Red River Gorge Expedition

RRG Expedition FAQ

• What’s the skinny on camping?

  Guides will be camping in one of the following two locations. The final location will be based on the number of participants choosing to camp on site. Your guides will provide more information as needed.

  Miquel’s
  $3/night to pitch a tent in the field

  Land of the Arches
  $5/per person per night

• What skills will I learn?

  This expedition is not just a great opportunity for guided climbing at one of the country’s prime climbing destinations–it’s also an educational experience. Participants get the opportunity to learn how to climb and belay for sport lead climbing outdoors from knowledgeable and experienced guides. They will also learn how to build simple sport anchors and clean and lower from routes. With careful oversight from guides, participants will hone their skills over three days of hands-on experience.

• What should I bring?

  Most climbers opt for a minimalist lifestyle, which is reflected in their packing lists. Thankfully, the Red River Gorge is a fairly temperate climate, which means you can save your winter gear for Denali. Even so, bring a warm layer or two just in case; it can be cold when it rains.

  For a list of recommended gear for camping, check out ​this car camping guide.

  For a list of recommended personal gear, ​check out our list here.

• Where do I eat?

  If you’re looking to eat out, there’s a number of climber favorites in the area. ​Miguel’s​ is an absolute staple in the climbing world, offering great breakfast burritos and its world famous pizza. The ​Rockhouse​ is a great place for burgers and local craft beers.

  For in-campground dining, there are a number of grocery stores nearby for stocking up on supplies. Be sure to pick up your favorite non-perishables and plenty of water for fuel and hydration at the climbing sites.

• How do I get there?

  Leaving from Philadelphia:

  I-76 W, US-220 S,​ I-68 W, I-79 S and I-64 W to KY-11 S in Slade.
  KY-11 is the main road connecting the climbing areas in the RRG.

  Both Miguel’s and the Rockhouse are on KY-11

• What is a typical day on a PRG Expedition like?

  Here is a sample day schedule for your perusal:

  (Remember: This is just an example what a day on a guided trip can look like and may not reflect your actual schedule. A gajillion factors can alter this schedule, including weather, crowds, and your personal preferences and goals.)

  • Breakfast
  • Meet up at 9am to begin day and drive to climbing area
  • Class Schedule:
    • Lead Climbing and Belaying
    • Cleaning anchors and Rappelling
    • Drills and Practice
  • Lunch
  • Climbing Schedule
    • Split into groups by ability/comfort level/climbing interests
    • Climb until 4pm
  • Return to campground for dinner and campfire goodness

• What happens if it rains?

  Rain is an (un)fortunate part of outdoor climbing! If it rains, your guides will choose an area that’s ‘rain-friendly’ and focus on the instructional aspect of the expedition. When the weather clears, you’ll get back to climbing. Make sure you bring good boots and a rain jacket as the hike in can still be very wet.

  Based on weather forecasts prior to the trip, the trip may be cancelled and/or rescheduled for another regional location in the event that guides determine a total wash at RRG. Clients can choose to go to the alternate location or have their payment refunded.

  Once on location, if bad weather affects more than 1 day of the trip, the following terms apply:

  2 Day rain out: $100.00 refund
  3 Day rain out: $200.00 refund

  Guides will not operate on rain out days, however, we will offer suggestions for alternative activities. While guides are not required to accompany clients on wash days, they may choose to do so if they wish (and if you wish), so long as climbing is not a part of the activities.