Women’s Climbing Weekend in the Red Rock
Overview
Women's Climbing Weekends in Red Rock Canyon
Part of The Mountain Guides' Women's Network Climbing Series, these two-day courses are designed for women and non-binary climbers who want to explore the vertical world outdoors with like-minded people and professional guides. Each weekend is led by woman and non-binary AMGA Certified Rock Guides on the warm sandstone of Red Rock Canyon, 30 minutes from Las Vegas.
Two Weekend Options
Women's Weekend: Intro to Outdoor
For beginner to intermediate climbers transitioning from the gym to real rock. Day one establishes a baseline outside while reviewing gym skills and learning the protocols for climbing outdoors; day two builds on that curriculum while the new skills are fresh. Topics include Leave No Trace at the crag, figure-8 knots and belaying, closing the system, ground anchors and rockfall awareness, outdoor movement, rappelling, and a first look at trad gear and anchors.
Women's Weekend: Multi-Pitch Weekend
For climbers ready to take it up a level. Day one sets a baseline for the group and reviews the technical skills a multi-pitch day depends on: lead belaying, cleaning gear, and communication, with a short two-pitch climb if the group is ready. Day two is the bigger multi-pitch objective, chosen from the thousands of excellent routes in Red Rock to match the group's ability and experience.
Who These Weekends Are For
- Gym climbers and outdoor top-rope climbers who want to climb outside with confidence
- Women and non-binary climbers who want to learn alongside a group at a similar level
- Climbers looking to climb a grade harder, learn a new skill, or tick a first multi-pitch route
- Intro to Outdoor suits basic fitness with 15–30 minute approaches; the Multi-Pitch Weekend is more physical, with approaches up to about an hour on uneven terrain
Why Climb with The Mountain Guides
- Woman and non-binary AMGA Certified Rock Guides
- Small groups and a supportive, progression-focused curriculum
- All personal climbing gear, ropes, and protection provided
- Nearly 40 years of guiding and instruction in Red Rock
See the Schedule tab for this season's dates and the Pricing tab for rates.
Day 1 – Day one is spent establishing a baseline. Climbing outside on the warm sandstone of the Red Rock, while reviewing and brushing up on your skills from the gym. From there we will learn new protocols for spending time climbing in the outdoors. The day will be spent going over the nuances of climbing and the skills to protect yourself on natural stone and in the elements.
Day 2 – We will continue to build on the curriculum from Day 1. We will refine your new skills while they are fresh in your head under the guidance of professionals.
Topics Covered:
- LNT in rock climbing
- Review of figure 8 knots and belaying
- Basic safety guidelines for outdoor climbing: closing the system, ground anchors, rock fall, etc.
- Outdoor climbing techniques
- Rappelling
- a quick overview of trad gear placements and anchors
Wanting to take your climbing up a level? Come join us outside with like-minded women climbers to scale the vermilion desert sandstone in sunny Red Rock.
Day 1 – Day one is spent establishing a baseline for the group. Climbing and getting to know each other to slowly start setting some goals. Reviewing technical skills, lead belaying, cleaning gear, communications etc. Or getting comfortable moving our bodies on sandstone rock. A small 2 pitch multi pitch may be feasible depending on group ability.
Day 2 – Day two we will climb our bigger multi pitch objective. This will be dependent on group ability and experience level. Red Rock has thousands of excellent multi pitches to chose from.
Basic – Participants should expect approaches of 15-30 minute hike over easy to moderate hiking terrain.
Intermediate – This trip is physical and requires fitness and stamina to access the climbs and climb them. The approach to most climbs can take up to approximately an hour on uneven terrain.
Intro to Outdoor –
- April 11,12 2026
- October 24,25 2026
Multi Pitch Weekend
- April 18,19 2026
- November 7,8 2026
While Red Rock is located in a desert, depending on the season, we see big variations in temperature. With this in mind it is important to be prepared for a variety of conditions, keeping in mind that in some cases we will be up to 2+ hours from the trailhead.
