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Climb Kentucky

CoEd Ages 12-17
5:1 Staff Ratio
Weeks Offered: 4
Dates: June 24-29 or 30
$995/week*
*Extended CLS Week
w/ poss. Service Project.

Our climbers are on a constant quest to pull on the best rock! We have traveled far and wide to challange ourselves on the greatest cliffs on the East Coast. For the past three years we have found our answer here at Daniel Boone National Forest where, huge sandstone cliffs rise from the forest floor. Because the quantity and range of ratings in the climbs, this trip is the perfect place to advance our climbing skills. This is the perfect place to transition from Top Roping to Sport Lead Climbing. Each day will be spent climbing amazing overhangs, huge sandstone pockets, and mean crimpers. Students learn advanced knot tying, climbing technique, belaying, and safe climbing practices. This trips is designed for intermediate to advanced climbers who are comfortable Top Rope climbing a 5.6, have belay experience, and are ready for an amazing week of climbing in one of the world's top climbing areas. 

Itinerary: 

  • Day 1: 6:00 am: Departure from Riley’s lock and head to Coopers Rock for some amazing bouldering and climbing in the tilted tree and rock city areas. We will have lunch at the overlook and get pumped up to get back on the bus and head to Kentucky. The goal is to arrive at Coopers and climb ‘til 1pm then head on down to the Red River Gorge, KY.  Arrive at Red River Gorge (7pm), buy backcountry permits, Set up camp and get a good night’s sleep so we can be at the top of our game for the gorge.
  • Day 2: We will start off with an intro session at a practice wall in the morning to cover climbing and lead climbing basics. We will spend the rest of the day in the southern region. This area has 7 walls each with 20 plus climbs. We will work on becoming comfortable with leading by doing mock leads and practice tying into the anchor directly.
  • Day 3: This day, we will climb in the Gray’s branch Region. This area has a plethora of shaded climbs that will allow for a cool challenging day. Our goal for the day is to become more comfortable doing actual lead climbs. We will practice by climbing routes below our level. This will allow us to fine tune our techniques and set us up for a strong week.
  • Day 4: Rest, as every good climber should.  Wednesday seems like the perfect rest-break day, but this may change due to group level and ability and weather. On the rest day we will sleep in, frolic in the park, hike to the natural bridge and partake in a fun surprise activity for the afternoon.
  • Day 5: Climbing in the Muir Valley Region is some of our favorite climbing in the whole gorge with walls like Sunbeam Buttress, Stadium, the Inner Sanctum and the Solarium. The goal of today is to find a project and spend the day working on it. This means climbing at or above your level. Our goal for the day is to take smart rests and learn how to effectively attack and work a hard problem. On Thursday we will have a pizza dinner at Miguel’s Pizza (A Red River Gorge legend). While the kids are waiting for the best pizza ever, covered in any topping you can imagine, they will be able to share and swap stories of the day with some phenomenal climbers and if they are lucky they may see someone from the covers of Rock and Ice or Climbing magazine.
  • Day 6: We will wake up a little early and climb at Roadside to get in our last climbs, stretch out, and say farewell to the rock. We may extend this trip to include another day of service to introduce young climbers to our sport. 
  • Day 7: Possible Service Project! Return to Riley's Lock by 9pm.

Logistics:  Calleva provides all logistical needs once the trip has started, however parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up students before and after the the trip. For the Climbing Kentucky Trip parents must drop off students at Calleva Office at 6am on June 24, and pick them up at 9:00pm on June 29 or 30th depending on possible Service Project Day.

Special Considerations: Campers must have some belay experience.  Attending a Calleva Climbing Camp week will get you ready for this great week of new heights. Suggested minimum climbing level: 5.6.

2012 Instructor: Alex Jennison