Crack Climbing Utah – Crack Camp
Crack Camp
With Mary Eden aka Tradprincess, and friends!
Spring 2024
May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st $1399
Crack Camp is the ultimate boot camp for crack climbers of all levels. Taught by the, accomplished in every size, Mary Eden @tradprincess, this 3-day immersive experience includes an impressively high number of supervised crack routes, near-unlimited access to trad gear, professional photography of you in action, and individualised coaching from Mary and guest instructors.
Crack Camp alums have cited Crack Camp as the most significant experience of their climbing careers, not just because of the high-volume training and exposure to classic Indian Creek routes, but also because of the climbing partnerships and friendships formed.
Crack Camp hosts only the best of the best guest instructors alongside Mary Eden you just might see Brittany Goris @gorisb, Lor Sabourin @lor_sabourin, Aaron Livingston @livingstonaaron, Danny Parker @desertdannyp, Ashley Cracoft @ashleyreva, Jonathan Vickers @jonvickersphoto, Kaya Lindsay @onechicktravels, and more! Each one of our instructors has incredible climbing resumes consisting of 5.13-5.14 trad and are amazing teachers.
Check availability and Book online now!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“First of all, I’ll just say off the bat that crack camp was without a doubt one of the top few funnest weekends of my adult life. Between the level of instruction you get, the volume of climbing you get in, the guide: student ratio, the friends/future climbing partners you make, and having the camping and other logistics taken care of for you, it’s easily worth every penny.
I’ve hired guides for full-day instructional courses before (intro to trad, and self rescue) but Crack Camp gave me by far the fullest days I’ve ever gotten in with a guide. Some of the guides woke up before dawn every day to set up topropes, so even with us getting to the walls shortly after sunrise, there’d already be enough routes ready for everyone in the group to immediately get started climbing. There was essentially never any idle time unless you needed to take a rest, so you’re really able to get out of it however much you put into the experience.
Mary and her instructors were also super flexible about tailoring the curriculum to our needs. Experience levels ranged from basically never having crack climbed to being a 5.10 leader, and everyone got to focus on what they wanted to. I got to practice leading around my limit and taking my first whips on gear, and they were super patient with me throughout the whole process. They also checked in with each of us at the end of every day to make sure we were achieving our goals and working on the things that we were most interested in. By the end of the long weekend, most of us could barely walk (in a good way!).
Overall, def one of the funniest climbing weekends I’ve ever had, and 10/10 would do it again.”
“Crack camp was simply majestic. Rambunctious. Utterly bonkers. SO MUCH FUN. Mary, Kaya, and their team of guides offer a truly unforgettable experience. I’ve learned (and laughed) more in three days with them than I’ve had all year. Met a lot of rad people and got to climb some of the wildest routes. Don’t even get me started on the campfire shenanigans. Can’t wait to see what adventures awaits for off-width!!!
Disclaimer: everything beyond crack camp will pale in comparison, my trip to Bishop following camp can vouch for that (no offense boulderers).”
“It makes you feel super special — you get so much ✨attention✨ and get to try hard routes with top-level climbers who are actually invested in your success. And it introduces you to future climbing partners and mentors, which a lot of climbers don’t have at all and is really valuable. I met so many amazing women that weekend. I now have so many mentors, partners, and resources I didn’t have before! Take this clinic!”
“I signed up for Mary’s crack camp super last minute when I saw that there was a cancellation. I hadn’t signed up for a crack camp previously because I didn’t think the experience would be worth the price, and I also have had somewhat negative experiences with guides in the past. My experience with Mary surpassed my expectations. She is extremely positive and encouraging, and made sure to get to know my personal goals so that she could tailor the class to fit them. My crack climbing skills following that weekend were exponentially improved. Since that class, I have felt a lot more confident jumping on challenging climbs and pushing my climbing grade. Overall, 10/10 weekend.”
WHAT TO EXPECT
These clinics are great for anyone with a general 5.9 fitness stoked on crack climbing! They are meant to take your trad/crack climbing to a whole new level. The clinic is led by AMGA single pitch Instructor and Assistant Rock Guide, Mary Eden. We will be keeping a low student-instructor ratio and have a professional photographer along for the entire clinic.
