Mountaineering and Rock Climbing

Mountaineering trips are for all people aged 15 and up. This is due to the need for each rope team to be as safe as possible. Anyone within this age range is welcome to participate. Most physical limitations and fitness levels can be accommodated with careful planning and good teamwork.

There is no way around it, mountaineering is hard work. For many, summiting a cascade volcano will be the most difficult challenge they have ever faced. Between elevation, heavy packs, and a lot of marching up, a climb on any of the cascade volcanoes will push most anyone to their limits. The difficulty is what makes this worthwhile. Although greater physical fitness is certainly helpful, a strong and determined mind willing to push deep is the real strength needed, this is something we all possess and the reason we think anyone can climb the big mountains.

Group size on Mountaineering trips tops out at 9. On our mountain trips, we run a 3:1 participant guide ratio to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The mountains in the summertime can be very pleasant. Daytime temperatures are often very comfortable with only a long sleeve shirt and pants. Once night falls or a storm blows in the weather can change fast. It is not unheard of for snow to fall high on the mountain in the summertime. We will make sure everyone is prepared for whatever conditions we will encounter.

A trip equipment list will be sent to you the month before our start date. That being said Youth Dynamics is able to provide all essential clothing and gear needed. The guides will check all participant’s clothing and equipment before hitting the mountain to ensure everyone has everything needed.

We can never guarantee the outcome of any climbing trip. We will do our best to provide the opportunity for our team to reach the summit but ultimately it is down to the team and the weather. If a determined team is matched with a good weather window then chances for success are great.

Of course, you can. Mountaineering experience is not necessary at all. This is a fully guided trip designed to allow you to just participate. The guides will cover all the logistics and decision-making. The participants can focus on their experience and what God may be doing in them.

Backcountry food can make or break a trip. It is a challenge to find food that is nutritionally diverse, light, packable, and tasty. We try to always pack more food than necessary so participants are never hungry. Warm meals are eating for breakfast and dinner with generous snacking opportunities. Examples of some meals include breakfast burritos and chicken-tator casserole.  We also are very prepared to accommodate any food allergies or dietary needs you may have.

Of all the activities we guide rock climbing ranks among the safest options we can offer. This is because we can control all of the risks and variables to a higher extent than almost any other wilderness activity. For many rock climbing may feel like the scariest adventure they do. In reality, our guides create an opportunity to experience something fear-inducing but are objectively is completely danger-free.

Our guided rock days are a wonderful option for anyone. We have sites that are suited to those who have never touched stone before and options designed to challenge anyone. We are also able to accommodate accessibility needs so please ask about how we can craft this experience to be best for you.

All that’s needed is for you to be ready with fully enclosed shoes, clothing suited for the weather, and a water bottle. Everything else we will provide and all the coaching will take place on-site.

Most of our climbing takes place in the icicle canyon which is known for its stable weather. Often the rain is very gentle and a welcome relief from the hot sun. If the rain is bad enough to justify a reschedule we will try our best to accommodate this