Guided Rock Climbing in New Hampshire
Climb New Hampshire’s Classic Granite Routes With an IFMGA Mountain Guide
Experience the best summer rock climbing in New Hampshire on Cathedral Ledge, Whitehorse Ledge, Cannon Cliff, and Mount Washington. From long granite slab climbs and classic multi-pitch routes to bigger alpine objectives in the White Mountains, Core Mountain Guides offers private guided climbing days tailored to your experience, goals, and conditions.
Whether you are transitioning from the climbing gym, building trad and multi-pitch skills, or looking to climb some of the Northeast’s most iconic routes, we can help you choose the right objective and create a rewarding day in the mountains.
Private Guided Climbing Days • Multi-Pitch Climbing • Trad Climbing • Alpine Rock Objectives
Why Core Mountain Guides
Core Mountain Guides is led by Paul Rachele, an IFMGA Mountain Guide with extensive experience guiding and instructing in mountain terrain throughout the Northeast. From classic multi-pitch climbs on Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges to bigger alpine objectives on Cannon Cliff and Mount Washington, each day is built around professional judgment, efficient systems, and terrain-specific experience. Guided climbing is about more than reaching the top of a route — it is about choosing the right objective for the conditions, moving efficiently through technical terrain, and creating a safe, rewarding experience tailored to your goals and experience level. Whether you are transitioning from the climbing gym, building trad and multi-pitch skills, or pursuing bigger alpine rock objectives, Core Mountain Guides offers personalized private instruction focused on movement coaching, mountain systems, route-finding, and decision-making in real mountain terrain. In complex mountain terrain, good decision-making matters as much as technical climbing ability.
Where We Guide
Cathedral Ledge
Cathedral Ledge is one of New Hampshire’s most iconic climbing venues, known for steep granite walls, exposed positions, crack systems, corners, and classic multi-pitch climbing. It is an excellent venue for climbers looking to build outdoor climbing experience while climbing historic Northeast routes.
Best for: classic multi-pitch climbing, crack climbing, movement coaching, and transitioning from indoor climbing to outdoor rock.
Classic Cathedral Routes: Recompense, Fun House, Thin Air, The Book
Cannon Cliff
Cannon Cliff provides one of the Northeast’s most serious and rewarding alpine rock climbing experiences. Long routes, route-finding, exposure, and mountain weather create a bigger and more committing climbing environment suited for experienced climbers looking for a true alpine rock objective.
Best for: experienced climbers, alpine rock objectives, longer routes, and climbers seeking bigger mountain terrain.
Classic Cannon Routes: Whitney-Gilman Ridge, Moby Grape, Lakeview, VMC Direct
Whitehorse Ledge
Whitehorse Ledge offers long granite slab climbing with beautiful movement and incredible views over the Mount Washington Valley. Its moderate terrain and long routes make it one of the best places in the Northeast for learning efficient multi-pitch movement and building confidence on granite.
Best for: first multi-pitch climbs, slab climbing, efficient movement, and climbers looking for longer moderate routes.
Classic Whitehorse Routes: Standard Route, Sliding Board, Inferno, Beginner’s Route
Mount Washington
Rock climbing on Mount Washington combines technical climbing with a true alpine mountain environment. Approaches, weather, route-finding, and exposure all contribute to a bigger mountain experience that feels distinctly different from roadside cragging.
Best for: alpine climbing progression, mountain skills, adventurous climbers, and larger White Mountains objectives.
Mount Washington Objectives: Pinnacle Ridge, Henderson Ridge, Lion Head Buttress
Who These Guided Climbing Days Are For
These climbing days are designed for a wide range of climbers, including:
Gym climbers transitioning outdoors
Climbers visiting North Conway or the White Mountains
Trad climbers looking to improve efficiency and systems
Climbers interested in learning multi-pitch techniques
Experienced climbers pursuing classic New Hampshire routes
Alpine climbers preparing for larger mountain objectives
Whether your goal is your first outdoor multi-pitch climb or a classic alpine route on Cannon Cliff, we will tailor the day to your experience level and objectives.
How Guided Climbing Days Work
After booking, we’ll discuss your experience, goals, and preferred objectives. Final venue and route selection are based on conditions, weather, and your climbing background. Most climbing days are full-day private outings based in the Mount Washington Valley or Franconia Notch areas.
Objectives and venues are selected based on conditions, weather, and your experience level.
Your Questions, Answered
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Not always. Cathedral and Whitehorse both offer options for newer outdoor climbers. Cannon Cliff and Mount Washington are better suited for climbers with more experience.
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It depends on your goals. Cathedral is excellent for classic multi-pitch climbing, Whitehorse is ideal for long moderate granite routes, Cannon is a bigger alpine rock venue, and Mount Washington offers a more adventurous mountain setting.
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Yes. A guided day can be a great way to transition from indoor climbing to outdoor rock. We will choose routes and skills that match your experience.
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Usually no. Cannon is a serious alpine cliff and is best for climbers with previous outdoor climbing experience.
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Summer and fall are the most popular seasons. Conditions vary by aspect, temperature, storms, and route choice.
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You can provide personal climbing equipment if you have it. Core Mountain Guides can help with technical climbing equipment needed for the day.
Ready to Climb in New Hampshire?
Tell us about your climbing experience, goals, and preferred dates, and we will help choose the right venue and objective for the conditions.
Whether you are looking for your first outdoor multi-pitch climb or a bigger alpine rock objective in the White Mountains, Core Mountain Guides offers professional private climbing instruction and guided climbing days throughout New Hampshire.
Multi-Pitch
1:1 - $547 / person
2:1 - $352 / person
3:1 - $292 / person
Clinics
1:1 - $547 / person
2:1 - $352 / person
3:1 - $292 / person
4:1 - $267 / person
Rates are for full days. Contact Core for bigger groups or half-day rates.