Intro Rock Climbing

Our half and full day rock climbing programs are the perfect way to get kids and families on the rock.

Looking for a great day in the mountains and an excellent way to round out your Stanley or Ketchum/Sun Valley area vacation? With rock climbing locations conveniently located near Sun Valley and Redfish Lake Lodge, our half and full day rock climbing programs are the perfect way to get kids and families on the rock. We cover basic skills with an emphasis on getting in as much climbing as possible!

Sun Valley

A short drive from the Sun Valley/Ketchum area, Trail Creek Summit offers easily-accessible and spectacular half day rock climbing experience for all abilities. About 40 minutes from Sun Valley, Little Fall Creek is an excellent full day rock climbing venue tucked beneath dramatic peaks of the Pioneer Mountains.

Sawtooths/Redfish Lake Lodge

For half day trips, the Redfish Boulder is conveniently located a short walk from Redfish Lake Lodge. The Boulder has a number of top rope routes ranging from 5.easy to very difficult.

Our full day intro rock climb is a total mountain experience. The Super Slabs are located behind Redfish Lake and are accessed via a ten-minute boat shuttle and a short hike (about an hour) up glacially-sculpted Redfish Canyon. The Slabs offer easy to moderate rock climbing on clean granite in a spectacular setting. Routes range from single to multi-pitch and no previous climbing experience is necessary. The multi-pitch climbs that go to the Super Slabs summit are about 1000’ feet long and typically take 2-4 hours to climb. From the summit the descent is a non-technical hike down a steep trail with a few loose sections. The Slabs are also a great tune-up for bigger routes in the range, such as those on the Elephants Perch and Finger of Fate. And you couldn’t ask for a more scenic backdrop!

City Of Rocks

We offer half and full day rock climbing trips at Idaho’s most famous rock climbing venue – the fabled City of Rocks. Please visit our City of Rocks page for more information.

Details

Difficulty: No experience necessary, we have climbs suitable for kids and families

Duration: 4 hours for half day, 8 hours for full day

Meeting Time: 9am (different times can be accommodated)

Meeting Location:

Sun Valley: Backwoods Mountain Sports shop in Ketchum – Downstairs, outside on the deck
Sawtooths: Redfish Lake Lodge – front lawn

What We Provide:

All technical climbing equipment (shoes, harness, helmet, carabiners, belay device, rope)
Boat shuttle across Redfish for full day trips

What You Need:

Lunch and water
Basic outdoor clothing and footwear
Review the equipment list

Rates

Ratio: 4-5:1 for half day, 2-3:1 for full day

Half Day:

1 person	$360/person
2 people	$195/person
3 people	$155/person
4 people	$130/person
5 or more	Varies depending on ratio, please contact us

Full Day:

1 person	$575/person
2 people	$340/person
3 or more	Varies depending on ratio, please contact us

TRIP ADVISOR Reviews for this trip

Bev Hawkins

If you are looking for a big adventure or small... these are the people to call. Our family of 5 had the best time exploring and rock climbing with Sawtooth Mountain guides. The guides were great with our 3 boys; ages 13, 11 and 7. We ate well and slept comfortably!

This company really customized our trip. We are regular backpackers who spend a great deal of time in the mountains, we wanted to learn new skills and see new country! The guides customized our climbing routes for each individual.

Our guides Neils, JP and Steve went above and beyond! Thanks for a great trip!

Marinites

I am so stoked that I took my family up the super slabs with Sawtooth mountain guides. We are not climbers, but love outdoor adventure. The super slabs were perfect. My two boys (ages 10 and 12) were scampering up the rock with one of the guides in no time. My wife and I were quite a bit slower. It was challenging, but doable. A multi pitch climb in a gorgeous mountain setting. I’ve never done anything like it. The guides were awesome! So cool!

rich724

My wife and I, ages 62 and 67, today hiked up the giant slabs with Eric has our guide. We cannot speak highly enough of Eric‘s confidence, skill and encouragement. Neither of us had ever climbed anything more than a flight of stairs and this was a totally new experience for us. We made it to the top and wow what a sense of accomplishment came with it. If you want to truly forget your cares and worries go rock climbing up some serious terrain . You are forced to focus on the task at hand and your worries just fade away. Look forward to doing it again next year with SMG.

