Rock Climbing

Register for upcoming trips on our Trips and Events Calendar webpage

Red Rocks, Gloucester, Mass.

We will visit a popular climbing site that has numerous cliffs to choose from close to Gloucester, Mass.

Participants will learn basic climbing skills such as: climbing technique, knots, proper and safe belaying, rappelling, top rope climbing site etiquette, and leave no trace.

A participant changing onto the rockwall- picture from above

You will engage with an active climbing community in the area, and be exposed to various climbing styles and practices.

Get more information about Red Rocks on the Mountain Project website.

Participants in climbing helmets cleaning up the climbing area

Den Rock, Lawrence, Mass.

We will visit a local climbing area- Den Rock in Lawrence, Mass. The first half of the day we will be performing a stewardship project to help clean up trash and debris maintaining the site for future users. In the afternoon participants will learn basic climbing skills such as: climbing technique, knots, proper and safe belaying, rappelling, top rope climbing site etiquette, and leave no trace. It is a great feeling to enjoy climbing at a place where you have just made a positive impact.

Get more information about Den Rock on the Mountain Project website.

Two climbers top roping and belayers below.

Crow Hill, Mass.

On this trip we will visit this popular climbing site that has numerous climbing cliffs to choose from.

Participants will learn basic climbing skills such as: climbing technique, knots, proper and safe belaying, rappelling, top rope climbing site etiquette, and leave no trace.

You will engage with a busy climbing community in the area, and be exposed to other climbing styles and practices.

Participants will enjoy great views, challenging terrain and learning essential climbing skills in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Get more information about Crow Hill on the Mountain Project website.

Pawtuckaway State Park, N.H.

Pawtuckaway State Park in Raymond, New Hampshire offers among other things “... a geologically unique field where large boulders called glacial erratics were deposited when glacial ice melted near the end of the Ice Age.” It also has some of the best beginner and moderate top rope climbing (and expert bouldering) around! On this trip we will visit this popular top-rope climbing site that has numerous climbing cliffs to choose from. Participants will learn basic climbing skills such as: climbing technique, knots, proper and safe belaying, rappelling, top rope climbing site etiquette, and leave no trace. You will engage with a busy climbing community in the area and be exposed to other climbing styles and practices. Participants will enjoy great views, challenging terrain and learning essential climbing skills in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Get more information about Pawtuckaway on the Mountain Project website.

Top Rope Site Manager Course

This is a small-size course intended for skilled climbers to further their skills with regard to setting up outdoor climbs. This two-day course is typically offered in the fall semester, and taught by professional staff Kevin Soleil. The Top Rope Site Manager course will teach all the "behind-the-scenes" safety set-up of ropes at the top of top rope climbs (ropes affixed above the climb used to belay climbers from the ground). While each person will climb, they will more be practicing knots and learning the ins and outs of proper setup. Safety is the highest priority for this class, as the set up of your top rope is the basis of the safety of every climbing event. Each student will come away with solid skills to continue to practice.

Indoor Rock Climbing

If you enjoy outdoor rock climbing, you may want to consider joining some of our indoor rock climbing days. Indoor climbing is fun and great practice for outdoor rock climbing! More information on our Indoor Climbing page.

Skill Level & Physical Exertion

Skill Level: Beginner

These trips are planned and facilitated with first-time and experienced climbers in mind. Climbing will be self-paced. The amount and difficulty of the climbs you choose to try is up to you. You will be climbing with a harness the entire time. Therefore, you may take breaks throughout your climb.

Physical Exertion: Light-Vigorous*

Duration: 3-6 hours of climbing
Difficulty: climbs rated as 5.5 - 5.11 (Yosemite Decimal System, REI)
Height of Each Climb: 20-60 ft. | 6-20 m.

*Exertion levels are estimates based off of individuals who regularly fulfill the US Department of Health & Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines (pdf) and have no major limiting conditions. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the physical exertion level of any of our trips.

Tentative Itinerary

Due to the nature of outdoor trips, all itineraries are subject to change.

8 a.m. Meet in Outdoor Adventure Center & Bike Shop
- 5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA 01854
8:30-9:30 a.m. Drive to Trip Location
9:30 a.m. - 4p.m. Instruction & Climbing
Midday Lunch
- Bring your own lunch and snacks
4-5 p.m. Drive Back to UMass Lowell
5-5:30 p.m. Debrief
- Arrive back at the at the Outdoor Adventure Center/Bike Shop, clean up, review course content/answer any remaining question, etc.
5:30 p.m. Estimated Dismissal
- This should be determined based off of participants needs and the intended goals of this trip- contact the program to adjust this time.

Curriculum Topics

Leave No Trace
Crag Etiquette
Figure-8 Follow Through
Belaying
Climbing Technique

Packing List

Online medical questionnaire and waiver
Personal Medications inhaler, epinephrine, etc. Major medications should be noted on your Health Statement
Personal Medical Insurance Card
Sunscreen
Chap Stick or Lip Balm Sun protection
Bandanna Versatile: sweat rag, hanky, napkin, etc.
Lunch and Snacks
*2 Water Bottles You need at least 2 liters of water with you
Sunglasses
Sun Hat Ball Cap or Full Brim Hat
Approach Shoes, Hiking Boots, or Athletic Shoes hiking boots are strongly recommended due to potentially rocky and slippery conditions
Synthetic Clothing
*Rain Jacket
Base layer Cold Weather; Underwear layer; wicks sweat off your skin; synthetic, long base layers recommended; no cotton
*Middle layer Insulating layer; retains body heat to protect you from the cold; fleece and or flannel recommended; sweatshirts are okay
Gloves or Mittens
*Wool or Fleece Hat Synthetic
Camera Protective case is highly recommended
Small Backpack
**First Aid First aid kit, emergency communication device
**Activity Specific Gear Climbing Harness, Helmet, Belay Device, Climbing Shoes

*All items with an asterisk are available to check-out and included in the cost of your registration.

**All items under "First Aid" and "Activity Specific Gear" are supplied automatically by the Outdoor Adventure Program. All participant equipment is subject to trip leader approval. Please, contact us to review any personal gear you would like to bring in substitution of the gear we may provide.