Rifle hosts a wealth of high end sport climbs up to 5.15 in difficulty. It is, perhaps, the most famous sport climbing crag in America and a great place to hone technique and improve in whatever grade you are at as a climber.
Skyward Mountaineering offers a variety of exciting day climbing experiences ranging from single pitch easy climbs, to multi pitch challenging climbs for those who are more experienced.
Learn how to climb, or brush up on your skills with some fun, single and multi pitch routes in Rifle.
PREREQUISITES
No prior rock climbing experience needed.
GEAR LIST
Let us know what you DO NOT have. We may have it.
Gear you should bring, weather and terrain dependent:
Long climbing pants such as the Patagonia Simul Alpine Pant
Shorts for warm weather climbing and approaches
Synthetic or wool T-shirt
Lightweight long sleeve synthetic or wool shirt
A medium weight synthetic or wool shirt. We use and recommend the Patagonia Capilene 4 Hoody
One medium weight insulated jacket, such as a Patagonia Piton Hybrid Hoody
A lightweight emergency rain shell such as the Patagonia Alpine Houdini or M10 Jacket
Lightweight emergency rain pants such as Patagonia Torrentshell Pants
One lightweight insulated piece such as a Patagonia Nano puff jacket or pullover
A lightweight wool or synthetic hat
A pair of lightweight fleece or lightly insulated leather-palmed gloves.
Helmet
Harness
2 locking carabiners
1 belay/rappel device
Rock shoes suitable for climbing all day, generally snug fitting with a sock
Rock shoes suitable for more difficult pitches, generally snug fitting without a sock
Good approach shoes are mandatory. Preferably with a sheet rubber sole and not with mold-injected rubber. An example of this is the La Sportiva Boulder X approach shoe.
A simple, climbing-oriented 25 liter backpack such as the Patagonia Ascentionist 25 backpack
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Sunscreen
Lipbalm with sunscreen
EQUIPMENT WE PROVIDE:
Ropes, protection, slings and other team technical equipment.
TRAINING TIPS
IInterested in a structured approach to training?
Read Steve House’s and Scott Johnston’s Book: Training for the New Alpinism
Check Out Uphill Athlete’s training and coaching options