Crack Camp – Crack Climbing Utah
Crack Camp
With Mary Eden aka Tradprincess, and friends!
Crack Camp is the ultimate boot camp for crack climbers of all levels. Taught by the, accomplished in every size, Mary Eden @tradprincess, this 3-day immersive experience includes an impressively high number of supervised crack routes, near-unlimited access to trad gear, professional photography of you in action, and individualised coaching from Mary and guest instructors.
During the clinics we will cover key concepts of crack climbing; fingers to fists, wide climbing technique, placing traditional climbing gear, tape gloves, leading, technical systems and much more.
Crack Camp alums have cited Crack Camp as the most significant experience of their climbing careers, not just because of the high-volume training and exposure to classic Indian Creek routes, but also because of the climbing partnerships and friendships formed.
Crack Camp hosts only the best of the best guest instructors!
Alongside Mary Eden, you might see:
- Brittany Goris — @gorisb
- Sam Foreman — @samforeman
- Sam Macilwane — @adventuresam
- Ben Rueck — @benrueck
- Evan Wisheropp — @evanwisheropp
- …and more!
Each instructor has an incredible climbing resume, with 5.13–5.14 trad sends and amazing teaching skills.
Fall 2025
- September 5-7
- September 19-21 Offwidth Edition!
- September 26-28
Spring 2026
- May 1-3
- May 8-10
- May 15-17
- May 22-24
Crack Camp: $1399
Crack Camp OW Edition: $1499
Check Availability and Book Now!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“First of all, I’ll just say off the bat that crack camp was without a doubt one of the top few funnest weekends of my adult life. Between the level of instruction you get, the volume of climbing you get in, the guide: student ratio, the friends/future climbing partners you make, and having the camping and other logistics taken care of for you, it’s easily worth every penny.
I’ve hired guides for full-day instructional courses before (intro to trad, and self rescue) but Crack Camp gave me by far the fullest days I’ve ever gotten in with a guide.
Mary and her instructors were also super flexible about tailoring the curriculum to our needs. Experience levels ranged from basically never having crack climbed to being a 5.10 leader, and everyone got to focus on what they wanted to. I got to practice leading around my limit and taking my first whips on gear, and they were super patient with me throughout the whole process. They also checked in with each of us at the end of every day to make sure we were achieving our goals and working on the things that we were most interested in. By the end of the long weekend, most of us could barely walk (in a good way!).
Overall, def one of the funniest climbing weekends I’ve ever had, and 10/10 would do it again.”
“Crack camp was simply majestic. Rambunctious. Utterly bonkers. SO MUCH FUN. Mary, Kaya, and their team of guides offer a truly unforgettable experience. I’ve learned (and laughed) more in three days with them than I’ve had all year. Met a lot of rad people and got to climb some of the wildest routes. Don’t even get me started on the campfire shenanigans. Can’t wait to see what adventures awaits for off-width!!!
Disclaimer: everything beyond crack camp will pale in comparison, my trip to Bishop following camp can vouch for that (no offense boulderers).”
“It makes you feel super special — you get so much ✨attention✨ and get to try hard routes with top-level climbers who are actually invested in your success. And it introduces you to future climbing partners and mentors, which a lot of climbers don’t have at all and is really valuable. I met so many amazing women that weekend. I now have so many mentors, partners, and resources I didn’t have before! Take this clinic!”
“I signed up for Mary’s crack camp super last minute when I saw that there was a cancellation. I hadn’t signed up for a crack camp previously because I didn’t think the experience would be worth the price, and I also have had somewhat negative experiences with guides in the past. My experience with Mary surpassed my expectations. She is extremely positive and encouraging, and made sure to get to know my personal goals so that she could tailor the class to fit them. My crack climbing skills following that weekend were exponentially improved. Since that class, I have felt a lot more confident jumping on challenging climbs and pushing my climbing grade. Overall, 10/10 weekend.”
WHAT TO EXPECT
These clinics are great for anyone with a general 5.9 fitness stoked on crack climbing! They are meant to take your trad/crack climbing to a whole new level. The clinic is led by AMGA single pitch Instructor and Assistant Rock Guide, Mary Eden. We will be keeping a low student-instructor ratio and have a professional photographer along for the entire clinic.
LOCATION – Crack climbing Utah
Moab, Utah. Surrounded by Canyonlands National Park and Indian Creek Moab is the epicenter of crack climbing in the USA. Crack Camp will be climbing at a variety of locations in the Moab/ Indian Creek area. You’ll find various parts of your body jammed in sandstone splitters during your time with us and you can be sure that you will leave with some of the best climbing memories of your life and a burning desire to return for more Utah crack climbing.
Day 1 we will meet and head to our 2WD group campsite and then off to our climbing destination! Will will camp together as a group each evening and climb together each day.
