Red River Gorge Time-Control Plan

TRIP DESCRIPTION: The beautiful and extensive Red River Gorge is a phenomenon found in Slade, Kentucky. Located in the heart of Kentucky around 8 hours from Grand Rapids, “The Red '' offers some of the most unique and quality sport crags in the United States. Despite most of the crags being located within 20 miles of each other, there is a large amount of diversity between crags. Camping is available at Miguels Pizza, but the Middle Fork campground is recommended for psychological and physical boundaries.

Trip Difficulty: Although climbing is viewed as a highly intense activity, this trip is very open to novices and those with little experience. Because of the Red River Gorge’s diverse environment, there are different difficulties of routes that interchange throughout the extent of the area. Climbing entails climbing up rocks to reach the top of a route which typically can go up to 80-100 feet (for reference Calvin’s wall is 40 feet). Ability and skills required: It is required that you are belay certified for this activity, and it is recommended that you are lead certified and have the ability and confidence to clean a route.

Recommended season: April-October. Anytime is a great time to climb, but it is much more comfortable and enjoyable to climb in warmer weather, because of that spring to fall is a good reference to follow if you want to climb in warm and comfortable weather.

DRIVE TIME AND ROUTE FROM GRAND RAPIDS:

Calvin to middle fork: 7.5 hours

Middle fork to Climbing: 5 minutes to 30 minutes

Middle fork to Calvin: 7.5 hours

PARKING: Parking is dependent on the crag that you go to, many crags have free parking, but there are a couple crags that are locally owned and require a $10-$20 parking fee.

TRIP LOGISTICS AND SCHEDULE:

Friday

8 am - meet at Calvin, depart for Kentucky by 8:30

~ stop for road meal at some point ~

4:30/5 pm - Arrive at campsite, set up camp, make dinner, prepare for next day

Saturday

7:30 - wake up, eat breakfast, prepare for the day

8:30 - leave for crag

~ pack lunch to eat at the crag ~

4 or 5 pm - back to campsite, make dinner, go to bed

Sunday

7:30 - wake up, eat breakfast, prepare for the day

8:30 - leave for crag

~ pack lunch to eat at the crag ~

4 or 5 pm - back to campsite, make dinner, go to bed

Monday

Wake up at 7:30, pack up campsite, and leave by 9, Climb for half of day (pack lunch), leave at 2 pm, arrive back to Calvin at around 10/11 pm

ESTIMATED TRIP BUDGET (for 12 people):

Gas: $400 both ways

$288 for food

$44 x 3 nights ($22 per night per campsite)

$20 Parking total= $840/12 people = $70 per person

(also plan to bring $30 for road meals)

LOCAL RESOURCES/OUTFITTERS:

Calvin Outdoor Recreation: All equipment needs are covered through a $25 annual gear rental subscription fee.

Miguels Gear Shop: Located next to Miguels Pizza is their gear cage which sells most available gear that you could use for climbing, they do not provide rentals, just purchases.

EMERGENCY RESOURCES: Mercy Health - Marcum and Wallace Hospital: 60 Mercy Court, Irvine, KY 40336