Ladies Weekend Out in Red Rock, NV: Learning, Leading, and Crushing It
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of guiding an all-women’s “Ladies Weekend Out” event in Red Rock, Nevada, with Golden State Guiding. It was an incredible experience, watching everyone push their limits, develop their skills, and connect over a shared love of climbing in such a beautiful setting. Here’s a glimpse into what made this weekend so memorable for me as a guide, and for all the strong women who joined.
Starting with Single Pitch Skills
Our weekend kicked off with a focus on single-pitch climbing. This was a perfect way to warm up, get into the flow, and make sure everyone felt comfortable with the basics before advancing. We worked on lead climbing, covering the fundamentals of clipping techniques, efficient movement, and staying composed while on lead. I shared my on-site process, taking the group through my step-by-step approach to reading a route, planning clipping stances, and staying calm and confident on the wall.
Learning to Clean Anchors
One of the highlights of the weekend was teaching the clients how to clean anchors. For many, this is a key skill for transitioning from indoor or guided climbing to more independent outdoor adventures. Step by step, I demonstrated everything from setting up the PAS (personal anchor system), to threading the anchor (rap rings) to making sure each component was set up for safety. We also discussed clipping the mussy hooks when those are available. It was inspiring to see each person take these new skills in stride, gain confidence, and execute with precision. Practicing these techniques on single-pitch climbs gave everyone a solid foundation before moving on to the bigger, multi-pitch routes.
Lead Climbing on Crimson Chrysalis
The weekend wasn’t just about single-pitch routes. We also got a chance to climb Crimson Chrysalis, one of Red Rock’s classic multi-pitch climbs. One client, eager and prepared, followed my lead up 9 pitches. Watching her tackle this route with determination and strength was a highlight for me. Crimson Chrysalis is not only physically demanding but also offers a mental challenge. Seeing her focus and confidence grow as she navigated the route, cleaned the gear, and moved up each pitch was a true testament to the work she has put into her craft.
The Value of Community and Support
Throughout the weekend, what stood out the most was the support and camaraderie within the group. It’s one thing to climb with others, but it’s another to have a group of women lifting each other up, cheering on each attempt, and celebrating every achievement. There’s a unique energy that comes from being in a group where everyone shares the same drive to improve, learn, and push themselves, and this weekend was a testament to that power.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the weekend, each person walked away with new skills, greater confidence, and the drive to keep climbing. For me, there’s nothing better than guiding women who are excited to learn, support each other, and embrace the full experience of climbing outdoors. It was a privilege to be part of their journey and help them take on these new challenges.
If you’re ready to level up your climbing, learn new skills, and experience some of Red Rock’s best routes, keep an eye out for future events with Golden State Guiding!
Joann Garbarini // LWO/ GSG Guide
