About the trip

Our five-day rock camps are designed to get you out climbing, increase your skill set, and to bring like-minded people together in a pristine wilderness setting. The days are filled with fun, variable climbing on the areas famed domes and crags, while making time for instruction on a variety of climbing-related skills. At the end of the trip, you’ll have made great friends, climbed memorable routes, and will have furthered your skill set to be a more competent and efficient climber.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced climber, this trip offers something for everyone. With high guide-client ratios, you’ll spend plenty up on the rock, while receiving individualized attention for improving your climbing technique & technical skills. We focus on technique, placing protection, rope handling, anchor building, basic rescue and overall efficiency. All of the classes are catered to the interests and abilities of the trip participants.

We guide in the scenic southern Yosemite high country with access to more than 1,000 different climbs including Fresno Dome, Shuteye Ridge and The Balls areas. Sport, trad, top-roping or multi-pitch routes are all possibilities. Away from the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley, this spectacular area is perfect for teaching and creating intimate, personalized experiences.

SYMG guides are professional, highly experienced, and hold certifications commiserate with the level of guiding they provide. And of course they are enjoyable people to be around! All have spent years perfecting their skills in and around Yosemite and look forward to not only teaching and guiding you in these spectacular locations, but getting to know you as well.

Accommodations: Four nights tent camping in the scenic southern Yosemite high country. More detailed descriptions & directions are included with your pre-trip packet.

Equipment: We supply all group camping and climbing gear (ropes, protection, stoves, cookware, water filters, group first aid kit, etc.). We can also supply personal equipment (rock shoes, harness, helmet, sleeping bag, ground pad, and tent) upon request with no additional fee. You are welcome to bring your own personal camping and/or camping equipment if you prefer. A detailed gear list will be sent to you upon registration.

Meals: We provide all meals and snacks from Dinner on Day 1 to Lunch and snacks on the final day. Our "Backcountry Gourmet" meals have been acclaimed in Sunset Magazine. We take pride in providing excellent meals even in remote surroundings.

Your Cost Includes: Meals (as noted above), group camping gear (as noted above), personal camping equipment (as noted above), personal climbing gear (as noted above), applicable permits, professional mountain guide(s), pre-trip planning packet, and trip support from our friendly office staff.

Not Included: Transportation, personal gear (except as noted above), tips for guides (10-20% of trip cost is typical), and optional trip cancelation insurance.

Preparation: No experience required. We cater to all levels of physical and technical proficiency. However, a basic rock climbing class in the rock gym, reading rock climbing instructional books and watching rock climbing videos will all enhance your experience and steepen your learning curve.

Itinerary

Day 1:  

Meet at the Pines Resort Bakery at 4pm. After a short trip orientation, you'll follow your guide(s) in your vehicle to the climbing camp, a little over an hour away (all roads are accessible with a two-wheel drive vehicle, though an SUV style vehicle may be more comfortable on the dirt roads). We'll set up camp and your guide(s) will prepare a welcome dinner for everyone. We'll also ask you about your experience, skills, and goals for the trip and choose routes most appropriate for your interests and ability. We then pair up participants with others who share in the same goals. We strive to ensure a safe, rewarding, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Day 2:  

After a hearty breakfast prepared by your guide(s), we head to the rock for a morning of single-pitch climbing. In addition to plenty of memorable time on the rock, you’ll receive personalized instruction from your guide(s) both on the ground and up on the wall. Typical classes include gear placement and anchor building as well as personalized technique instruction. Around 5pm, we return to the campsite where dinner, campfire, and conversation end the day's activities.

Day 3: 

Today it’s back to the rock for another day of climbing. We’ll continue on with our educational goals, moving into more varied climbing terrain where you can practice and hone your technical skills. We’ll also present new topics such as basic rescue techniques, rope handling & efficiency, and/or multi-pitch scenarios. Around 5pm, we return to the campsite where dinner, campfire, and conversation end the day's activities.

Day 4:  

In addition to climbing in a new area, we can spend this day in a variety of ways. Possibilities include multi-pitch climbs, practicing leading routes (mock leading only) or spending more time dialing in skills learned on the previous days. Around 5pm, we return to the campsite where dinner, campfire, and conversation end the day's activities.

Day 5:  

Our final day begins with breakfast and then it’s back to the rock. In addition to more new climbs, we’ll continue with the instructional component of the trip based on your personal progression. We’ll finish the day between 2-3 pm.