Fun and Fitness in One Place

Earth Treks is a great adventure that offers fitness and fun for all participants. The Earth Treks company has led over 150 international expeditions over the last 20 years. The use a "shared adventure'' model, allow each member of the expedition to contribute and they focus on skills development as part of the process. Future expeditions include climbs in Ecuador and Tanzania. Their climbing centers offer state-of-the-art indoor climbing facilities that can help prepare climbers for an upcoming climb, or that can be a great way to spend a day with family and friends, focusing on a challenge, fitness activity. Their climbing gyms are some of the largest in the United Staes, and they offer climbs for every level of ability. Those who are just learning to climb will be pleased to know Earth Treks has taught an average of 20,000 people a year to climb.

Earth Treks was founded in 1990 and teaches rock and ice climbing. They are the largest and oldest climbing center in the Washington, D.C. area. Their center in Columbia, Maryland offers climbing opportunities for ages and abilities. It features 44 foot high walls and over 15,000 square feet of climbing surface. The variety of surfaces include a bouldering cave, overhands, roofs, aretes, dihedrals, cracks, chimneys, slabs, and a stalactite. The gym is planning an expansion that will add 3,500 square feet to the space. Cardio and strength training will also be available following the expansion.

There are a number of ways visitors can participate in a climb. Instructional programs allow new climbers to get started and try out climbing. Open Climb is available for children and adults at most times and does not require a reservation. Kids and teens will enjoy the youth and family programs including Friday Night Rox, or you can schedule a private climbing party. Adult programs for teens and adults include Learning the Basics and Indoors and Outdoors. The Basics class teaches safety skills for independent climbing, and the Indoors and Outdoors Class teaches the basics of both styles of climbing so climbers can determine their preference. Those with a desire to climb indoors will be pleased to know there is less to learn to climb indoors. You can continue to climb after dark, or if there is inclement weather. Outdoor climbers are more challenged, which many climbers prefer, and are able to get in touch with a natural environment that can not be fully duplicated indoors. Most outdoor climbers will tell you nothing can beat the feel of the sun on their backs, and the natural beauty of an outdoor rock climb.

Those searching for an activity that offers fitness and fun, without having to worry about the weather, will love Earth Treks Climbing Center. The entire family can be challenged with a fun physical activity that may just instill them with the love of a new hobby. If you are interested in the adventure of an outdoor climb without the inconvenience of the climate, head to Earth Treks.