Duluth and the North Shore offer fantastic climbing opportunities for beginning to advanced climbers. We climb at the Whoopie Wall, Ely's Peak, Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park, Carlton Peak at Temperance River State Park, Silver Cliff, Palisade Head and other remote North Shore sites.

Positive Energy Outdoors offers rock and ice climbing guiding and instruction 7 days a week. The rock climbing season runs from mid-April through late October. Call about conditions if you are in the area during the beginning or end of the season. Minimum age for climbing is age 8, and there is no maximum age. In June-August, we offer half day climbing experiences (approximately 3-4 hours) starting at 8 or 8:30 am, when the climbs are in the shade. We offer later start times and full days of climbing in during cooler months (May, September and October), but as all outdoor climbing sites are first come, first served, we encourage as early a start time as possible to insure climbs are available. We also offer private instruction/guiding. December - March we offer half and full day ice climbing experiences. Prices include climbing equipment and instruction. Ice boots and climbing shoes are $7/pair to rent. While advanced reservations are recommended, especially for holidays and weekends, feel free to call Blake at 218-428-5990 or Steph at 218-391-0147 to check on last minute availability.

To make a reservation, call 218-391-0147 or e-mail info@outdooredventures.org. Payment is by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover), and a 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will e-mail a confirmation letter, directions and assumption of risk form.

Ice Climbing

Join Positive Energy Outdoors for full day ice climbing excursions at North Shore destinations like the Manitou River, Cascade River, Devil Track River or half days at Sandstone, West Duluth (Casket Quarry), and Gooseberry Falls. Some areas include snowshoe hikes to reach the climbs--all are very scenic. We uncover equipment, safety, climbing techniques, and will tailor the experience to meet your goals.

Ice Climbing Rates: Full day (6 hours+), $200/person; half day (3 hours), $120/person plus $7/person for boot rental. Rates are based on 2 climbers.

Outdoor Climbing: Duluth

The Whoopie Wall in West Duluth is the city's most accessible outdoor climbing area. This urban crag is perfect for, beginning climbers, youth groups or families, but offers challenge for more experienced climbers. The Whoopie Wall is also an ideal location for anchor building instruction or to learn to rappel. Minimum charge of $150 for up to 2 people, $65/person (3 or more). Add $100 for anchor building clinic in addition to your climbing experience. Youth group rate (minimum of 8 participants): $45/person (2 hours)

Ely's Peak near Spirit Mountain offers beginning-intermediate climbing with a fantastic view of the St. Louis River valley. Participants can hike to the peak on the Superior Hiking Trail after climbing. Great wildlife and a bit of Duluth history makes this a climbing destination for visitors and locals alike. The climbs, a short walk from the parking lot, range in difficulty from beginner to advanced, and are about 75 feet tall. Ely's Peak is a great option for beginning-intermediate climbers and families with children in middle school or older. It's also a great group climbing destination for youth groups, camps or corporate outings. Larger groups can enjoy hiking/orienteering and climbing in the same location. Minimum charge of $200 for up to 2 people, $85/person (3-6 people). Add $150 for anchor building clinic in addition to your climbing experience. Youth group rate (minimum 8 participants): $55/person (4 hours), $75/person (6 hour sampler--climbing, hiking, team building).

Outdoor Climbing: North Shore

Carlton Peak, part of Temperance River State Park, offers a variety of climbing for all experience levels, and sweeping vistas of the Superior National Forest and Lake Superior. The moderate hike to the climbs is stunning, and you'll enjoy learning about the area's natural history. The anorthosite rock at Carlton Peak has large crystals, and is high friction--a great place to learn footwork and top rope anchor building skills. Many climbers learn to rappel at Carlton Peak, then climb at Shovel Point the next day. Carlton Peak is about 2 hours from Duluth. Minimum charge of $275 for up to 2 people, $110/person (3-4 people), $100/person (5-6 people). Add $100 for top rope set up clinic in addition to your climbing experience. Youth group rate (minimum 8 participants): $90/person.

Shovel Point is a true climbing destination. With routes for beginners and experienced climbers, Shovel Point also offers a gorgeous hike, unique natural history features, and the opportunity to explore Tettegouche State Park and Lake Superior. The cliffs are directly above Lake Superior, and climbers rappel from the top and climb back up. Shovel Point is about 1 hour from Duluth. Minimum charge of $275 for up to 2 people, $115/person (3-4 people), $100/person (5-6 people). Add $100 for top rope set up clinic in addition to your climbing experience. Youth group rate (minimum 8 participants): $90/person.

Palisade Head is a top-managed site for intermediate to advanced climbers who rappel from the top and climb back up. It offers the tallest climbing on the North Shore. Climbs are mostly crack climbing--a great physical and mental challenge for those with previous climbing experience. Comfort with rappelling and previous experience with crack climbing is preferred. Minimum charge of $275 for up to 2 people, $115/person (3-4 people), $100/person (5-6 people). Add $100 for top rope set up clinic in addition to your climbing experience.

Silver Cliff, a site just north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, is about 100 feet from the shore of Lake Superior. Climbs are suitable for beginners, but it is not the best site for younger children. If you are heading up the shore to go camping, it's a quick stop to climb for a couple of hours on your way. Minimum charge of $275 for up to 2 people, $110/person (3-4 people), $100/person (5-6 people).

Portable Climbing Wall

Our 20' portable climbing wall is available for events, parties and groups. Up to three participants can climb at a time. The wall provides a fun introduction to rock climbing for participants ages 8 and older. There is a three hour minimum for climbing wall rental @ $150/hour plus $1.50/mile and $50/hour travel fee.

Positive Energy is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Your participation in rock climbing and other public programming, such as dog sled tours, kayak tours and instruction, team building and sleigh rides, provides crucial funding to help defray the operating expenses for the educational programs we provide for youth. Please ask about sponsorship opportunities or contributing to our day camp scholarship fund. Under IRS regulations, you are entitled to a charitable contribution for any payments exceeding the actual value of goods or services received. Also, please shop at our estore: duluthoutdooreducation.com/estore where a portion of your purchase is donated to Positive Energy.

Blake and Steph have over 40 years of combined climbing experience. Highlights include 13 years as a college program director - leading climbing classes, designing and managing a new climbing wall and staff, and leading youth programming and day to week long trips. Our experience also includes: Outward Bound climbing instructor, UMD club member and instructor prior to the indoor wall. We also own and operate a portable wall. We were thrilled to figure that together we have guided approximately 2,100 total outdoor climbing days, and have lost track of how many personal days locally and on trips from Alaska to Baja to Washington to North Carolina since 1976.

To make a reservation, call 218-391-0147 or e-mail info@outdooredventures.org. Payment is by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

Download Day Camp Registration Form

Rock Climbing Duluth MN | Duluth MN Camp Rock Climbing | Climbing Wall in Duluth | North Shore Climbing Walls | Rock Climbing North Shore