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1/2 Day of Rock Climbing in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

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Join AMGA-certified instructor Lester on a half-day trip to the stunning Shenandoah National Park and experience the thrill of rock climbing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

Private

Appalachians

1/2 Day

Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Occasional

Beginner


Highlights

  • Climb on an eclectic selection of rocks on a wide variety of routes.
  • Learn essential techniques from a certified guide with a local expertise.
  • Take in the immaculate scenery of the Shenandoah National Park and Virginia.

Description

Visit a natural treasure in Virginia and scale some of the flawless rocks of Shenandoah National Park! This flexible rock climbing program covers all types of exciting routes and scenery in a beautiful location near Washington, D.C. – all in a half-day’s work!

The Shenandoah National Park is set within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, part of the historic and storied Appalachian Mountains. This magnificent range offers some of the most stunning vistas in the United States, all within proximity to the country’s capital. The composition of the Blue Ridge, which features a delightful amalgamation of ancient granite, limestone, and volcanic rock – is a climber’s dream.

At the same time remote and accessible, every stripe of adventurer can find the perfect route to satisfy their climbing needs. Our course begins along Skyline Drive at the Little Stony Man parking lot, where we will have our choice of great ascents. There are over 150 routes in the park, from trad and sport climbing to bouldering and top rope, ranging from basic 5.2 grades to more challenging 5.10+ climbs.

Some of the popular spots, like Little Stoney Man and Old Rag, are brimming with premium routes that can keep a climber occupied for days. Classic climbs include Strawberry Fields (5.9+), Dragon’s Back (5.7+), and Banana (5.2). The opportunities are endless, and the blend of different climbing disciplines ensures you will find just what you are looking for.

Because Shenandoah is within 75 miles of Washington, D.C., a half-day program is plenty of time to fulfill a quality climb on superb rock. We can cover a few different lines at various stages in the park and have you back in time for an afternoon in the city. This is a perfect program for a quick jaunt into the magnificent wilderness of the Appalachians.

This is one of my favorite areas in the country, and I am delighted to show it to you. My program will give you a local tour of a classic destination in the United States. You will feel as though you have known Shenandoah for years after just a few hours in its friendly company. Let me know what you have in mind for your half day on the pitch, and I will tailor this program to your skills and abilities.

We have routes for beginners and experts alike, so everyone is welcome to come along. If you have a passion for the sport and have a basic level of fitness, we will have an absolute blast and create some great memories along the way.

Wait no longer and BOOK this fantastic half-day rock climbing program to discover the fascinating world just outside the nation’s capital in Shenandoah National Park!

Looking for a more dedicated climbing experience with the same aesthetic splendor? Say no more! Join me for a day or more of these unforgettable climbs in Shenandoah!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

Price details

The price includes the guiding fee.


Details

Meeting point

We will meet at 8:30am at the Little Stony Man parking lot. It is located near Mile Post 39.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a group or private trip?

What experience do I need for this trip?

What's included in the price?

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

What is the best time of the year to embark on this trip?

When and where will we meet?

About the guide

I am an avid climber and backpacker who loves taking people outdoors. For more than 30 years, I have been leading wilderness adventures in my backyard here in Virginia and West Virginia.

In addition to being an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, I am also a certified member of the Professional Climbing Instructors' Association and a Wilderness First Responder. I have done cave rescue training with the National Cave Rescue Commission and am a proud member of the National Speleological Society.

I have published two editions of CLIMBING ROCKingham County, a guidebook of local crags around Harrisburg, VA. I also share my thoughts with fellow outdoor lovers and leaders via my quarterly newsletter "GUYdelines".

I very much enjoy working with young people and supporting the next generation of outdoor leaders.

Come and join me for a climb here in the Appalachians anytime. I look forward to showing you all of the best local spots!

Languages

English


What people are saying about this trip

Charlie Le

5.00

April, 2023

My partner and I did a half day climb with Lester in Shenandoah NP and we absolutely loved our experience! Lester was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and is very keen on safety, which is what we were looking for. He had remarkable knowledge of the park and the routes around it and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience from start to finish. We highly, without any reservation recommend booking an activity with Lester!

Colin Galliano

5.00

March, 2023

We went out rock climbing with Lester and he did a great job instructing us through our first experience rappelling. His emphasis on safety was much appreciated and he provided ample time to enjoy the views while hanging out on the rocks. He also had lots of interesting information about the area and some of its geographic features. All in all, we highly recommend taking a trip with Lester as he will make sure you have a great time.

Kemper Ure

5.00

July, 2022

Lester was excellent! We were a youth group from church of 14 teenage girls. We covered safety of equipment and nature around us, the beauty surrounding us, and had an amazing experience conquering our fears.

Jordan Liedholm

5.00

June, 2022

Everything about this trip went beyond expectations! Lester was kind, helpful and fun - truly made the experience memorable! Lester was extremely communicative before the trip, prepared us for what's to come, and made it fun for both people in our party with very different climbing experience levels. Would highly recommend and hope to do a trip with Lester again soon!

spb1462018

5.00

October, 2018

This was my first experience rock climbing outdoors and it was wonderful. Lester made us feel completely comfortable and was very thorough and clear in explaining the process and equipment. I can't wait to do it again!

hillyp88

5.00

July, 2018

Great find by my wife. Lester, our guide and owner, was great, We only came with one pack but he was able to provide us with another to carry our gear. Along the way to repel and climb he shared facts with us about the flora and fauna as well as schooling us in some cave trivia. Lester was very encouraging and willing to let us decide what we felt comfortable doing. Loved the repelling though my son just couldn't take that first step. Later after climbing though, Lester let him practice on a short ledge (which was great). allowed to belay for my son on his climb. Highly recommend this company for the expertise and the camaraderie that quickly developed.

A6662CXsandy

5.00

June, 2018

Lester, our group had an awesome time with you. You took a bunch nervous adults and teens and showed us the ropes!!!your knowledge and encouragement allowed us to get over our fears and meet the challenge. If we’re ever back In Virginia, we will certainly look you up!

Frank R.

5.00

June, 2018

Lester was a great guide, made sure we had a great time safely. Highly recommend his tours

Matt S

5.00

April, 2018

An amazing experience! We had an amazing time. Lester has an infectious energy and passion for the outdoors, you can tell he enjoys welcoming us into his world. In addition to being fun to be around, Lester is extremely knowledgeable and cautious; I absolutely felt I could trust his instruction and expertise. Highly recommend, you’ll not be disappointed!


 

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