Mich_Jeeper

My 21 year old daughter and I rock climbed the Super Slabs in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains in August 2018. Our guide Matt S. from Sawtooth Mountain Guides was phenomenal. He was very knowledgeable of the technical aspects of rock climbing as well as with Idaho and the Sawtooth Mountain region. Our adventure started out at the Red Fish Lake Lodge in the morning where we got fitted for helmets, shoes, and harness. Matt had a truck full of equipment and supplied everything we required for the climb. Once we packed all our gear up we boarded a boat that took us across Red Fish Lake. We then had a hike to the base of the Super Slabs, the hike was about 2 miles with a gradual uphill the whole way. At the base we had short lesson, changed into our gear, and began the climb. Our multi-pitch climb was broken into about 5 stops to pull the ropes and tie on to next assent. The total climbing duration was about 4 hours and was a workout. This was our first time rock climbing outside on an actual mountain, but we had done some indoor rock wall climbing prior to this trip. Matt challenged us and pushed us to do more than we thought we were capable of, taking us on a more difficult route. After a short snack and pictures at the top of the mountain, we climbed down a very step trail back to the base with helmets on. Then hike back to lake eating some wild huckleberries along the way and 10-minute boat ride back to Lodge. This was a full day event and we made reservations about a month in advance of our trip. During reservation, we were provided with meeting instructions, times, and what to bring. We needed to have backpacks, water, and food, Good hiking shoes and proper attire. Long pants are a must as the granite rock is abrasive. Also, I brought two water bottles which was not enough, luckily there was a nice ice-cold mountain spring at the base of the Super Slabs that I could refill up with. I would highly recommend Sawtooth Mountain Guides.

Joe_Cindy2014

The staff was awesome coordinating our trip. This was a birthday gift to my wife. Stacy, their office person was so easy to work with. Drew, our guide was awesome.

We have used different guides from other states and Sawtooth Mountain Guides is one of the best!

They are our preferred guides for local trips.

Dianna58

Best in all the West. The SMG rock-n-raft combo is awesome. In the morning, Eric taught us several climbing techniques at the boulder near Red Fish Lake Lodge. He is patient, a great teacher, has a sense of humor, and is encouraging without being condescending. In the afternoon, we rafted with a company in Stanley. Previously, we've met SMG guides on Borah. They are the type of people who make an arduous hike an enjoyable experience. SMG has wonderful employees.

Deborah A

What a terrific day I had learning to climb with the knowledgeable and lovely Marc. Everything was smooth sailing- From coordinating the schedule with Stacey just a couple of days prior to my visit, to getting kitted out with my equipment and then getting out on the climb with Marc. He was friendly and professional which made the day a total blast. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Marc chose the perfect spot, which he based on my profile. He obviously took time to consider how to personalize the experience. Thank you for an awesome experience. Highly recommend such a great activity with this group of passionate and consummate professionals — I will definitely be back.

Tracy C

Our family of 4 was traveling for the first time to Stanley from the east coast. We wanted adventure so we signed up for the intro to mtn climbing class. We were matched with Matt S and he was beyond amazing. He was so engaging with the kids (7 and 11) and made us all feel 100% comfortable and safe. I was so scared of the heights but Matt helped we get over my fears with zero pressure. He was so much fun. He took the time to gauge the abilities of my kids and got us to do more than we thought possible. We will be back and will specifically ask for Matt. Anyone looking for backpacking, climbing or skiing treks, ASK FOR MATT S. Overall impressed with the level of communication between us and the company. our confirmation was sent immediately and all forms were easy to fill out via iphones (since we were traveling and no computer). overall 100% success. best decision ever.

kyleejo3

I'm a somewhat novice rock climber, and Drew took a friend and I to climb and was really awesome at teaching us and working to make the trip to our level. He was patient, kind, and answered all of our questions with a solid explanation of why he did things the way he did. He left us feeling inspired and wanting to get out more this summer to explore! The other mountain guides I have spoken to are the exact same way. They really know their stuff and are willing to make the trip whatever you want it to be.

Charlene S

I booked a solo climbing trip and had Marc as my guide. The scenery was beautiful, the climb was fun, and the communication with staff was quick and easy. I would definitely do it again!!!

Paul D

We booked a 4 day backpacking trip with Sawtooth Mountain Guides. I feel that the owner & guide helped us choose the best routes for our skill level. We had been backpacking in the past but needed to get acclimated to the altitude. The equipment was good and our guide worked hard to make it a great trip. Unfortunately he got sick and we had to hike out a day early. The owner Chris set us up in Stanley & arranged a climbing trip on our last day; so everyone had a great experience. I really appreciate the effort on the part of Chris & our guides Randall & Caleb.

OlinMBA

We were an active family with 2 boys 10-12 looking for an exciting guided backpacking trip. SMG suggested we stay in their canyon camp for 3 nights and do daily excursions including climbing the Super Slabs the last day. The trip was awesome. SMG provided all the gear except our clothes, cameras and day packs (they provided bigger packs for getting to the Canyon Campsite. The hike in was pretty easy and we had no trouble getting set up. Matt cooked all the food and helped us keep the kids entertained and engaged. Our hikes up to the Alpine and Saddleback lakes were tough, but not too hard as we felt like we could have pushed more - but Matt was right in encouraging us to enjoy the time there and be less focused on grueling climbs. Climbing the Super Slabs a fantastic way to finish the week. My wife and I have done very much technical climbing outside of a gym and found the slabs challenging and exhilarating. The boys did great and only wished they could have cleaned their gear on their own.

Overall, the Sawtooth mountains are fantastic! SMG is a very professional and organized guide company that we would definitely use again if we are back in the Sawtooths.

