How to Get the Most Out of Your First Guided Climbing Trip

If you’ve booked your first guided rock climbing trip—whether it’s in the Red River Gorge with Southeast Mountain Guides or elsewhere—you’re in for a rewarding experience. A guided trip offers personalized instruction, expert insight, and the chance to enjoy climbing without the stress of figuring everything out on your own. That said, a little preparation goes a long way in making the most of your day.

Here’s how to show up ready, dialed in, and primed to learn.

1. Complete Your Waiver Before Arrival

We know it’s not the most exciting part—but completing your waiver online ahead of time makes check-in smooth and saves precious climbing minutes. Use the “Sign Waiver” link in your confirmation email and forward it to everyone in your group. You’ll need your full name and date of birth, and if you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be listed.

2. Know What Gear You Need—and What’s Provided

At a minimum, every climber should have:

• A climbing harness
  
  
• Climbing shoes
  
  
• A helmet
  
  

If you don’t own these items, your guide will provide them. You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, but it must be proper climbing gear. All soft goods (like harnesses and slings) should be less than 7 years old and in good condition.

If you’re hoping to learn how to use your personal gear—like belay devices, carabiners, or a rope—bring it along! Your guide can give instruction on how to use it properly and help you gain confidence with your own system.

3. Pack Like You’re Going Hiking (Because You Are)

Outdoor climbing isn’t like a gym session where everything’s at arm’s reach. You’ll be outside, on your feet, and away from your car for several hours. Bring a small backpack with:

• Plenty of water
  
  
• Snacks and lunch (we don’t provide food)
  
  
• Sunscreen and bug spray
  
  
• Weather-appropriate layers
  
  
• Closed-toe shoes—no sandals
  
  

Clothes that are breathable, flexible, and fit for hiking or scrambling over rocks work best. Bonus points if you check the weather ahead of time and pack accordingly.

4. Show Up 10 Minutes Early

Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your reserved start time. This gives us time to:

• Confirm your waiver
  
  
• Take final payment (we actually don’t take payment ahead of time)
  
  
• Meet your guide and go over the plan for the day
  
  

Morning trips typically start at 8:30 AM, afternoon trips at 2:00 PM, and full-day trips kick off at 9:00 AM. Be sure to double-check that you’re operating on Eastern Time—not Central.

5. Bring Your Goals

Our guided trips are completely private. That means your day will be tailored to your group’s experience, energy level, and goals. If you can show up with 1–3 specific things you’d like to do or learn—anything from "I want to climb outside for the first time" to "I’d like to learn to clean an anchor"—your guide will work those into the day’s plan.

If you’re not sure what your goals are yet, no problem. Your instructor will help shape the day once you get moving.

6. Understand the Timeline

Time works a little differently outside. Between gearing up, driving, hiking, instruction, and actual climbing, a few hours go by quickly. Here's a rough timeline for what to expect:

• Check-in & prep: 10–15 minutes
  
  
• Drive (if offsite): 5–25 minutes
  
  
• Hike in: 5–25 minutes
  
  
• Instruction, climbing, breaks: 3.5–7 hours depending on trip length
  
  

Note: The drive and hike are part of your trip time, so be sure to fuel up beforehand..

7. Ask Questions. All the Questions.

Your instructor is there to support you—not just in climbing, but in growing your skills and confidence. Want to know what “crux” means? Wondering how to tie a figure 8 or what gear to buy for future trips? Ask away. Your guide will adjust their instruction to fit your pace and experience level.

8. Expect Flexibility

We’ll make a plan in the parking lot—but climbing days are fluid. Sometimes we’ll change routes or areas depending on weather, group energy, or crowd levels. The more open you are to adjusting on the fly, the better your experience will be.

9. Don’t Overpack—but Don’t Underthink It

Climbing gear? Check. Food and water? Check. But also… maybe an extra pair of socks if rain is in the forecast, or a small towel if it’s humid. Most of all, bring a positive attitude and a sense of adventure.

10. Finish Strong with a Recap

We like to wrap up each trip with a quick recap: what you climbed, what you learned, and what your next steps could be. This is a great time to ask for recommendations—whether it’s what gym class to take, what gear to buy next, or how to prepare for your next trip outside.

Final Word: Come Curious, Leave Empowered

Your first guided climbing trip is about more than just getting to the top of the wall—it’s your launchpad into outdoor adventure. With the right prep, the right questions, and the right mindset, you’ll walk away with more skills, more confidence, and a real connection to one of the country’s most iconic climbing destinations.

Ready to climb? We’re ready to take you there.