The Crag
I’m currently developing a private climbing crag on my property as part of my work as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor. The vision is to create a dedicated, high-quality training environment that supports skill development, professional instruction, and community access. This crag is located in Redmond, OR, just 9 miles outside of Smith Rock State Park.
This project centers around a 300-foot wide by 25-foot tall basalt wall, offering a unique and highly functional setting for instruction. Unlike crowded public climbing areas, this space allows for controlled, repeatable learning in a quieter environment designed specifically for progression.
Purpose-Built Training Grounds
This crag is being intentionally developed to provide training grounds for virtually every anchor type and hardware configuration encountered in outdoor climbing. It’s designed as a hands-on learning space where climbers can safely build and refine technical systems in a real-world setting under the guidance of a climbing instructor.
The space will support a wide range of climbing disciplines and skills, including:
Single pitch climbing and site management
Anchor building, evaluation, and cleaning
Gear placement and mock trad systems
Rope systems, rigging, and problem-solving scenarios
Introductory bouldering and movement skills
Multi-pitch systems and transitions
Aid climbing and bolt ladder progression
By bringing all of these elements into one location, climbers and instructors can focus on repetition, efficiency, and mastery, something that’s often difficult to achieve in more complex or high-traffic environments with other distractions.
On-Site Lodging
Located on the same property is a tiny, semi-off-grid cabin, currently operating as a highly rated Airbnb under Weekend Dirtbags. This creates a unique opportunity to combine lodging and instruction into one seamless experience.
Guests can book an overnight stay and participate in climbing instruction without ever leaving the property. Whether it’s a weekend skills course, a private lesson, or a focused training session, this setup offers a one-stop experience for those looking to build skills while enjoying a comfortable, simple place to stay.
…of the people, by the people, for the people
This space is not just for my own guiding work. It’s being developed as a shared resource for other AMGA SPI-certified instructors and guides. The goal is to create a professional, accessible venue where instructors can:
Host private courses or clinics
Teach in a controlled, low-impact environment
Provide affordable instruction opportunities to newer climbers
At its core, this project is about lowering barriers to entry, supporting skill progression, and fostering a stronger climbing community.
How You Can Support
This project is community-driven, and support comes in many forms:
Labor
Help with crag cleanup, base development, and hardware installation.
Hardware Donations
Retired gear for instructional use and demonstrations
New fixed hardware, anchors, bolts, and ropes
Construction Support
Materials or assistance with building trails, steps, or small infrastructure improvements.
Financial Contributions
Donations help make climbing more accessible and directly support the development of this space. Funds will be used to:
Purchase guest-use climbing equipment, including shoes, harnesses, helmets, and essential safety gear
Acquire anchors, ropes, and hardware not otherwise donated
Support site cleanup, debris removal, and infrastructure improvements
Your Time & Expertise
Calling on SPI’s and experienced guides who want to:
Volunteer time to teach low-cost or free clinics
Mentor newer climbers
Contribute to a strong, inclusive learning environment
Can’t Help in Person? You Can Still Support the Build
Not everyone is local or able to lend a hand on-site, and that’s okay. If you’re in a position to support the project financially, your contribution goes a long way.
Donations directly fund climbing gear for guests, hardware and anchors, and the ongoing development of the crag and base area. Every dollar helps move the project forward and makes this space more accessible to the climbing community.
If you’d like to be part of building this from wherever you are, click the Donate button below.
Thank you for being part of it.