1familyonthego

The teens went climbing on the slab with a guide from Sawtooth Mountain Guides and had a great trip. The guide met them promptly at the lodge and they all hopped onto the ferry and went on their merry way. The only downsides were the guide forgot his own helmet (oops!) and he seemed determined to get back by 4 instead of 5 so it seemed that the kids didn't have as much time to eat their lunches. Overall, it was a great adventure for them and they learned a lot about climbing.

Katie T

We came from out of state with a youth group comprised of varying interest levels and abilities when it comes to rock climbing. Everyone I dealt with from the set up of the trip to payment to the actual guides out on the day of the event was professional and friendly and competent. They set up several lines to climb, from easy enough for the grandparents in our group to climb to difficult enough that the youth really felt accomplished when they made it to the top. The guides were awesome---they gave useful tips about climbing basics (like smearing) and gave enough help while belaying that everyone who wanted to reach the top was able to. We can't say enough about how great everyone at SMG is!

Mark A

Had a very good climb yesterday with SMG. The guide is very knowledgeable (Drew Daly) and everything was organized very well. I am looking forward to coming back for a next trip, and will recommend Sawtooth Mountain Guides to my adventure seeking friends.

Casey S

SMG provided a great overall experience for our Redfish Lakes - Super Slab climbing day.

Erik, co-owner, was our first contact via phone and gave a good first impression of professional competence during the discussion. He offered good insights and options for a group of teenage guys who wanted to combine climbing and backpacking in the Sawtooth Range.

Rachel was our office contact as we worked through the reservations and logistics. She was always upbeat and easy going in her communication, with quick answers to our questions, providing a sense that she had things under control.

Drew Daley's laid back personality almost belied his professionalism at first, but turned out exceptional in providing a relaxed atmosphere and keeping the adventure light while engaging well with the four teenage climbers. His professional skill and knowledge were readily apparent during his intro training at the slab. Our respect for Drew increased even more after reading a recent online article that briefly explained the personal efforts that are needed for AMGA certification, and quoted Drew on his take on becoming AMGA certified. It's nice to know he is the real deal, as are the other AMGA certified guides with SMG. Drew even took a minute to chat with us when we crossed paths again a couple day's later on our way back to Redfish Lake from Cramer Lakes area (backpacking). He was guiding again at the Super Slab.

Walker Nosworthy, our other guide, had been with SMG for a short time and was very polite, demonstrating good technical skills too Walker instilled the necessary confidence in his two teenage clients and made a valued contribution to the adventure.

We were very pleased with our first experience with SMG. We would absolutely use them again. Great company.

MarkWinkle

Went out for a day of rock climbing on the Super Slabs near Redfish Lake with SMG and had a wonderful experience. Our guide was fantastic at teaching about the gear and the environment. He also did a nice job of engaging my teenage daughter.

Particular kudos to SMG for listening to what we wanted to do and then suggesting something that met our needs perfectly. They're very flexible--give them a call.

GeoffS526

My and another family were looking for an outing near Stanley ID, and we asked Sawtooth Mountain Guides to help. Matt, the guide, took us to a rock not far away and was great. He had a sense of humor for the adults, and a great touch with the kids. After my daughter first wasn't able to get as high as she wanted, Matt was able to assuage her and get her climbing again in a way I wouldn't have been able to. Highly recommend!

Ben B

SMG guides Marc, Drew and Matt did an absolutely fantastic job working with my group of five kids, making sure that all ages (5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th grade!) were challenged but also cared for and supported. In addition to being great on the rock, they were professional and personable in camp after a day on the Super Slabs. I'd definitely feel comfortable bringing more kids to SMG in the future!

David Denning

Climbed the super slabs and camped overnight at the Canyon Camp with Matt. The camp was a great stage and playground for the next days climb. My son got really nervous in the middle of the climb and I was completely impressed with how each detail of the situation played out. Matt was not only technically competent but handled the emotional side with a 7 year old brilliantly. So impressed and what a great memory. Highly recommended to anyone.

IdahoAlex

Went on a full day climb on the Super Slabs with my 8 year old son. This included a boat ride across Red Fish lake and a one hour hike to the rock base. Our guide Ryan seemed knowledgeable and competent, and he made us feel safe the entire time. The climb was pretty challenging for both of us. We had climbed in a gym before, but this was much more intense - with sun, wind, height, thin-air, adrenaline, etc. My son's confidence level has increased and my guess is that he may do this again in a few years. Would highly recommend this for fit people with mature and athletic kids.

Melanie347

Megan took me on a six-pitch climb at the back of Redfish Lake. It was a short, beautiful ride by a boat to get over there plus about an hour of hiking up to a fun, fairly easy route. Since it was my first real multi-pitch climbing and the day was really hot, it ended up being the perfect route. Megan was great and Erik, the owner, was extremely good to work with in making the arrangements. He was very helpful to me in the days leading up to the climb because I was a little unsure whether or not to do it because of fire and smoke in the area. He worked with me over a couple of days to confirm weather and worked out backup plans in case this area was not an option...he was extremely patient and easy to work with. I would highly recommend climbing with SMG!

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