Join the first Great Plains Section women’s climbing trip (includes those who identify as women)! We’ll spend 12 to 15 of June climbing in Southern Alberta (climbing days on 13 and 14 June). There’s an abundance of well-bolted sport climbing in the area just north-west of Maycroft, Alberta, near the Oldman River and south-west of the Bob Creek Wildland area. There are many options for easy to moderate climbs that will be perfect for building confidence on outdoor leads and anchor building/cleaning before heading out on other summer climbing adventures. There are also many intermediate routes on a range of slab and vertical featured faces for folks looking for a challenge. 

Please note that the trip is weather-dependent and could be cancelled at the trip leader’s discretion in the event of unfavourable conditions. In the event of minor inclement weather, hiking or other alternatives will be provided, wherever possible. Trip participants should bring a flexible, positive attitude and a desire for adventure, no matter what that adventure turns out to be!

Trip meeting
There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting in early 2025. The meeting will cover trip logistics, hopes and expectations of participants and leaders, skills to practice in advance and at the crag, and participant questions.

Cost
The trip cost is $50 per person. An active ACC Great Plains membership is required for each participant. Each person will also need to pay for their camping, which will range from $23-69 for three nights, depending on the number of people sharing each campsite. 

Gear
Participants are responsible for their own personal gear. Gear requirements include climbing shoes, a harness, a carabiner and belay device, and a helmet (mandatory). For participants wanting to lead climb and build/clean anchors, a personal anchor is also mandatory. Club quickdraws and anchors will be available, but participants may be allowed to use their own gear after demonstrating they know how to accurately use it. The club’s gear cache has a limited number of helmets available at no cost to participants, as well as several backpacking tents and backpacks, on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your trip application if you wish to borrow club gear. A recommended packing list will be provided to confirmed trip participants.

Meals
Participants are responsible for their own meals, including bagged lunches and snacks on climbing days. 

Travel and Accommodation
We will camp together at either Oldman River North Group Campground or Dutch Creek Campground, located approximately 20 km from our crags, 50 km north of Coleman up Highway 40, and 30 km north-west of Maycroft taking Highway 22 and Maycroft Road. Access to both the campgrounds and climbing crags involve driving gravel range roads. Located 800 km west of Regina, the campgrounds are treed, quiet locations with limited services. All campers must be prepared to bring their own drinking water, and there are no showers or power hookups at the campground. Participants may camp in either tents or trailers, and they should be prepared to share tents and sites. More details will be shared at the pre-trip meeting. 

Trip Application
To apply for the trip, email Brianna Wyn (briannawyn@icloud.com) with the following information:

1. Full names and contact information of each participant,
2. ACC membership number for each participant,
3. Whether you need to borrow any club gear,
4. A description of each participant’s level of climbing experience (indoor and outdoor) plus expectations/goals for the trip (leading, anchor building, anchor cleaning, grades of interest, etc),
5. An emergency name and contact number (cannot be a trip participant), and
6. Allergies and medical issues for each participant (will remain confidential).

If the number of applicants exceeds the trip capacity, expectations will be reviewed to ensure a cohesive group experience, and a waitlist will be generated.