
Rock Climbing
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.
As a non-profit, we serve thousands of youth each year. Adult and family climbing options are an important revenue stream to allow us to continue making outdoor adventure activities accessible and affordable for all youth.
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 1,990 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.

Child Rock Climbing
Positive Energy offers rock climbing instruction 7 days a week. While advanced reservations are recommended, especially for holidays and weekends, give us a call–we can often accommodate same day inquiries. Rock climbing instruction and guiding is private party–you’ll only climb with the people you bring to insure a high quality, hands on experience.
To make a reservation, call 218-391-0147 e-mail info@outdooredventures.org. Payment is by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
Our 2010 Youth Climbing Camp for youth in grades 2-6 runs August 9-13, and is designed for youth just starting their climbing adventures. Our Teen Climbing Camp (August 23-27) is for youth in grades 7-12 looking to build their climbing skills and includes North Shore climbing sites.Download Day Camp Registration Form »
Our Climbing Sites

Climbing Wall
Our 20′ climbing wall provides a fun introduction to rock climbing for all ages. Children as young as 3 have enjoyed the wall, which has introduced over 1,000 youth to climbing. A friendly experience for those new to the sport and a great option for those on a budget or with limited time in Duluth. Take a swim in Fredenberg Lake or enjoy a bar b que afterwards.
The Whoopie Wall in West Duluth, is the most accessible outdoor climbing area. This urban crag is perfect for beginning climbers, but offers challenge for more experienced climbers as well. The view of downtown Duluth and the harbor, including the Ariel Lift Bridge, is spectacular. Spend less time hiking and more time climbing–a great outdoor option for those on a budget or with limited time.
Ely’s Peak is another outdoor option near Spirit Mountain. In addition to climbing, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the St. Louis River valley, and can choose to hike to the peak on the Superior Hiking Trail. 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. Larger groups can enjoy hiking and climbing in the same location.
Silver Cliff, a site just north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, is about 100 feet from the shore of Lake Superior. Climbs are good for beginners, but it is not the best site for younger children. It’s an easy approach to the climbs, and the setting is gorgeous. 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.
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. Rappelling experience is not required.

Belaying
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 1.5 hours from Duluth.
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 hike to the climbs is stunning, and is
Rock climbing is a great way to see the world from a new perspective, and is suitable for children and adults. Kids make great climbers, and we’ll teach you the safety skills and techniques you need to be successful. No experience is required, and we provide equipment, including harnesses for kids. Climbing can be a great example of positive energy!
Schedule your climbing experience or register your child for one of our youth climbing camps by calling 218.391.0147 or e-mail info@outdooredventures.org.
FAQs:
At what age can kids start climbing?
We don’t have a minimum age for kids who want to start climbing. Kids as young as 2 and 3 years old have climbed on our portable climbing wall. We provide full body harnesses for very small children.
How much time should I plan for a climbing outing?
It differs per location and group size. Length can vary from one hour to an all day or multiple day trip.
What about safety?
Statistically, driving your car is the most dangerous part of your climbing outing. We provide highly trained climbing staff with years of experience, daily equipment inspection and all the necessary and high quality gear to ensure your safety. We have never had a major incident. However you may expect scrapes or sore muscles after a good day climbing.
What kinds of people climb?
People are motivated to climb for many different reasons, from enjoying the beautiful scenery, to getting to know your group, to testing your physical and mental limits to just trying something new. Climbing doesn’t have to be an extreme sport, anyone can try it! Feel free to talk with us if you might require special accomodation.
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