Group sizes and prices: The group size for a customized day of climbing is between 1–6 people with one guide. The max guest to guide ratio for courses is 3:1. Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. Climbing days in Ragged Mountain 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 Ragged Mountains, most people fly into Bradley International Airport that is 2 hours away or Windsor Locks, CT, about 40 minutes away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. 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.

A person rock climbing in Ragged Mountains

Ragged Mountain | Connecticut

Rock Climbing in Ragged Mountain

Season

Year-round

Nearest city

Hartford, CT, is less than 30 minutes away

Duration

1 day

Difficulty

Guides

Matt Shove, Jen Chmiel, Ragged Mountain Guides, Ascent Climbing, Nate McKenzie

From $400 () / 1 day

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

Ragged Mountain has a long history of climbing, with ascents dating back to the 1930!. The mountain is known for its expansive views and vertical cliff faces and it’s perfectly suited for beginners while also featuring some suspiciously difficult routes for those looking for a challenge. This three-state classic unparalleled in southern New England boasts smooth basalt volcanic rock from eons ago and has a lot of potential for all types of rock climbing. Some of the classic trad routes are A Guide to Ragged and Carey Corner, or the more challenging YMC Route and Unconquerable Crack. Vector, a difficult 5.8, was put up by Fritz Wiessner in 1935. It is believed to have been the first 5.8 in the country!

Book a call

Smooth basalt rock with routes ranging from 5.3 to 5.11+
Tons of climbing, strong ethics and a long and wild history
Discover expansive vistas, mountain ridge reservoirs and vertical cliff faces

Available itineraries

A Customized Day of Private Climbing With a Guide

Whether you’re an experienced climber looking for a new challenge or you’re just starting out, your guide will take you to the best locations in Ragged Mountains and help you achieve your goals. With routes ranging from 5.3 to 5.10d, there is something for everyone. Get ready for a day of fun on the rocks and work on your skills with the help of a friendly guide!

Top-Rope Anchor Course

Spend the day in Ragged Mountains’ peaceful environment and master the fundamentals for independent climbing. If you want to climb outdoors on your own, this course is a must. Learn how to manage risk, evaluate natural protection and how to place anchors, and take the opportunity to practice under the watchful eye of the guide.

Learn to Lead: Trad Climbing

Join your professional and friendly guide and master the art of trad climbing on Connecticut’s classic routes. Practice placing protection, building anchors and belay systems for single and multi-pitch terrain, and learn basic self-rescue skills that will help you avoid dangerous situations while climbing.

Prerequisites:
Climb 5.8 or higher, extensive top rope belay experience.

Self-Rescue Course

Self-rescue is an essential skill for any trad climber—climbing hazards are imminent so it’s best to be prepared. This hands-on course will teach you how to avoid hazards and how to get out of dicey situations on the cliff through hands-on practice with the help of an experienced guide.

Prerequisites:
Climbing independently outdoors at any level. Ideal for trad climbers or folks who lead trips.

Get free trip brochure

Download Rock Climbing in Ragged Mountain Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Matt Shove

Matt Shove is the founder and director of Ragged Mountain Guides. He has climbed, instructed and guided guests in mountain areas all over the United States since 2001. He served as Technical Editor for the 2nd edition of Dave Fasulo’s acclaimed Climbing Self Rescue, published in June 2011. Matt has conducted on site safety for film crews in mountain areas as well as in studios. He has conducted training programs for elite mountain warfare soldiers, Marine Special Operations, and the US Coast Guard.

5.00

Jen Chmiel

Rock climbing instructor

Jen is passionate about climbing in all its forms and uses her experience as a climber and a certified instructor to help women achieve their goals in the outdoors! Recently, she also founded Face the Climb as a vehicle to provide mentorship for women. In her spare time, you can find her hosting the Face The Climb Podcast where she discusses all things climbing and whatever is on her mind to share.

5.00

Ragged Mountain Guides prides itself on using cutting-edge climbing instructional techniques and having the best AMGA guides that are. experts in the latest best practices. RMG works hard at providing safe world-class climbing instruction. You can trust them to help you exceed your climbing goals and accomplish your objectives!

5.00

Ascent Climbing

Ascent Climbing first started guiding in 2007 with the mission of providing outdoor adventure for all regardless of age, experience or physical ability. Today they offer rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering courses across the Northeast.

5.00

Nate McKenzie

Nate began climbing at an early age in the foothills of Mt Rainier in Washington State. His climbing and backcountry experience ranges from the East to West coast of the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Alps in France and Switzerland! This AMGA certified instructor is also the Northeast Program Manager for Paradox Sports, a Colorado based non-profit helping adults with physical disabilities achieve their climbing goals.

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 Ragged Mountain, CT, please refer to Connecticut’s Official State 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 half or full day of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
- 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 group size for a customized day of climbing is between 1–6 people with one guide.
- The max guest to guide ratio for courses is 3:1.
- Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
Climbing days in Ragged Mountain 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.
To get to Ragged Mountains, most people fly into Bradley International Airport that is 2 hours away or Windsor Locks, CT, about 40 minutes away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

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.