Rock Climbing Guiding

Guiding the wealth of excellent rock climbing around the Adirondacks is at the core of what we do. The variety of routes in and around the High Peaks, ensures that we can find terrain suitable for a range of climbers, from novice to seasoned veteran. Some notable standouts include, but is certainly not limited to: the Beer Walls, Chapel pond slab, Pitchoff Chimney Cliff, Upper Washbowl, Barkeater and Poke-o Moonshine.

Beer Walls/Chapel Pond Canyon

These cliffs need little introduction. With a short (5-10 minutes) approach, climbs ranging from 5.4-5.13 in difficulty and from 40'-140' in height all with spectacular views of the lower Great Range. This is a spot that should be, and almost assuredly is, on every climber's list.

Suggested routes include: Afternoon Delight, 5.5; The Sword, 5.6; Labatt-ami, 5.7; Rockaholic, 5.8; Frosted Mug, 5.9.

Chapel Pond Slab

About a close as one can get to roadside multi-pitch climbing! With an incredibly short approach, leading to over 700' of pleasant friction, crack and corner climbing, Chapel Pond slab is a premier venue to explore multi-pitch climbing. For more experienced guests, this can also be a good destination to discuss the subtleties of route finding, terrain and rope management.

Suggested routes include: Regular Route, 5.5; Empress, 5.5.

Pitchoff Chimney Cliff

Pitchoff Chimney cliff is THE spot for multi-pitch crack climbing. The rock here is gneiss, making for many rounded edges and comfortable climbing. This is a great destination to work on improving crack climbing skills, to learn about placing gear or to improve transitions and efficiency.

Suggested routes include: Pete's Farewell, 5.7; The Disputed, 5.8; The El, 5.8; Roaches on the Wall, 5.10.

Upper Washbowl

Upper Washbowl is the big cliff looming above Route 73 as you drive by Chapel Pond. In spite of its looming appearance, there are several routes that are approachable. With a moderate, though steep, approach of approximately 30 minutes through talus, Upper Washbowl has a bit of an alpine feel. The reward is engaging climbing in a spectacular setting.

Suggested routes include: Weissner Routes, 5.6; Butterflies are/Partition, 5.9.

Spider's Web

Lurking low in the talus, the "Web" needs little introduction to crack climbing aficionados. The cliff is consistently vertical, or just beyond, and is laced with cracks of nearly every size. This is the spot to test your crack climbing skills and endurance.

Suggested routes include: Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, 5.8; Slim Pickins, 5.9+; TR, 5.10.

Poke-o Moonshine

Poke-o lies well to the east of the High Peaks and has its own atmosphere and unique style of climbing. That being said, nearly every type of climbing is represented here, with the south wall offering slab climbing for 500'. On the Main wall, you'll find a multitude of crack, corner and face climbs ranging from 70' to over 500'.

Suggested routes include: Catharsis, 5.5; Green Onion, 5.8; Gamesmanship, 5.8+; Bloody Mary, 5.9+.