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Get Outside

It's where climbing started.

ASCEND is psyched to introduce you all to climbing in the great outdoors. After all, that's where this whole climbing thing originated, so let us show you the ropes and our roots.

Climb Outdoors

With ASCEND

Generally, the Outdoor Guiding season runs from April through October, weather depending. Here's how you can GET OUTSIDE!

Intro To Outdoor Climbing Trips

Great For Beginners

These experiential trips require no prior experience and include lots of fun climbing and rappelling time, plus great exposure to foundational knowledge.

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Outdoor Climbing Education

For Curious Climbers

These educational trips are designed for those familiar with outdoor climbing who want to learn more and level up their skills.

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Private Or Customized Trips

Whatever You Need

These specialized trips are great for groups that want a private experience or individuals with specific goals.

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Outdoor Guiding Season

Summer 2025

June 14 | Frank Curto Park | Half-Day Trip | Top Rope Anchor Building:

June 28 | Coopers Rock State Forest | Full-Day Trip | Top Rope Anchor Building: REGISTER

July 12 | Frank Curto Park | Half-Day Trip | Sport 2: Gym To Crag - Outdoor Sport Climbing: REGISTER

July 26 | Coopers Rock State Forest | Full-Day Trip | Intro To Outdoor Climbing + Rappelling: REGISTER

August 2 | McConnells Mill State Park | Full-Day Trip | Top Rope Anchor Building: REGISTER

August 9 | Frank Curto Park | Half-Day Trip | Sport 2: Gym To Crag - Outdoor Sport Climbing: REGISTER

August 30 | Coopers Rock State Forest | Full-Day Trip | Top Rope Anchor Building: REGISTER

*Trips are generally offered on Saturdays with a back up weather day of the following Sunday.

Learn About ASCEND's

Intro To Outdoor Climbing Trips

Intro To Outdoor Climbing + Rappelling

  • Climb outdoors on real rocks!

  • This introductory climbing trip will get you outside and in touch with the roots of the sport - climbing real rock in beautiful settings! Our highly experienced and certified climbing guides will curate an amazing outdoor climbing experience with a small group of eager climbers. This trip is recommended for anyone (aged 14+) interested in learning the basics of outdoor roped climbing. Join us for an exciting and memorable climbing experience!

  • Locations include McConnells Mill State Park, Coopers Rock State Forest and Frank Curto Park

  • During this trip, participants will learn and practice:

    • outdoor climbing etiquette and Leave No Trace principles.

    • what gear is needed for outdoor top rope climbing.

    • climbing crag safety guidelines.

    • how to use climbing gear appropriately.

    • tying into a climbing rope and harness.

    • climbing communication and commands.

    • analyzing and selecting climbing routes.

    • identifying and using natural climbing holds.

    • lots of climbing on real rock!

    • belaying outdoors (ASCEND indoor top rope certification required).

  • ASCEND can provide any needed climbing gear. Participants will receive a discount on gear purchases after the event if interested in building up your personal gear collection.

Rappelling

  • Learn a fun and essential climbing skill!

  • While we all love going up, coming back down is just as important and enjoyable. Our experienced and certified climbing guides will lead an engaging session all about rappelling. Join us at an amazing local crag for this affordable and enriching experience. You'll practice descending on a unique rock wall with big time views of the city. This trip is recommended for anyone (aged 14+) interested in learning the basics of outdoor rappelling. No experience needed. Join us for an exciting and memorable climbing experience!

  • Locations include McConnells Mill State Park, Coopers Rock State Forest, and Frank Curto Park

  • Items to be covered in this outing:

    • Gear needed for rappelling

    • Different ways to set up a rappel

    • Techniques for descending safely

    • Lots of fun rappelling time

Learn About ASCEND's

Outdoor Climbing Educational Trips

Top Rope Anchor Building

  • Learn To Be A Confident Anchor Builder!

  • Building anchors for outdoor climbing can be overwhelming and stressful. How to know what kind of anchor to use and when? How to know the anchor is safe to climb on? How to know the best gear to use in different situations? Let go of the stress by learning to be a confident and skilled anchor builder! Join our experienced and certified guides for a deep-dive into the overarching philosophies and finer details of building and rigging outdoor climbing anchors. A new world of outdoor climbing options will open as you gain the knowledge and experience of building your own anchors.

  • Locations include McConnells Mill State Park, Coopers Rock State Forest and Frank Curto Park

  • During this trip, participants will learn and practice:

    • the gear required for different types of anchors

    • the knots, hitches and bends essential to anchor building

    • monolithic anchors

    • multi-point anchors

    • tree anchors

    • rock anchors

    • trad gear anchors

    • bolted anchors 

  • Important Notes:

    • Participants will not be required to have any past experience with roped climbing, nor possess any climbing gear for roped climbing. ASCEND can provide all required gear. 

    • This trip does not focus on top rope climbing as much as it focuses on top rope anchor building. If you’re more interested in climbing, see our companion top roping trip, Intro to Outdoor Climbing (Top Roping and Rappelling).

    • Participants must be aged 14 or over.

    • Being a competent top rope belayer is highly recommended (ASCEND indoor top rope belay certification)

Advanced Anchor Building

Coming soon.

Trad Climbing

Coming soon.

Single Pitch Sport Climbing

Coming soon.

Book A

Private Or Customized Trip

If our schedule doesn't work for you, or if you'd like to schedule a different outing type than we're offering as part of our scheduled options above, you can schedule an outing of your liking!

Looking for something that isn't listed here? Girl Scout Group? Bachelor Party? Company Outing? Birthday Party? Family Reunion? 1:1 or Small Group Training? Chances are, we can make it happen for you and your group!

Minimum and maximum group sizes may vary, along with price.

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Get To Know Our

Outdoor Guiding Locations

McConnells Mill State Park

McConnells Mill State Park in Portersville, Pennsylvania is a National Natural Landmark featuring a classic covered bridge and a restored gristmill nestled into the steep ravine of Slippery Rock Creek.  This scenic ravine provides a great space for bouldering, roped climbing and rappelling. Climbing the super fun Peter Pan route has become a rite of passage for local climbers.

Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest in Bructon Mills, West Virginia is a popular climbing destination because it offers a variety of excellent climbing options.  Hundreds of high quality boulders offer problems for every level.  Accessible top rope climbing ranges from beginner-friendly to challenging.  Combine the climbing with stunning scenery and proximity to other great outdoor sports and Coopers Rock is a place you don’t want to miss!

Frank Curto Park

Frank Curto Park is located within Pittsburgh city limits offering epic urban views and super accessible climbing.  Thanks to the ClimbPittsburgh initiative of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbing Coalition, this hyper local crag has new life as a shining example of the best of urban climbing.  New solid climbing gear supports top roping and sport climbing here.  You won’t regret checking this place out!