LOGISTICS
We have the group site picked out, 2WD vehicles can comfortably access this location. We will arrange to carpool at Red River Adventures and take into consideration those who may not be heading back to Moab when the clinic concludes. If you choose to drive your own vehicle to the campsite make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Please note! We will NOT be providing food! Please have what you need to eat for the duration of the clinic ready to go on the morning of day one.
We will be providing a full kitchen for the group to use. Everything needed for the group to cook, eat and clean up with will be available.
There will be a cooler space for food and drink for those that are joining us from a distance. Alcoholic beverages are allowed at camp and Red River Adventures will be providing cooler space.
We will be bringing enough water for the group for each clinic.
Red River Adventures will provide all the rope, anchors and equipment needed to facilitate the clinic. You are however welcome to bring any gear that you have. This gives you an opportunity to use it while climbing with a guide, discuss the pros and cons of various pieces and explore what you might need in the future.
We will provide a personal list of items that you should bring to be comfortable for multiple days of climbing and camping in the desert.
Topics covered
Review: We will review and expand upon your knowledge of the following.
- Knots
- Communication
- Leave No Trace
Key concepts
- Crack climbing, fingers to fists
- Wide climbing technique
- Placing traditional climbing gear
- Tape gloves
- Anchoring/cleaning
Movement
- Crack climbing
- fingers to Off-width
- Movement efficiency
- transitions for crack climbs
- Wide climbing technique
- Thin crack technique
- Roof crack technique
- General training tips
Equipment
- What is needed, what is not
- Selection, proper use, storage and life expectancy
Anchoring
- What makes a good anchor
- Traditional gear‚ Cams, nuts, hexes and tri-cams
- Fixed Hardware, trees and natural features
- Extensions‚ how and why
- Traditional climbing
- Racking
- Cleaning
Rescue and Retreat
- Lowering
- Rappelling
- Bailing safely
Leading
- Clipping
- Racking for success
- Strategy and efficiency
- Route finding
General
- Use of guidebooks, climbing grades
- Climbing myths
- Hazard assessment
Rock Climbing Photo Gallery
Reviews
FAQ
Online reviews - 5 Stars
Why Choose RRA? - 20+ years of doing it right!
Since 2003, when rafting operations began, we have gone on to expand our operations into rock and ice climbing, canyoneering, guided ski touring, travel trips and outdoor education. We are so proud that this has garnered over 3,000, 5-star reviews across all online review sites. Land or water our clients rave about the quality of our guides, the depth of their knowledge, their ability to teach and most importantly, how incredibly fun each is. We believe our past guest's comments make the decision easy!
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Your Safety is our number #1 concern
Since we started this journey in 2003 we have safely hosted 100,000+ kids and adults on our rafting, climbing, canyoneering and skiing trips in Utah and around the world. RRA guides are at a minimum state licensed, insured and hold first aid and CPR certifications. Many of our river guides hold additional certifications in swift water rescue and whitewater instruction. Many, though not all, of our rock, ice, ski and canyoneering guides are AMGA trained or certified for the terrain they guide..
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Quality Equipment
When running trips quality equipment is paramount. RRA replaces its equipment on a regular basis. This ensures all the gear required to keep you safe and having fun is in top-notch shape.Back to top
Reputation
RRA has earned the reputation of a professionally ran, top quality guide service. We are a tight knit family run business. Once you adventure with RRA we guarantee you'll be back for more.Back to top
Do I need a reservation
YES! To guarantee space on the trip of your choice, we recommend reservations, especially on holidays and summer weekends. In order to provide the type of trip the we have become known for we do limit the number of people on a launch and we do fill up. In addition a lot goes into the planning of your day, including scheduling of guides, drivers, and ensuring that our equipment is always in top-notch condition. Make a reservation as soon as you know when you want to adventure with us and you'll avoid disappointment. Feel free to call us about reservations at any time @ 1-877-259-4046 or email.
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About Age Limitations
Youth Rate = 15 years and younger!Adults = 16 years and up!
All participants on river trips are required to wear a Coast Guard approved floatation device (PFD). For Fisher Towers trips we use an age limit of 5 and kids must weight at least 40 Lbs. On Climbing and Canyoneering trips the limit is 8 years of age. Ask yourself, what kind of previous outdoor experience has the child had? Use your best judgment on the child's preparedness. On the other end, folks well into their 70's have adventured with us.
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Which Trip to Choose
We are thrilled to have the ability to offer such a wide variety or trips. We also realize that this can create confusion. We are a fantastic resource and look forward to helping you choose the trip that is perfect for you and your group. Please feel free to call or email with any questions you might have, we love to help. Often after a brief conversation with one of our staff the the answers become clear.
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Where do we park/leave our things
There is plenty of secure parking on site at our offices. Valuables can be locked in your vehicles and will be perfectly safe for the duration of your trip. In addition we are more than happy to store anything that you may be extra concerned about in our offices while you are on your trip.
