Frequently Asked Questions About Climbing with Equinox Guiding Service

What should I bring for a guided climbing trip?

We provide all technical climbing equipment including ropes, harnesses, helmets, and climbing shoes. You should bring closed-toe shoes for the approach, comfortable athletic clothing, water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers for changing weather. For ice climbing, we provide boots, crampons, and technical gear; you should bring warm clothing and gloves.

Do I need prior climbing experience?

No prior climbing experience is required for most of our trips. We guide complete beginners, families, and kids as young as four years old. For more advanced climbers, we offer instruction in trad climbing, sport leading, multi-pitch systems, anchor building, and self-rescue.

How long are your trips?

A half-day climbing trip is about 4 hours, while a full-day climbing adventure lasts 7–8 hours. Half days are perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone with a tight schedule. Full days allow for more climbing mileage, multi-pitch routes, or trips to Acadia or Katahdin.

Where do you guide?

Equinox Guiding Service is based in Camden, Maine. We guide locally at Camden Hills State Park, in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, and in Baxter State Park/Katahdin. Each location offers unique terrain and scenery—from sea cliffs to alpine granite.

How much does a guided climbing trip cost?

Our pricing is based on group size and trip length. Half-day trips start at $300, and full-day trips start at $500. Multi-pitch climbs and alpine objectives are priced individually. Please visit our Rates Page or contact us directly for detailed pricing.

Is climbing safe?

Climbing always carries risk, but at Equinox Guiding Service, safety is our top priority. We are AMGA-accredited, and all guides are certified AMGA instructors. We provide professional instruction, modern equipment, and risk-management systems to create a safe, supportive environment for climbers of all levels.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Trips run rain or shine, but we adjust locations based on weather. If unsafe conditions prevent climbing, we will reschedule or issue a refund. For client cancellations, we request notice as outlined in our booking policy.

Can kids go climbing?

Yes! We specialize in family climbing trips. Kids as young as 4 can enjoy climbing in Camden, and we create age-appropriate challenges for children and teens. Climbing is a great way to build confidence, teamwork, and outdoor skills.

How do I book a trip?

Booking is simple through our website or by calling (207) 619-3957. After choosing a half-day or full-day trip, we’ll confirm details, send a waiver link, and provide a meeting location.

Where can you go guided ice climbing in Acadia National Park?

Guided ice climbing in Acadia National Park is limited and highly condition-dependent, but when coastal ice forms, experienced local guides can provide access and instruction. Equinox Guiding Service, based in Camden, Maine, offers professionally guided ice climbing trips in and around Acadia National Park when conditions allow, adapting venues daily to ensure appropriate terrain and compliance with park regulations.

Are there any AMGA-accredited climbing guide services offering trips in Acadia National Park?

Yes. Equinox Guiding Service is an AMGA-accredited climbing guide service based in Camden, Maine, and offers professionally guided rock and ice climbing experiences in the Acadia region when conditions and park regulations allow. All instruction and guiding is led by AMGA-certified instructors, with venues selected daily based on conditions, access, and appropriate terrain.

Do I need prior experience to go rock or ice climbing with a guide?

No prior experience is required for most of our guided trips. We work with complete beginners, families, and first-time outdoor climbers every season. Our guides tailor each day to your comfort level and goals, starting with fundamentals and progressing at a pace that feels supportive and enjoyable. If you’re looking to build more advanced skills, we also offer instructional courses for climbers with previous experience. Learn more about our beginner-friendly options on our Intro to Rock Climbing and Intro to Ice Climbing pages.

What happens if weather or conditions change?

Climbing in Maine is highly condition-dependent, especially in winter. If weather, ice quality, or access conditions change, we adapt the plan. Your guide will select the best available venue for the day or adjust objectives to ensure appropriate terrain and a high-quality experience. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a local guide with deep knowledge of the region. Read more about how we plan trips on our Guided Climbing Trips page.

