Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling Tour

Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling is an award winning shore excursion, named Shore Excursion of the Season in the port of Skagway several years in a row.

Join Professional Mountain Guides for an exciting climbing adventure on the smooth granite walls of the White Pass. There are great climbs for all abilities and no experience is necessary for this tour.

Your excursion begins with a short interpretative drive through Downtown Skagway and up the Klondike Highway. From the Highway we hike for a few moments to the base of majestic rock cliffs recently smoothed by retreating glaciers. Here we will don rock climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses. After a climbing introduction from the guides we will rope up and start climbing the clean granite.

There are more than a dozen routes to choose from. Some climbs are very easy and others offer more challenge. Each ends with a stunning aerial view of the Skagway River, The White Pass Yukon Route Railway, and the surrounding wilderness. Throughout the duration of the tour, participants will have the chance to climb many of the routes and try rappelling on the high cliffs. Professional mountain guides will share their knowledge and skill in all aspects of climbing. Many of them have guided on Denali and around the world and enjoy sharing their stories of adventures in the mountains. Your safety and enjoyment are always their primary concern.

This adventure tour is perfect for those looking for their first climbing experience, or for experienced climbers looking for a challenge. No climbing is required and everyone will enjoy the cliffside snack, and stunning views. Participants need to be able to hike for a few minutes over uneven terrain, and should dress in warm clothing that allows for good flexibility.

(~10 minutes) – Your friendly tour guide will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. Here they will take the opportunity to get to know you and provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion.
(~20 minutes) – We’ll depart from our meeting point by van for an interpretive driving tour of historic downtown Skagway on our way up the Klondike Highway to our private rock climbing and zip line site on Porcupine Mountain.
(~15 minutes) – From our private parking area, a short uphill walk along our forest nature trail will bring us to our base camp. Here, your expert guides will get you outfitted with state of the art climbing equipment including a helmet, harness and climbing shoes. Next, you’ll receive a thorough orientation and safety briefing for your upcoming climbing experience.
(~ 120 minutes) – You will spend the next two hours climbing on our over one dozen climbing routes. Each climber will have the opportunity to try out at least two climbs and a 70-foot rappel on backup belay.
(~ 15 minutes) – Our adventure wraps up in our rough-cut timber kiosk for some hot cocoa and trail mix snacks.
(~15 minutes) – A short walk back down the nature trail will bring us back to our private parking area. We’ll depart the trail for a scenic ride back through the Skagway Valley and back to town.

Where will I meet my tour guide?
Your guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier that your ship docks at. Otherwise the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your tour guide will be holding a sign that says "Skagway and Haines Excursions".
Who are my guides?
Your guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonder of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff all go through extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certification. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
What is the climbing like?
It is all top-rope climbing natural granite of White Pass. We have 12 climbs that range from 25 ft to 60 ft, and difficulty ranges from about 5.4 to 5.9, and our professional guides do all the belaying.
Is there a bathroom?
Restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour, and a non-flushing restroom is at the start/finish of the walk up to the rock climbing site.
Do you cancel due to weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.