Women's Hiking &
Rock Climbing Retreat
October 15-17, 2025
Weekend Rundown
LOCATION:
Camp Manitowa
Giant City State Park
Join Sally Drake as you learn the basics on rock climbing (day 1) and continue to sharpen your skills on day 2! Your guides will be climbing guru, Jon Richards of Vertical Voyages and experienced climber and our yoga instructor, Debby Siegel.
EXPERIENCED OUTDOOR CLIMBER?
You can learn more advanced skills, or if you have your own equipment and don't need help, we have a registration option for you. Come out and play, show us how it's done!
HIKING ONLY?
Not interested in this much adventure? You can hike your heart out on the gorgeous trails near the rock climbing area. See the option in registration for hiking only. If you are hiking only, we recommend that you bring a yoga mat, book, etc so you can relax if you don't want to hike all day. It is also fun to watch the climbers.
Wednesday, October 15th - Arrival at Camp:
Arrive at camp between 4-5:30pm
6pm – Dinner + meet and mingle + Sally will give a rundown of the weekend events and Dan will share about the Thursday night fundraising BBQ
7:00pm – Bonfire. music, & fun conversation
Thursday, October 16th - Climbing Day #1:
7:00am – Coffee, Tea and light breakfast available in the kitchen (note: you are always welcome to make coffee in the office)
8:00am – Bus picks us up in front of the office
9:00am – Arrive at Giant City State Park and meet up with our instructors, Jon and Debby
Start climbing! (see full climbing agenda below)
12:00pm – Lunch break (we will have sack lunches, fruit, and drinks)
12:30pm - Climb again (see full climbing agenda below!)
3:30pm – Hop on the bus to head back to camp
4:30pm – Arrive back at camp, shower, get comfy
5pm – Restorative yoga and sound bath with Debby
6pm – Dinner – BBQ Fundraiser for Camp Indigo Point, CO (see flyer below)
7pm – Bonfire & Music
Friday, October 17th - Climbing Day #2:
Repeat of Thursday from 7am – 3:30pm
4:30pm – Arrive back at camp. Those who are with us for the climbing portion only can pack up and head on out!
OR stay for the Adventure Retreat………
6pm – Dinner and Icebreaker as we have the 2nd group of adventure gals join us!
7pm – LIVE MUSIC at the bonfire: Indie Folk/Americana with Jeremy Todd
Saturday, October 18th - Bundle 2 Retreats!
SEE AGENDA in Women’s Adventure Retreat
What to bring for the climbing/hiking excursions:
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Plenty of snacks (we will have some)
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Water bottle (we will bring extra on the bus for refills)
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Comfortable, close-fitting clothing that allows you to move. Ideally, nothing new or nice, sometimes the rocks can snag clothing. Weather-appropriate. Shorts are acceptable but you may scrape your legs.
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Hiking boots or shoes or trail shoes in case you want to explore on breaks (required, close-toed)
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Hammock - if you have one, many of the crags have places to hang them - we will bring a few extras
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Backpack to carry all of your stuff
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Any personal medications (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler, allergy meds)
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Sunglasses / sunscreen
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Camera/phone
What is included in the climbing instruction sessions:
(Participants may use personal gear if it is approved by the instructor.)
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Harness and Helmet
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Climbing Shoes
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Chalk Bag
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Belay Device with Locking Carabiner
Where are we climbing?
Giant City State Park – Devil's Standtable Area
Devil's Standtable Nature Trail Lot
Google Map
Program Itinerary
Day 1:
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Introductions and Gear-Up
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Figure-8 Knot & Belay Instruction
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Climbing Technique Overview
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Warm-Up Climbs
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Rappelling Experience
Day 2:
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Gear-Up and Warm-Up
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Focused Climbing on a Variety of Routes
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Optional Rappelling
What to bring for the entire retreat:
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Bedding & towels (if you are flying in, contact Sally about this)
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Sunscreen
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Flashlight or headlamp
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Yoga mat
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Ear plugs
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A variety of clothing/hats/shoes for activities and weather changes
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Small blanket for bonfire, etc
Lodging:
Yurts & cabins
- let me know if you want to be with a friend or group.
- upcharge for heated cabin
- private yurts available for upcharge
Weekend Facilitators
Jon Richard, Senior Guide and Founder, Vertical Voyages
Jon launched Vertical Voyages in June of 2009. His passion is to equip climbers of all levels with the skills they need to manage risk and achieve their climbing aspirations. Jon has taught clinics for the American Alpine Club’s Craggin’ Classics. He is also a Warrior’s Way Trainer – a mental fitness program that helps climbers address the psychological stress inherent in climbing. Over the past 25 years, he has climbed 1000s of routes throughout the world including in New Zealand, the French Alps, Yosemite, and Rocky Mountain National Park. He is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor Provider. The AMGA is an organization that sets standards for US climbing professionals and is the only internationally recognized climbing credentialing organization in the US. Jon is also a Global Organization of Tree Climbers Instructor and Wilderness First Responder.
Debby Siegel, MSA, 500 ERYT
Debby Siegel, MSA, 500 ERYT
A childhood of traipsing barefoot in the Arizona desert chasing her gold prospector dad established Debby’s early connection to nature and the outdoors. Today you’ll find her roaming on a bicycle, monkeying up tall rocks, swimming and paddling along in waters and practicing yoga on any surface available. Debby values community, creativity, adventure, and the healing power that wild places can provide. She has been artistically helping others come home to themselves through yoga’s self care and the growth that comes from discomfort for thousands of hours, all around the globe.
Debby considers herself a serial learner and is well known for her distinct artistry of connection. She regularly helps people in connecting to their breath, their body and their true selves. Connecting them to each other. Connecting them to their unique paths. Connecting them to the planet. She’s done so in yoga studios and at corporations around the US. As well, students have discovered her at festivals and retreats including Wanderlust, Kripalu Center, Burning Man and ReKinection.
So carpe your mat, and join Debby for a journey bound to embolden you to love, live and perhaps giggle-snort just a little more!
