Our mission is to teach and promote safe rock climbing techniques. Our passion is rock climbing with good friends. As a result, the Pittsburgh AYH is a great way to experience the thrill of rock climbing whether you're new to the sport or an experienced climber. Throughout the spring, summer and fall we make group trips to Cooper's Rock State Forest near Morgantown West Virginia to climb its 30-40 foot sandstone crags. On these Top Roping trips our members will teach beginners safe top roping techniques including basic commands, knots, climbing and belaying techniques.
Experienced climbers are welcome as well to share our ropes and belays.
All you need to bring is a bag lunch, water, and a sunny disposition. It's not a bad idea to pack raingear in the event of a late-afternoon thunderstorm. AYH supplies climbing gear to those who need it as discussed below. Beginners who enjoy our trips are encouraged to return for more climbing, to gain more knowledge of climbing techniques, and to learn how to properly construct top roping anchors. Once a climber has developed good climbing and belaying skills, we offer a Multi-Pitch Prep Course for those individuals who would like to accompany us on our club trips to Seneca Rocks, the highest point east of the Mississippi that can be reached only by technical climbing.