Guided Rock Climbing Richmond, Virginia

Top three reasons to go rock climbing in Richmond, VA

43 amazing and diverse routes for climbers of all skill levels
Spectacular views that will motivate you to keep climbing
Ideal location for seasoned climbers to try out new climbing sports

There aren’t many climbing spots like this in the world! Nested at the foot of the mountains, where the James River meets downtown Richmond, the Manchester Wall has delighted both rookie and experienced climbers alike with its excellent accessibility and the sheer diversity of the granite block climbs it offers. The Wall, and its three adjacent pillars, remnants of the long-gone Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Bridge, abound with thrilling routes on stone bridge abutments, climbable on top rope, sport, trad or mixed. It’s not often that you get to climb a piece of history, which is why climbing in Richmond is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss!

Season March through May and September through November	Nearest city Your adventure begins in Richmond, VA
Duration 1 day	Skill level Beginner to advanced

Choose how you spend your day

Your adventure begins with you meeting up with your guide, who will get you set up with a harness, helmet, climbing shoes, and all the climbing gear you will need for the day. Your guide will determine your climbing skill and goals, and tailor a perfect climbing experience for you. You will then take a short drive and a 5-25 minute hike to the approaches. Once there, your guide will set up all the ropes for you. All that’s left to do is to make some goals and objectives for the day, and climb on!

Meet your guide

Grant Price

AMGA Certified Guide

AMGA Certified guide Grant Price offers a decade of outdoor education experience and twenty years of climbing in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Hampshire. Grant is also the head guide for Blue Ridge Mountain Guides.

Reviews (4)

Dedicated mountain professionals!

Eloise about Grant Price on Tripadvisor

Grant Price is a dedicated mountain professional who prides himself on providing his clients with a safe and fun experience. I spent three days with Grant on a Single Pitch Instructor course and learned firsthand how much effort he puts into his clients. I would highly recommend Grant at Blue Ridge Mountain Guides for your mountain adventures!

AMGA SPI

Will L. about Grant Price on Tripadvisor

I spent a weekend taking the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course with Grant, of Blue Ridge Mountain Guides. The course was extremely well run. Everything logistics from meeting time, instruction area, and even adaptability in location for those things were planned out 5 steps. Grant is an incredible instructor and an extremely knowledgeable guide.

Great experience

Keith C. about Grant Price on Tripadvisor

Worked out better than I could have hoped. These kind people will take care of you. Safe, knowledgeable.

Worth Every Penny!

Woody H. about Grant Price on Tripadvisor

I just took the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor course with BRMG’s Head Guide, Grant Price, and I learned so much valuable information! The course was worth every penny, and Grant was the consummate professional from start to finish: a rigorous teacher who was also patient and empathetic. I wholeheartedly recommend Grant and Blue Ridge Mountain Guides, no matter if you’re a total novice or a veteran climber like me.

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 Richmond, Virginia, please refer to the Official Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 update site.

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
- Parking (usually available at climbing site)
- Accommodations
- Food and snacks
- Guide gratuity

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.

Richmond has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. 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, Richmond 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
- Climbing shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
- All other necessary technical equipment

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

- Backpack for carrying personal items (including food, water, medication etc.) and your climbing gear (shoes, harness, helmet) to the climbing area
- Water bottle
- Food (lunch, snacks, etc.)
- Sunscreen, bug spray
- 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 these private climbs are usually between 1–7 people with one guide.
- 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 Richmond can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

- If you’re over 18, you’re good to go!
- There is no minimum age requirement for this adventure. Children as young as 6 can begin climbing outdoors on a case-by-case basis.
- Guests under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult who is on the booking.

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

Richmond, VA has an international airport accessible from other international airports around the world. It’s also an approximately two hour drive away from Washington, DC.

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.

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