Climbing

Our climbing trips generally involve a little hiking to and a lot of climbing the various limestone and sandstone bluffs of the area. Our trips are designed for a group of 10-15 people, and usually require no previous experience, although it never hurts to try out our Climbing Wall at the Rec. Center if you have never climbed before. Each trip is led by Outdoor Rec. Trip Coordinators who are experienced in climbing. All climbing equipment, except climbing shoes is included in the trip price. Shoes may be rented for an additional $5.50.

Upcoming Trips

FEB. 17  (Sunday)
CLIMBING (Beginner to Advanced)
Kings Bluff, TN
Cost: $22
Sign-up by: Friday, Feb. 8
Pre-Trip Meeting:  Wednesday, 2/13 at 5:00 PM

Wall climbers, it’s time to try the “real thing”!  Kings Bluff is a great location for you to experience the fundamentals of rock climbing with our knowledgeable staff.  Shoe rental = $5.50 extra.  Estimated trip duration:  9 AM – 5 PM.

MARCH 2 – 8 (Saturday – Friday)
CLIMBING and CAMPING (Beginner to Advanced)
Horseshoe Canyon, AR
Cost: $305
Sign-up by: Bring $100 cash, check, or Vanderbilt Card by Wednesday, Nov. 28
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday 11/28 at 5:00 PM

Why spend your spring break worrying about how you look in a bathing suit when you could be worrying about how many climbs you can squeeze into a day?!? This March, join the Outdoor Rec. team as we head due west to enjoy some bullet hard sand stone at the Horseshoe Canyon Ranch (HCR) in Arkansas. HCR is home to hundreds of quality sport climbs that range in grade from 5.6 to 5.13. Situated just outside of the town of Jasper, AR, HCR is a modern day dude ranch that operates during summer months to program for families and groups of travelers. Our plan will be to spend the start and final day travelling to HCR and fill our middle 5 days with nothing but rock climbing. Our campsite will be on location at HCR, so once we arrive, we will set up camp and stay in the same location for the week. With such a wide swath of grades this trip is open to participants of all abilities. The only thing you need to bring with you will be a tenacious spirit and a desire to have some fun.

Click here for a colorful, printable PDF that outlines the trip in greater detail: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch PDF

Cost includes transportation, in-camp food, group camping equipment, climbing equipment, camping and entrance fees. This trip is limited to 8 participants, so sign up early to ensure your space on this great Spring Break offering.

MARCH 16  (Saturday)
CLIMBING (Intermediate to Advanced)
Foster Falls, TN
Cost: $33
Sign-up by: Thursday, March 14

Come enjoy the early spring weather with a day of climbing at Foster Falls!  Located near Jasper, TN, this climbing destination boasts a great concentration of quality routes to test your climbing prowess.  With a short approach hike, Foster Falls has a little bit to offer any person willing to push themselves in a vertical environment.  From face and crack climbs to tenuous slabs and overhanging pump fests, this trip will provide a great opportunity for those looking to take their climbing to the next level.  Price includes food, transportation, and technical climbing equipment.  Climbing shoe rental is $5.50 extra.  Estimated trip duration: 8 am – 7 pm.

Note: This is not a beginner trip.  Participants should be able to comfortably 5.9 to really get the most out of this day.

MARCH 23 (Saturday)
BOULDERING (Intermediate to Advanced)
Little Rock City, TN
Cost: $44
Sign-up by: Friday, March 15
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, 3/20 at 5:00 PM

Join the VU Outdoor Rec climbers for a day of ego-bruising, stone crushing, and awesomeness as we descend upon one of the east coast’s most renowned boulder fields, Stone Fort.  This field is home to the many notable boulder problems that could keep the most seasoned climbers busy for years.  Stone Fort is the location of the third and final leg of the country’s only outdoor climbing competition, the Triple Crown Bouldering Series.  We will spend the day testing the limits of our strength as well as our skin!  Price includes food, transportation, and technical climbing equipment.  Climbing shoe rental is $5.50 extra.  Space is limited to 8 people so don’t delay!!!  Estimated trip duration: 7 am – 7 pm.

APRIL 5-6   (Friday – Saturday)
CLIMBING and CAMPING (Intermediate to Advanced)
Jackson Falls, IL
Cost:  $65
Sign-up by: Tuesday, April 2
Pre-Trip Meeting:  Tuesday 4/2 at 6:00 PM

Join the VU Outdoor Rec. Program as we head to the fabled mid-west climbing location of Jackson Falls, Il.   This trip will offer participants the opportunity to test their climbing skills on bullet hard sand stone cliffs.  We will depart Friday night to camp out that night and spend the duration of our Saturday climbing.  Jackson Falls offers a plethora of climbing styles to push your prowess and abilities.  Estimated trip duration:  5 pm Friday – 11 pm Saturday.

Price includes all technical climbing gear, group camping gear, transportation and food while on site. Participants are responsible for all personal gear including but not limited to: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, climbing shoes, etc. These items can be rented for a nominal fee from the Outdoor Rec. Center.

APRIL 13  (Saturday)
CLIMBING (Beginner to Advanced)
Kings Bluff, TN
Cost: $22
Sign-up by: Friday, April 5
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, 4/10 at 5:00 PM

Wall climbers, it’s time to try the “real thing”! Kings Bluff is a great location for you to experience the fundamentals of rock climbing with our knowledgeable staff. Shoe rental = $5.50 extra. Estimated trip duration: 9 AM – 5 PM.

Trip Information