LOCATION – Crack climbing Utah
Moab, Utah. Surrounded by Canyonlands National Park and Indian Creek Moab is the epicenter of crack climbing in the USA. Crack Camp will be climbing at a variety of locations in the Moab/ Indian Creek area. You’ll find various parts of your body jammed in sandstone splitters during your time with us and you can be sure that you will leave with some of the best climbing memories of your life and a burning desire to return for more Utah crack climbing.
Day 1 we will meet and head to our 2WD group campsite and then off to our climbing destination! Will will camp together as a group each evening and climb together each day.
During the clinics we will cover key concepts of crack climbing; fingers to fists, wide climbing technique, placing traditional climbing gear, tape gloves, leading, technical systems and much more.
After the clinic, our professional photographer will send you high-quality images that you can share on social media, with friends and family, or place on your mantle or desk.
LOGISTICS
We have the group site picked out, 2WD vehicles can comfortably access this location. We will arrange to carpool at Red River Adventures and take into consideration those who may not be heading back to Moab when the clinic concludes. If you choose to drive your own vehicle to the campsite make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Please note! We will NOT be providing food! Please have what you need to eat for the duration of the clinic ready to go on the morning of day one.
We will be providing a full kitchen for the group to use. Everything needed for the group to cook, eat and clean up with will be available.
There will be a cooler space for food and drink for those that are joining us from a distance. Alcoholic beverages are allowed at camp and Red River Adventures will be providing cooler space.
We will be bringing enough water for the group for each clinic.
Red River Adventures will provide all the rope, anchors and equipment needed to facilitate the clinic. You are however welcome to bring any gear that you have. This gives you an opportunity to use it while climbing with a guide, discuss the pros and cons of various pieces and explore what you might need in the future.
We will provide a personal list of items that you should bring to be comfortable for multiple days of climbing and camping in the desert.
Topics covered
Review: We will review and expand upon your knowledge of the following.
- Knots
- Communication
- Leave No Trace
Key concepts
- Crack climbing, fingers to fists
- Wide climbing technique
- Placing traditional climbing gear
- Tape gloves
- Anchoring/cleaning
Movement
- Crack climbing
- fingers to Off-width
- Movement efficiency
- transitions for crack climbs
- Wide climbing technique
- Thin crack technique
- Roof crack technique
- General training tips
Equipment
- What is needed, what is not
- Selection, proper use, storage and life expectancy
Anchoring
- What makes a good anchor
- Traditional gear‚ Cams, nuts, hexes and tri-cams
- Fixed Hardware, trees and natural features
- Extensions‚ how and why
- Traditional climbing
- Racking
- Cleaning
Rescue and Retreat
- Lowering
- Rappelling
- Bailing safely
Leading
- Clipping
- Racking for success
- Strategy and efficiency
- Route finding
General
- Use of guidebooks, climbing grades
- Climbing myths
- Hazard assessment
Rock Climbing Photo Gallery
Reviews
FAQ
Online reviews - 5 Stars
Why Choose RRA? - 20 years of doing it right!
Since 2003, when rafting operations began, we have gone on to expand our operations into rock and ice climbing, canyoneering, guided ski touring, travel trips and outdoor education. We have hosted over 85,000 guests and spent over 110,000 days in the field! We are so proud that this has garnered 5-star rankings across all online review sites. Land or water our clients rave about the quality of our guides, the depth of their knowledge, their ability to teach and most importantly, how incredibly fun each is. We believe our past guest's comments make the decision easy!
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Your Safety is our number #1 concern
Since we started this journey in 2003 we have safely hosted 85,000+ kids and adults and spent over 100,000 days rafting, climbing, canyoneering and skiing in Utah and around the world. RRA guides are at a minimum state licensed, insured and hold first aid and CPR certifications. Many of our river guides hold additional certifications in swift water rescue and whitewater instruction. Many, though not all, of our rock, ice, ski and canyoneering guides are AMGA trained or certified for the terrain they guide..
