Covid measures in Smith Rock State Park

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 Smith Rock State Park please refer to the Smith Rock State Park 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-day, full-day, or 2 days of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary All technical climbing gear Permits What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations (camping or hotel) Food and snacks $5 per vehicle parking fee

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?

Smith Rock 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, Smith Rock 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.

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 Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them) Ropes 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: For private guided climbing days in Smith Rock the usual client to guide ratio is 5:1 and cost is per person. For multi-pitch climbing days, the max client to guide ratio is 2:1. 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 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

Smith Rock State Park is located in Central Oregon; the town of Redmond is 8 miles away and Bend is 23 miles to the south. You will meet your guide at the Smith Rock State Park within walking distance of the rock. 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.

"A woman ascends a cliff at Smith Rock State Park, Oregon."

A woman nears the top of a spire at Smith Rock State Park, Oregon. The Crooked River is far below in the valley.

Smith Rock State Park near Bend, Oregon is a world class destination for rock climbing.

Smith Rock State Park | Oregon

Rock Climbing in Smith Rock State Park

Season

May through October

Nearest city

Bend, OR is a half hour’s drive

Duration

1 day

Skill level

Beginner to advanced

Guides

Jim Ablao, Gabe Coler, Chockstone Climbing Guides

From $320 () / 1 day

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon’s High Desert is considered by many as the birthplace of American sport climbing with over 1,500 routes. But if sport climbing isn’t for you, there’s also trad climbing, multi-pitch climbing, and bouldering. The area is composed of volcanic basalt and tuff to keep climbers of all abilities coming back for more. The park is also home to Scarface, the U.S.’s first climb rated at 5.14. Because of Smith Rock’s status as one of the best locations in the USA for climbers, central Oregon has seen tons of development since the 1960s, establishing new routes over the ensuing decades. Find out why every sport climber needs to visit Smith Rock State Park from Jessica Meiris, rock guide and helicopter pilot.

The birthplace of U.S. sport climbing in Oregon’s high desert
Over 1500 climbing routes of varying length and style
The volcanoes of the Cascade Range provide a striking backdrop

Available itineraries

Half-Day of Climbing With a Private Guide

If you’re on a tight schedule, this 4-hour climbing session might be just what you need. Don’t waste time on a long approach, and pack as much fun into your day as possible. Beginners and families might find this half-day option ideal as well — learn about basic knots, belaying, and movement techniques in several hours without the fear of overdoing it. Let your guide take you to the more easily accessible terrain and maximize your time on the rock!

A Customized Day of Climbing With a Private Guide

Whether you’re just gaining your climbing legs or you’re already experienced, a custom day of guided climbing will have you accomplishing your objectives. You’ll feel challenged by the variety of holds you’ll encounter in vertical terrain and discover hidden gems. Focus on skills instruction or tick one of the area’s classics off your list, all while getting a major vertical surrounded by the natural scenery of the Crooked River Gorge.

Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Day

Work with an expert to find the ideal itinerary for a day of climbing at Smith Rock that matches your goals and abilities. Discover classic multi-pitch routes with plenty of options for the perfect day of climbing. With hundreds of climbs from two to eight pitches, there’s something for everyone in Smith Rock — let your guide show you around the best routes.

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

Meet your guides

5.00

Jim Ablao

Jim Ablao has been guiding throughout the western US since 1989 and has been a climbing guide at Smith Rock State Park since 1999. He climbs rock, ice, and summits of deserts and mountains in the US, though his climbing has also taken him to Argentina, Chile, South Korea, Mexico, and Canada. Over the years, Jim has earned numerous certifications, but he also brings diverse experience and an empowering and personalised teaching style into every guiding.

5.00

Gabe Coler

Gabe began climbing in his early years in wester Massachusetts, eventually making rock and ice ascents all over New England. After moving west for college, he cut his teeth in most of major western climbing areas including a free ascent of the NorthWest Face of Half Dome, alpine ascents throughout the Cascades, Canadian Rockies and the French Alps. Gabe has been climbing at Smith Rock since 1999 and has been guiding there since 2003. He inspires those around him through his teaching style, personality, and his humble attitude towards climbing.

5.00

At Chockstone Climbing Guides they believe all clients deserve the best service from professionals that are trained in the current, highest standards of practice in our industry. They were the first Smith Rock guide service accredited by the AMGA in 1999. Their company follows best practices in the field and meets the highest industry standards of business practices regarding permits, insurances and environmental practices.

Read our trip report

Location Review by Jessica Meiris

Why Every Sport Climber Needs to Visit Smith Rock State Park

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 Smith Rock State Park please refer to the Smith Rock State Park 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-day, full-day, or 2 days of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
  - All technical climbing gear
  - Permits
What’s not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations (camping or hotel)
  - Food and snacks
  - $5 per vehicle parking fee
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.
Smith Rock 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, Smith Rock 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 with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
  - Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
  - Ropes
  - 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:
- - For private guided climbing days in Smith Rock the usual client to guide ratio is 5:1 and cost is per person.
  - For multi-pitch climbing days, the max client to guide ratio is 2:1.
  - 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 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.
Smith Rock State Park is located in Central Oregon; the town of Redmond is 8 miles away and Bend is 23 miles to the south.

You will meet your guide at the Smith Rock State Park within walking distance of the rock. 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.