FAQ’s

Rock Climbing is a great activity for people of all fitness levels. People often think that if they can’t do a pull-up, they can’t rock climb. While climbing is a full-body workout, it’s actually more about using your feet and legs, than your arms and fingers. It also involves some problem-solving skills, so it engages the mind as well!

You’ll learn different climbing techniques throughout the day and your guide will choose climbs appropriate for each individual’s skill and fitness level.

Absolutely! Rock Climbing can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, making it the perfect adventure for the whole family to share. You’ll learn teamwork, and good communication skills while gaining self-confidence as you work together to reach new heights!

Climbing is a great activity for kids. We welcome children 8 years and older to participate in private and group climbing trips. For children 10 years and up, be sure to check out our Rock Climbing Summer Camps in July.

Yes. You are welcome to come along to watch and take pictures. However, we do require everyone, even spectators, to sign a waiver prior to departure and to wear a helmet while at the base of an active climbing site.

Absolutely! We work on a six-to-one guide-to-client ratio, so let us know in advance if you have more than 6 people in your group, so we can schedule the appropriate number of guides for your trip.

Nope. We provide all of the technical equipment needed for your trip.

For Rock Climbing, this includes helmets, harnesses, and rock climbing shoes.

For Ice Climbing, this includes mountain boots, crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice tools.

If you have your own gear, you are welcome to bring it along. (Your guide will need to inspect any personal gear prior to departure.)

Most of the climbing sites we visit on half-day or full-day climbing trips are within a 15 to 30-minute hike from our meeting spot. That said, some parts of the trail may be steep and rocky, so you’ll want to wear close-toed, supportive sneakers or hiking shoes with good traction. Flip-flops and Crocs are not recommended.

In the event that your trip is canceled due to rain or bad weather, you will have the option to reschedule for a different day, within the same climbing season.

Rock Climbing Summer Camps

Barrett’s Cove Public Beach

104 Beaucaire Ave, Camden Maine, 04843

Drop Off: 9:00 am

Pick Up: 4:00 pm

Camden Hills Climbing Trips

Barrett’s Cove Public Beach

104 Beaucaire Ave, Camden Maine, 04843

Acadia National Park Climbing Trips

Hulls cove visitors center

25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Graphton Notch Climbing Trips

Moose Caves

ME-26, Newry, ME 04261

Meeting Times

Morning Half-Day Trips (4 hours): 8:00 am

Afternoon Half-Day Trips (4 hours): 1:00 pm

Full Day Trips (8 hours): 8:00 am

Climbing permit fees for Acadia National Park are included in the cost of your trip, however, you will need to purchase a vehicle pass. We highly recommend purchasing and printing your vehicle pass in advance so that you can head straight to your meeting spot.

There are no fees to visit or climb in Camden Hills State Park.

As a service-based industry, tipping your guide is a great way to show your appreciation. They’ll work hard to help you achieve your goals for the day and make sure that you have a fun and memorable climbing experience. If you enjoy your time with them, you are welcome to tip your guide whatever you feel is appropriate.

You’ll want to wear weather-appropriate clothing depending on the season. It’s a good idea to dress in layers and bring along a light rain jacket just in case.

Loose-fitting or stretchy athletic attire works well. In warmer weather, some people prefer to wear shorts, though this will leave your knees and shins exposed to possible scrapes and bumps on the rock. Capris or three-quarter-length pants will offer a bit more protection.

The rock climbing shoes we provide are designed to be worn only while you’re actually climbing. You’ll want to wear close-toed, supportive sneakers or hiking shoes with good traction for hiking in and when you’re belaying or resting between climbs.

Here is a list of some other personal items you’ll want to bring along:

• Water (2 liters)

• A sac lunch for full-day trips/plenty of hearty snacks

• Bug repellent

• Sunscreen

• Camera or phone to take pictures (do it for the gram)

• A backpack large enough to carry your personal items as well as your harness, helmet, and climbing shoes. (You’ll want your hands free while hiking)

Proper clothing will make or break your day of ice climbing. You’ll most likely be quite warm while you’re actively climbing, but when you’re belaying or taking a break between climbs it can get cold fast, so be sure to layer up.

Base Layer: Midweight synthetic or Merino wool long underwear. Avoid cotton at all costs!

Mid Layer: Light to midweight fleece or thin synthetic down jacket.

Outer Layer: Hard of soft shell jacket and pants. They should be waterproof, windproof, or resistant, and easy to move around in. When choosing a jacket, make sure the hood has enough room to go over your helmet.

Head and Hands: A lightweight beanie that you can wear under your helmet, along with a buff will keep your head and neck warm. You’ll want a pair of lightweight, waterproof gloves that allow for dexterity and a good grip while you’re climbing. Bring along a pair of cozy mittens or gloves to keep those digits warm in between climbs.

Feet: Your ice climbing boots will provide a good amount of insulation for your feet, however, you’ll still want a pair of warm socks. Like with your base layer, stick to synthetic or wool, and avoid cotton. The thickness should be based on how cold your feet get and personal preference, but midweight hiking crew socks with a bit of padding tend to work well for most people.

In addition to your clothing considerations, here are some other things to bring along for your day of ice climbing:

• Water (2 liters)

• A thermos of hot tea or coffee

• A sac lunch for full-day trips/plenty of hearty snacks

• Handwarmers

• Sunscreen

• Camera or phone to take pictures (do it for the gram)

• A backpack large enough to carry your personal items as well as your harness, helmet, and climbing shoes. (You’ll want your hands free while hiking)

When you reserve with Equinox Guiding Service, we dedicate a guide for your adventure, blocking other bookings. Full payment is required to secure your spot, refundable up to 30 days before the program minus a 4% administration fee. Cancellations within 30 days receive a credit for future use, but no refund is given for no-shows or cancellations within 48 hours. Short-notice reservations made less than 48 hours in advance are non-refundable, though future credits may be offered. Learn more here.