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Are there bugs
Thankfully there are usually very few to no bugs on our trips. The we travel through some of the driest terrain on the planet so there is generally no standing water for bugs to breed in. At the same time the current in the main river section is too swift to allow for breeding. This being said sometimes there are gnats or mosquitoes.
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What to Bring
Red River Adventures tries to make your trip with us as easy as possible!
We will clearly outline what we will provide and let you know what you need to bring. Generally, all necessary group equipment for you to take part in our trips is included. RRA provides avalanche safety equipment, skis, splitboards, poles, and ice climbing boots. We will provide trip-specific lists to assist you in bringing the right things.
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What the Weather is Like
Be prepared for hot (75-110 F degrees) weather during June, July, and August. You can expect cooler temperatures (55-90 F degrees) during April, May, September, and October. August is usually the wettest month (short-lived but intense thunder showers).
April 73|42
May 84|50
June 85|58
July 101|64
Aug 98|63
Sept 89|53
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What Risks Are Involved
Red River Adventures has an unblemished safety record. We personally screen and train our employees vigorously each year. Each of our guides receives extensive instructions on safety, swift water rescue and first aid training. Our Climbing and Canyoneering guides are highly trained and many are AMGA certified. Our trips take place in rugged, remote "wilderness" settings. You should be in good general health to participate. Non-swimmers can go and are more than welcome. We provide Coast Guard approved life jackets for your safety.
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Alcohol Policy
Full and 1/2 Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip.
Climbing/Canyoneering trips. Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.
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Charter and Group Rates
Red River Adventures offers a group rate discount of 10% to groups of 10 or more. Additional rates reductions are available for school, club, church, or special-interest groups on some trips. We are happy to, when ever possible, customized trip lengths and itineraries. Please contact us for help in arranging your charter trip or for group rate information.
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What To Pack
Red River Adventures will provide all of the technical equipment required to guide this clinic. However, climbers are strongly encouraged to bring personal climbing gear. Instructors will inspect any personal equipment prior to use on our trips. A full gear list will be distributed prior to the clinic.
What is provided
- All ropes, cams and anchors needed for the clinic
- Group kitchen
- Water
- Group campsite
- Helmets, harness and shoes (if needed)
What to pack – minimum
- FOOD and SNACKS
- NOTE: Red River is NOT providing food! Clinic participants are required to bring their own food!
- Climbing pack
- Camping gear
- Water bottle
- Shoes/sandals
- Clothing
General
- Please NOTE!!!! There is a time change from AZ to UT. We are 1 hour ahead of AZ.
- There is plenty of secure parking at Red River. Valuables are safe in your vehicle.
- At the end of all trips, we will return you to your starting location.
- Guide gratuities are customary.
Reservations are HIGHLY recommended! Many dates sell out far in advance!
A refundable payment is due to guarantee your reservation.
We accept:
Full Day & Half Day Trips
Payments- A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
- 7 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 8 days or more prior to departure: Full refund!
- 7 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled.
Large Groups (14 or more)
Payments- A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
- 14 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 15 days or more prior to departure: Full refund.
- 14 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
Clinics, Courses, and Exams
Payments- A deposit of 50% of the total is due at the time of reservation.
- 30 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 31 or more days prior to start: Full refund.
- 30 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
International Trips
Payments- A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
- 120 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 120+ days prior to departure: 10% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
- 119 - 60 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
- 59 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
Trip Insurance
Insure Your Trip
We highly recommend using a credit card with trip protection or purchasing travel insurance. Popular credit cards with trip coverage include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred / Reserve
- Capital One Venture X
- Amex Platinum
- BOA Premium Rewards
If your credit card doesn’t cover trip protection, consider these travel insurance providers:
- Allianz
- World Nomads
- Travel Guard
- Tin Leg
Travel insurance can cover your activity, course, clinic, or your entire trip — often at a reasonable cost. Regardless of your trip’s length or size, it’s smart to protect yourself from unforeseen changes.
⚠️ Note: Cancellations or changes for ANY reason are subject to our cancellation policy and will only be refunded as outlined. Please protect your investment by insuring your trip!
Weather Policy
Weather is part of the dynamic environment we operate in. Conditions may not always be ideal.
- If RRA determines conditions are suitable: No refunds if you choose to cancel/discontinue.
- If RRA deems conditions unsafe: We may shorten the route, change the venue, or cancel the remainder of your trip.
Refund Breakdown for RRA-Ended Trips
- Less than halfway complete: 50% of the trip fee is charged.
- Halfway or more complete: Full trip fee is charged.
General Policies
Red River Adventures (RRA) reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, insufficient bookings, or other circumstances beyond our control. We will make every effort to reschedule. If a reschedule isn’t possible, bookings canceled by RRA will receive a full refund.
Alcohol
Full and Half Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip.
Climbing/Canyoneering trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.
