Road Trip Details

Backcountry Trad Weekend at Annapolis Rock, MD

$400 | Annapolis Rock, MD | Top rope experience required

Experience an immersive backcountry trad climbing and camping trip at one of Maryland’s most beautiful locations! Backpack in along the Appalachian Trail and learn the foundations of trad and multi-pitch climbing in a two-day immersive on the steep, tall white quartzite of Annapolis Rocks. We'll camp overnight within sight of the crags and enjoy dinner and breakfast overlooking Maryland's best sunset vista.

This weekend trip combines our Multi-Pitch Fundamentals and Intro to Trad classes into two very full days—by the end of the trip you'll have a solid foundation of knowledge and practice for big objectives.

This trip includes a short (2-mile) but strenuous guided hike along the Appalachian Trail carrying your own camping gear into the backcountry.

2023 Dates

  • NEW 9/9-10

  • You’ll learn:

    • Advanced belay skills

    • Multi-pitch systems including rope management, belay transitions, and complex rappels

    • To place, assess, and test both passive (nuts and hexes) and active (cams) protection

    • To build bomber multi-point anchors in unique situations using natural protection and gear

    • Hands-on practice placing gear on mock lead with instructor feedback

    • Principles and concepts of safe, successful trad lead climbing

  • What’s included:

    • Any personal climbing gear you need (harness, helmet, shoes, etc.)

    • All class gear, including trad racks

    • Take-home handouts and quick reference guides

    • Group first aid kit

    • Overnight camping at semi-primitive sites (pit toilets, natural spring water source, no power) along the Appalachian trail

    Note that this class does NOT include:

    • Personal camping gear

    • Meals