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Quality Equipment
When running trips quality equipment is paramount. RRA replaces its equipment on a regular basis. This ensures all the gear required to keep you safe and having fun is in top-notch shape.Back to top
Reputation
RRA has earned the reputation of a professionally ran, top quality guide service. We are a tight knit family run business. Once you adventure with RRA we guarantee you'll be back for more.Back to top
Do I need a reservation
YES! To guarantee space on the trip of your choice, we recommend reservations, especially on holidays and summer weekends. In order to provide the type of trip the we have become known for we do limit the number of people on a launch and we do fill up. In addition a lot goes into the planning of a river trip, including scheduling of guides, drivers, packing lunch for full-day and lunch trips and ensuring that our equipment is always in top-notch condition. Make a reservation as soon as you have a good idea of when you want to raft with us and you'll avoid disappointment. Feel free to call us about reservations at any time @ 1-877-259-4046 or email.
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About Age Limitations
Youth Rate = 15 years and younger!Adults = 16 years and up!
All participants on river trips are required to wear a Coast Guard approved floatation device (PFD). For Fisher Towers trips we use an age limit of 5 and kids must weight at least 40 Lbs. On Climbing and Canyoneering trips the limit is 8 years of age. Ask yourself, what kind of previous outdoor experience has the child had? Use your considered judgment on the child's preparedness. On the other end, folks well into their 70's have adventured with us.
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Which Trip to Choose
We are thrilled to have the ability to offer such a wide variety or trips. We also realize that this can create confusion. We are a fantastic resource and look forward to helping you choose the trip that is perfect for you and your group. Please feel free to call or email with any questions you might have, we love to help. Often after a brief conversation with one of our staff the the answers become clear.
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Where do we park/leave our things
There is plenty of secure parking on site at our offices. Valuables can be locked in your vehicles and will be perfectly safe for the duration of your trip. In addition we are more than happy to store anything that you may be extra concerned about in our offices while you are on the river.
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Are there bugs
Thankfully there are usually very few to no bugs on our trips. The we travel through some of the driest terrain on the planet so there is generally no standing water for bugs to breed in. At the same time the current in the main river section is too swift to allow for breeding. This being said sometimes there are gnats or mosquitoes.
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What to Bring
Red River Adventures tries to make your trip with us as easy as possible!
What to bring is clearly outlined on the "what to pack" tab for each of our trips. We provide most, to all, necessary equipment for you to take part in our rock climbing, canyoneering and river trips. This includes all rock climbing and canyoneering equipment, boats and boating equipment, safety equipment, life jackets, guides, food, beverages, camping and kitchen equipment. In addition you are welcome to bring, or we can provide at NO ADDITIONAL COST, camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses. You simply bring your own personal clothing and gear. We will provide trip specific lists to assist you in bringing the right things.
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What the Weather is Like
Be prepared for hot (75-110 F degrees) weather during June, July, and August. You can expect cooler temperatures (55-90 F degrees) during April, May, September, and October. August is usually the wettest month (short-lived but intense thunder showers).
April 73|42 May 84|50 June 85|58 July 101|64 Aug 98|63 Sept 89|53
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About Swimming and Fishing
Swimming is as much a part of a great river trip as whitewater and cooking out. Guests are more than welcome to swim on all our river trips. There is no better place to be on a hot summer day than swimming alongside one of our rafts. Catfish and Carp are plentiful in the Colorado and Dolores Rivers.
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What Risks Are Involved
Red River Adventures has an unblemished safety record. We personally screen and train our employees vigorously each year. Each of our guides receives extensive instructions on safety, swift water rescue and first aid training. Our Climbing and Canyoneering guides are highly trained and many are AMGA certified. Our trips take place in rugged, remote "wilderness" settings. You should be in good general health to participate. Non-swimmers can go and are more than welcome. We provide Coast Guard approved life jackets for your safety.
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Beverages
We supply plenty of drinking water.
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Alcohol Policy
Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip.