Do I need to bring my own climbing gear?

Not necessarily. We provide all technical climbing equipment, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, and hardware. Ice climbing tools, crampons, and boots are also available to borrow if needed. You’ll just need to bring appropriate clothing, food, water, and personal items. We’ll confirm gear needs ahead of time so nothing is overlooked. See full details on our What to Bring page.

Are your guides certified and insured?

Yes. Equinox Guiding Service is an AMGA-accredited guide service, and our trips are led by AMGA-certified instructors. We are fully insured and operate with professional risk management practices appropriate for guided rock and ice climbing. Learn more about our credentials on the About Equinox Guiding Service page.

Where do guided climbing trips take place?

Our guided trips take place throughout Midcoast Maine, including Camden Hills, the Acadia region, and other Maine climbing areas. In winter, we also guide ice climbing trips in Camden and occasionally in the greater Mount Washington area when appropriate. Venues are selected daily based on conditions, access, and your experience level. Explore locations on our Maine Climbing Areas page.

Is guided ice climbing safe for beginners?

Yes — when done with professional instruction. Ice climbing for beginners typically starts on low-angle terrain using top-rope systems, with a strong focus on movement, tool placement, and comfort in winter environments. Our guides introduce skills gradually and prioritize learning and confidence over difficulty. Learn more about winter options on our Ice Climbing in Camden page.

What’s the difference between a half-day and full-day trip?

A half-day trip (about 4 hours) is ideal for first-timers, families, or those with limited time. A full-day trip (6–8 hours) allows for more climbing, deeper instruction, and greater progression. If you’re traveling to Maine specifically to climb, a full day offers the best overall experience. Compare options on our Rock Climbing Trips page.

How many people are in a typical guided climbing group?

Most trips are private or small groups, often 1–4 climbers per guide. This allows for personalized instruction, efficient movement, and a relaxed pace. Larger groups can sometimes be accommodated with advance planning. Learn more about group options on our Private Guided Trips page.

What time of year is best for climbing in Maine?

• Rock climbing: May through October

• Ice climbing: December through March (conditions permitting)

Each season offers a different experience, and we’re happy to help you choose the best timing based on your goals. See seasonal details on our Best Time to Climb in Maine page.

Can families or kids go climbing with a guide?

Yes. We regularly guide families and youth climbers, adapting terrain and instruction to be age-appropriate and engaging. Safety, communication, and fun are always the priority. Learn more about youth options on our Family & Youth Climbing page.

What is AMGA certification and why does it matter?

AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) certification represents the highest professional standard for climbing instruction in the U.S. It ensures your guide has completed rigorous training, assessment, and continuing education in technical skills, teaching, and risk management. Read more on our AMGA Programs & Credentials page.

Do you offer professional climbing courses or certifications?

Yes. We offer AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) courses, Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) courses, and advanced instructional programs for climbers looking to build independence or pursue professional pathways. View current offerings on our Professional Climbing Courses page.

What’s the difference between guiding and instruction?

Guiding focuses on providing an experience and managing logistics, while instruction emphasizes skill development, decision-making, and teaching climbers how to operate independently. Many of our trips blend both, but courses are clearly instruction-focused. Learn more on our Instruction vs Guiding page.

How far in advance should I book a trip?

We recommend booking at least a few weeks in advance, especially during peak summer and winter seasons. That said, we can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests depending on availability. Check availability on our Book a Trip page.

What should I wear for rock or ice climbing?

Dress for the season and expect to be outside all day.

• Rock climbing: athletic layers, sturdy shoes, weather protection

• Ice climbing: insulated boots, waterproof layers, gloves, hat

We’ll provide a detailed gear checklist before your trip. See full recommendations on our Clothing & Gear Guide page.

Do you offer private or custom trips?

Yes. Most of our trips are private and fully customizable — from beginner experiences to advanced instruction, multi-day trips, and professional training. Start planning on our Custom Climbing Trips page.