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West Hartford, adjacent to the state capital of Connecticut, incorporates dynamic and diverse community, budding cultural scene, and several hidden gems for outdoor enthusiasts! The close-by Metropolitan District Reservoirs, totaling 2,000 acres of undeveloped land with trails and walks, is a nature lover’s paradise, while the Talcott Mountain offers volcanic basalt walls that won’t leave any climber disappointed. The mountain boasts a network of hiking trails, clifftops, expansive views over the rural landscape, cedar woodlands, two small waterfalls, and so much more. Make the most of your days with a local guide and use your evening for exploration of this vibrant town!

  • Home to almost 400 routes ranging fro 5.5 to 5.11

  • Strong ethics, tons of climbing, and a long wild climbing history

  • Talcott Mountain offers extensive cliff faces, scenic vistas, and unique wildlife

Itinerary

West Hartford is a hidden gem for any rock climber,  especially beginners that still have to master the fundamentals of climbing. Let your guide take you to the best climbing sites in the area and spend the day having fun on the rocks! This is the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills and learn new techniques. Your guide will tailor the day to your goals and experience. Put your new knowledge to the test and, with a little help from your guide, master the art of climbing!

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Meet your guides

Jen Chmiel
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.
Eastern Mountain Sports Schools
5.00
Eastern Mountain Sports Schools
Eastern Mountain Sports Schools
The Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School is the oldest climbing school in the East, and has been offering technical rock climbing instruction outdoors since 1968. The EMS is fully accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and all climbing instructors are AMGA-Certified as Single Pitch Instructors, or higher. EMS Climbing Guides have technical knowledge and experience to deliver the most up-to-date instruction, but also ensure that their customers are enjoying their adventures to the fullest.
Nate McKenzie
5.00
Nate McKenzie
Owner of Ascent Climbing and a climbing instructor
Owner of Ascent Climbing and a climbing instructor
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.
Ascent Climbing
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 (1 reviews)
Edward S

My daughter and I did a whole day of rock climbing. We’ve done climbing before, not too much and we were thinking this would be similar. It wasn’t. Our abilities and ideas of what we could do were challenged and pushed to the limits. I do mean this in the best possible way. Had this been an average day of top rope rock climbing I think both of us would be happy going to the rock gym six or seven times a year with the occasional trip outdoors. We did two four pitch climbs with a combined elevation gain of 800 feet. After this both of us are hooked and want to learn more and do more.

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 West Hartford, Connecticut, 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.

  • West Hartford 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, West Hartford 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 be provided with:

      • Rock shoes (can be rented, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
      • Helmet
      • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
      • 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. Also, make sure to bring non-rock climbing footwear for the hike to the cliff (sneakers or low-cut trail shoes work best).

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For private climbing days, the usual client to guide ratio is 3:1 and cost is per person.
      • 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.
      • You must have a child age 15 or younger in your group to be considered for the family rate.

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

  • To get to West Hartford, most people fly into Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT, just 15 minutes away. Springfield, MA, is also less than half an hour away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. All the climbing sites are located less than 15 minutes away from the city centre.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. 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.

  • 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,
From $350 ()
/ 1 day
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