The Mountain Guides can provide any personal climbing gear (helmet, harness, climbing shoes, belay devices, PAS, etc.) at no additional cost, though if you have your own, you are encouraged to bring it (especially climbing shoes). We will supply all ropes & protection (cams, quickdraws, slings, etc.).
Please contact our office for any gear questions.
Upper Layers
- Synthetic T-shirt or
- Sun Hoody
- Lightweight Wind Shell
- Fleece or lightweight down sweater
- One extra higher weight upper layer or another jacket if November - mid March
Bottom Layers
- Synthetic Climbing Pant
- Long John’s optional December & January
Footwear
- Sticky Rubber Approach Shoes (highly recommended as most approaches involve a lot of slick rock), running shoes or hiking shoes
- Technical Rock Climbing Shoes (comfortable fit for long routes)
- Socks: 1 pair
Backpack
- 15-30 liter capacity
Accessories
- Sun Hat
- Water: 2-3 liters
- Food: Energy bars, fruit, sandwiches, trail mix.
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen / Lip balm
- Bandana
- Headlamp (for long routes)
Considerations
- Warm Weather (April - October): The sun is itense and hydration is vital! Stary hydrating the night before. Consider freezing your water bottles or putting ice in them. Light colored and loose fitting clothes will help keep you cool.
- Cold Weather (November - March): Bring gloves and a warm hat that will fit under your helmet. Bring extra layers like long underwear and a heavier winter jacket to keep warm when the sun ducks behind clouds of dips below the canyon walls.
See more about gear, including recommendations and discounts from our gear partner Black Diamond here.
We typically meet at the Vista Commons shopping plaza in Summerlin, about 25 minutes drive from the Las Vegas Strip. There is a coffee shop, grocery store, gas station, restaurants, and more available at the plaza.
A wide range of lodging options can be found from the hustle and bustle of The Strip, on the edge of town closer to Red Rock in Summerlin, or even camping in the desert 10 minutes outside of town at the Red Rock Canyon Campground. We're happy to send lodging recommendations.
Harry Reid International Airport is about 20 minutes away and provides quick access to Red Rock.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please call our Red Rock office at 702-659-9255 or email redrock@themountainguides.com.
Do I have to pay a fee to get into Red Rock?
To date, there is only one fee area, the 13 Mile Scenic Drive / Visitor Center. On the days you climb with JHMG, you do not have to pay an entrance fee. Most climbing is accessed via the one-way 13 Mile Scenic Drive. When you return to Red Rock on your own, a day pass is $7, annual pass is $30 and they honor the America the Beautiful Pass ($80).
How far is Red Rock from the Strip?
The entrance/fee booth to the Red Rock 13 Mile Scenic Drive and Visitor Center is a quick 20-30 minute drive from the Neon Jungle.
Is Red Rock a State Park or a National Park?
It's neither. It is a National Conservation Area that is operated and administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is the largest administrator of public lands in the western U.S. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is almost 200,000 acres of your public lands.
Is it always hot and sunny in Red Rock?
Definitely not. Red Rock is in the Spring Mountain Range and most of the climbing is located between 4000’-6000’ above sea level (Vegas = 2000’). Temperatures can vary from well below freezing in winter to well above 100(f) degrees in summer. During winter months, it is not uncommon for Red Rock to be covered in a fresh blanket of snow (2”- 8”). Fortunately, most of the snow melts within a few days.
Does JHMG provide transportation and will you pick us up and drop us off back down on the Strip?
JHMG does not provide transportation. However, for a party of one or two, it is possible to take a cab out to our office (or other west side rendezvous venue) and guide can drive from office out to Red Rock and back to office. Depending on location of your hotel, cab fare could run $30-$50 each way. If you have more than one day to escape the Strip, we highly recommend a rental car.