Multi-Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during time on the river. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to river time. Alcohol may be consumed, in camp, on multi-day trips. Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.
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Charter and Group Rates
Red River Adventures offers a group rate discount of 10% to groups of 10 or more. Additional rates reductions are available for school, club, church, or special-interest groups on some trips. We are happy to, when ever possible, customized trip lengths and itineraries. Please contact us for help in arranging your charter trip or for group rate information.
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What To Pack
Red River Adventures will provide all of the technical equipment required to guide this clinic. However, climbers are strongly encouraged to bring personal climbing gear. Instructors will inspect any personal equipment prior to use on our trips. A full gear list will be distributed prior to the clinic.
What is provided
- All ropes, cams and anchors needed for the clinic
- Group kitchen
- Water
- Group campsite
- Helmets, harness and shoes (if needed)
What to pack – minimum
- FOOD and SNACKS
- NOTE: Red River is NOT providing food! Clinic participants are required to bring their own food!
- Climbing pack
- Camping gear
- Water bottle
- Shoes/sandals
- Clothing
General
- Please NOTE!!!! There is a time change from AZ to UT. We are 1 hour ahead of AZ.
- There is plenty of secure parking at Red River. Valuables are safe in your vehicle.
- At the end of all trips, we will return you to your starting location.
- Guide gratuities are customary.
Reservations
Option #1 - Most of our Adventures can be booked by clicking the "Book Now" button for the trip you want.
Option #2 - For those trips that do not open a calendar Call 1-435-259-4046
or Email us through our Contact Page
Reservations are HIGHLY recommended! Many dates sell out far in advance!
A refundable payment is due to guarantee reservation.
Cancellations
Full & Half Day Trips
- 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
- Balance is due and will be charged 7 days prior to departure.
- Cancellation/changes made 7 days prior to departure are FREE!
- Cancellation, partial or in full, within 7 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Full & Half day - Large Group (14 or more)
- 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
- Balance is due and will be charged 14 days prior to departure.
- Cancellation/changes made 14 days prior to departure are FREE!
- Cancellation, partial or in full, within 14 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Clinics, Courses, and Exams
- 50% deposit due at time of reservation.
- Balance is due and will be charged 30 days prior to departure.
- Cancellation/changes made 30 days prior to departure are FREE!
- Cancellation, partial or in full, within 30 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.
International trips
- A refundable deposit of 10% is required to hold space.
- 120 days - 50% is due and will be charge to the card on file.
- 60 days - 100% is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- Cancellation 60 days prior to departure are FREE. A full refund will be given.
- Cancellation, partial or in full, within 60 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Europe
- A non- refundable deposit of 25% is required to hold space.
- 90 days - Balance is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- Cancellation, partial or in full, within 90 days of departure will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Please Note: RRA recommends you insure your trip!
We HIGHLY recommend purchasing trip insurance. Please use Tin Leg or similar to insure your trip, course or clinic if you are not protected by your airline, credit card, or another third party.Purchasing travel insurance no matter the size or length of your trip will protect against loss in the event of an unforeseen, or last-minute, change in circumstances.
Cancellations or changes for ANY reason, including Covid-19, inside our established cut-offs will not be refunded or rescheduled. Please consider protecting yourself by insuring your purchase!
General
RRA reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, insufficient bookings or any other circumstances beyond our control at anytime. RRA will make every effort to reschedule the date. Bookings that are unable to be rescheduled or are cancelled by RRA will receive a full refund.
Weather
Weather is part of the dynamic environment in which we operate. We may experience conditions that you do not consider ideal. If we determine that conditions are suitable for the activity you have booked and you instead wish to cancel/discontinue the trip, we will, whenever practical, end the trip at your request with no refund. If conditions are such that RRA deems it unwise to continue, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary, which may include, but may not be limited to, shortening of route or length of trip. We may also change venue or cancel the remainder of your trip. If, at time of cancellation, the trip is less than 1/2 complete, we will charge 50% of trip fee. If the trip is between 1/2 and completed, a full trip fee is charged.Alcohol
Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip. Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.
