Guided Rock Climbing Trips

Looking for that next big outdoor adventure challenge? Look no further than a Guided Rock Climbing Trip with Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Outdoors Program. The all day introductory rock climbing adventure is designed to meet the needs of a novice an intermediate rock climber as the trip starts with the basics and build up to the advanced. The trips provide the perfect stage to learn the sport of rock climbing as guides use the “Challenge by Choice” Philosophy, meaning climbers have the ability to set their own personal goals without the added pressure to compete with others.

No experience is needed to participate in our Guided Rock Climbing Trips as trained and enthusiastic guides will provide the basics of rock climbing in an instructional session before the start of each trip. Additional instruction is also provided throughout the trip to enhance the rock climbing experience.

All Guided Rock Climbing trips with the Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Outdoors Program include:

• In depth instruction by guides
• Well-maintained equipment including: harness, helmet, climbing ropes and safety gear
• Transportation to and from the climbing area
• Personal attention before and during the trip

Preparing for a Guided Rock Climbing Trip

Clothing Trips will usual operate in late spring, summer and early fall, so it is important to dress for success. Shorts and t-shirts are appropriate to wear on warm summer days, however additional layers should be brought during other times of the year. Consider wearing long loss fitting pants to help protect legs from brushing up against the rock.

Footwear
Trips do not provide rock climbing shoes so it is important that appropriate climbing footwear is worn. Hiking boots, sneakers, and personal rock climbing shoes are excellent options as they provide support and protection. Open-toed sandals should be avoided as they provide very limited protection and offer only partial support when climbing.
Additional Gear List

• Ball cap, sunscreen, sunglasses and strap
• Loose fitting clothes. Long pants provide better protection.
• Day pack to carry gear in. Please note that there will be a short hike to the actual climbing area.
• Lunch/snack and drinking water or other beverage, (no glass containers or alcohol)
• Extra layers of clothing during cool days. Wool or synthetic clothing will keep the body warmer then cotton.

Guided Caving Trips

A Guided Caving trip with Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Outdoors Program is an introductory caving adventure designed for the beginner to intermediate adventurer. Our caving trips provide the perfect stage to learn the sport of caving, as knowledgeable guides use the “Challenge by Choice” philosophy to safely guide you on this unforgettable adventure. No experience is needed to participate in our Guided Caving Trips as trained and enthusiastic guides will provide the basics of caving safety in an instructional session at the beginning of each trip. Additional instruction is also provided throughout the trip to enhance the rock climbing experience.

During your caving experience you can expect to see many unique and beautiful formations that are only found underground in caves. Caving is a great way to get outside in any weather all year round, as the temperature is always around the mid 50s. It is also a unique way to exercise as you will be walking, crawling, climbing, squeezing, and pushing your way through beautiful and geologically interesting passages. We look forward to seeing you on our next caving adventure.

All Guided Caving Trips with the Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Outdoors Program include:

• In depth instruction by guides
• Well-maintained equipment including: helmet, headlamp, and any necessary safety equipment
• Transportation to and from the cave
• Personal attention before and during the trip

Preparing for a Guided Caving Trip

Clothing
It is important for you to dress appropriately for the cave conditions. We recommend dressing in layers of wool or synthetic fabrics, (e.g. fleece, polyester, nylon, under armor). Long underwear, long sleeved shirt, and blue jeans work just fine. Coveralls or bibs with a layer underneath works well too. Avoid wearing cotton as cotton can actually make you colder as it will hold moisture next to your skin.

Footwear
Your feet will need protection from sharp rocks during the entire length of the trip, so wear boots or good sneakers that will not slip off and you don’t mind getting extremely wet and muddy, (nothing open-toed). Wool or synthetic socks are also recommended.

Additional Gear List

• Three AAA alkaline batteries per person, (needed for our headlamps)
• One liter of drinking water
• Lunch, snack and a beverage of your choice, (no glass containers or alcohol)
• Complete change of clothes including shoes for the ride back
• Day-pack with shoulder straps that can get wet and muddy
• Gloves, leather work gloves work the best
• Garbage bag, (used to put your wet and muddy clothes in after caving)

For more information, contact the Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department at 540-443-1100.