Solo Climbing Trips

Hello everyone! 

I'm trying to figure out what to do with about a month's worth of time this upcoming summer and was thinking of driving to a couple national parks and crags and doing a bit of climbing here and there. I've heard some stories of meeting climbing partners on the fly at a lot of these places, but most of those telling them were men. I'm wondering if there are any women out there who have experience traveling alone and finding climbing partners, either beforehand or spontaneously. It seems like there are a lot of resources available to find partners wherever you go, I've just never tried them out! Anyone have experience with this and would be willing to share stories/advice? 

Thanks so much! 

I have never had a problem finding partners at any locale- in fact, as a n00b I went to Kalymnos with a rope and draws, no idea how to lead or lead belay, and ended up finding partners who helped teach me how to lead/lead belay,  led my first route, and took my first fall. Go for it!!!

I went to Cuba by myself last year and ended up finding some really cool and fun people to climb with (mostly men, but a few women sprinkled in, too). I think it helped that I went to a climbing "destination" (Viñales), and stayed where other climbers were likely to be staying. 

If I were to offer advice, it would probably be that -- to go to climbing-specific destinations, and stay where other climbers are probably staying. Smith Rock, Indian Creek, RRG, etc. At RRG, for example, you would probably find it pretty easy to meet people to climb with if you camp or just hang out at Miguel's. There will probably be a few groups around who have an odd number and would welcome a competent +1. Like, camping in Rifle specifically is probably a better plan than just going to Boulder and hoping to find partners...somehow? You could also just hike to some crags with your gear and look for friendly people. Offering to give a few catches first is always appreciated, and if the vibe is good and the group is friendly / not in a hurry or seriously working projects, they might invite you join them for the day.

You could also obviously try the MP Partner Finder if you're comfortable with that. Either way, definitely look out for your own safety, and try to observe a stranger's belay technique before trusting your life to them!

Hi Aubrey!

I’m a climber from Louisiana and I’ve been traveling for about two months now by myself. I usually like to hang around some of the popular areas where there’s lots of climbers (campsites or coffee shops near crags) and I’ve been able to meet some female climbers this way. So it’s been mostly spontaneous for me. But to be honest, what you said it’s true, I’ve mostly met male climbers. They are cool too tho! Haven’t had a problem w that yet, except for their beta not working for me at times. I’m currently in Southern California, mainly climbing in JTree and Malibu Creek Canyon, and ocationally Red Rock in Nevada. I love to climb trad, sport and bouldering. I have two 70m ropes, a double rack of cams, quickdraws, and a bouldering pad. Feel free to message me if you need a climbing buddy in the next month or so! (I am now trying to meet climbers thru mountain project.. wish me luck)

Hey Aubrey, I also have a ton of time this summer without any dedicated climbing partners. Maybe we should connect and meet up somewhere! 

What others have said. I haven't gone on extended trip without having some partners pre-arranged, but I definitely have gone solo for a week without partners, and had no trouble finding good people to climb with.

I'd say, do research before you go. Find out where climbers hang out at your destinations of choice, some places are easier than others for finding partners... and maybe make plans to meet up with someone for the first day or two. What I've done is, I'd plan to get to the place on a weekend, and I would try to find partners for the first weekend ahead of time, online. And then once I'm there, it goes really easily, you just talk to people at the crag, and if someone mentions that they are on a longer trip, not just for the weekend, ask if you can climb with them the next day. You have a chance to see them belay, etc. and if they are climbing at the same crag as you, chances are their climbing skills match yours and you would be a good fit. From there on, it gets even easier bc people who are on extended trip and have been at a location for some time have already met other people who are on extended trip, and by hanging out with them you will meet these other extended-trippers, too.

check out Alpenglow Collective. Its a great resource to meet other female climbers before heading out on a trip!

Hey there!

I have climbed with people I connected with on MP on trips to Red Rock, Boulder and Northern California.  I did the same with some local climbers before I had my circle of climbing partners.  For me, it worked out really well, and some of those people are good friends that I keep in contact with and climb with anytime our paths cross.  If you are open about your experience and what are looking to do, it can be a great way to expand your climbing circle.  Of course, YMMV

I have done both many times in different areas, mostly out West. No problem. I do keep aware of myself and my surroundings while traveling, stopping, and even in camp (depending on the area). A key is to figure out what areas are best to get a prearranged partner vs pick one up. Some areas are hard to pick up pards.  

I went to Tensleep a couple years ago by myself and wound up meeting a WY local who was travelling with a couple of Swedes within 5 minutes of parking in the free camping area.  About 10 minutes later a Kiwi looking for partners wandered by.  Some areas are more conducive to meeting partners.  Sport areas with an abundance of moderate routes seem to be the easiest.  

Hi! I need a ride from SLC Utah to Yosemite, anyone headed that way October 23rd?