Mark your calendars for March 8th-11th, 2024!

ROCK RESCUE RETREAT INFORMATION

Our four-day Rock Rescue Retreat in Cochise Stronghold is designed for those who have climbed outside and have already had the opportunity to climb a few multi-pitch routes on their own, or with a Guide, and are looking to ensure that they stay safe in backcountry environments. Whether you are familiar with Sport Climbing or Traditional Climbing, this retreat can be tailored to suit your goals!

A Wilderness First Aid Certification is included in the cost of this retreat, and is provided by AdventureMed through a hybrid instruction model. Participants must register by October 10th to have adequate time to complete pre-retreat curriculum. Once registered for this retreat, you will receive further instructions on how to complete the online-portion of the WFA Course.

Where is Cochise Stronghold?

Cochise Stronghold is located just Southeast of Tucson, AZ. A swift 4.5 hour drive from Phoenix, AZ will place you into a whole new world of rock climbing! Towering granite domes, secluded high-desert vibes, and of course an authentic Arizona backcountry climbing experience. This area boasts nearly 700 climbing routes that can either be fun single-pitches or challenging multi-pitch endeavors. It's the perfect venue to learn how to climb in a self-sufficient fashion far away from the hometown crags.
MEET YOUR LEAD INSTRUCTORS
​Chris Adams
Chris Adams is Firefighter/ Paramedic, with 21+ years experience,  working for the Salt River Fire Department in Scottsdale, AZ. He’s also a technical rescue technician specializing in high angle, confined space, building collapse, trench, and swift water rescue.  

Chris taught paramedic school for several years but found a new passion teaching wilderness first aid. He especially loves helping people improve their confidence in handling emergencies while recreating in remote environments. On his days off Chris is passionate about all styles of rock climbing but especially loves completing long “in a day” multi-pitch ascents.
Mac McCaleb
Mac is a Wilderness First Responder, American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Apprentice Alpine Guide (Alpine Guide Course), & formerly certified Single-Pitch Instructor. Additionally, Mac has completed his Level 1, 2, & Companion Rescue Avalanche Courses and is an Affiliate Member of the American Avalanche Association (AAA).

​Incorporating his passions of the outdoors and education, Mac started Granite Mountain Guides with the anticipation of providing a quality learning experience for new climbers looking to push their personal boundaries. 
Other instructors that will help facilitate this course will be Guides of Granite Mountain Guides. Several of whom are Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians (W-EMT), are certified or continuing their education with the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and have years of outdoor education teaching experience to draw upon to provide an incredible experience. 

Itinerary and Amenities

March 6th | Option for Privately Guided Single and Multi-pitch Experiences in Cochise Stronghold, see below.

March 7th | Option for Privately Guided Single and Multi-pitch Experiences in Cochise Stronghold, see below.

Arriving after 5pm to the Dispersed Group Site at Isle of Ewe Campground, you will be greeted at check-in with a swag bag and cool refreshments while our Guides help you establish your tent site and get you acquainted with the surroundings, while also introducing you to other Guests. We will help you take an initial account of your equipment that you will need for the next few days out on the rock. No group dinner will be provided this evening, as Guests may arrive at any time.

March 8th | Light breakfast fare and freshly brewed Presta Coffee will be awaiting you early at 7:00am. At 7:45am we will go through a formal introduction with your Instructors and then proceed into the Wilderness First Aid portion to complete your hybrid WFA course, presented by AdventureMed!
  • Everyone will complete the hands-on portion of this WFA course with your provider, Chris, and this will conclude at approximately 3pm.
  • Once the WFA course has concluded, we celebrate with an introduction into climbing self-rescue skills that we will be learning over the weekend.
  • After a brief introduction to climbing self-rescue/review, there will be an optional movement & mobility session to keep you refreshed for the days ahead by Tina Leaman of Dynamic Alignment.
Everyone will arrive back at the Group Site in the early evening for refreshments with time built in to relax before the first evening group dinner. While dinner is winding down, fireside hang outs will be ramping up! 

March 9th | Light breakfast fare and freshly brewed Presta Coffee will be awaiting you early at 7:00am. We will go through a morning briefing with everyone and then proceed to the first climbing area!
  • There will be two WFA Scenarios integrated into the day of learning technical Single-Pitch Self Rescue skills.
  • At the conclusion of Day 2, there will be an optional movement & mobility session to keep you refreshed for the days ahead by Tina Leaman of Dynamic Alignment.
Everyone will arrive back at the Group Site in the early evening for refreshments with time built in to relax before the second group dinner. While dinner is winding down, the logs on the fire will be building up for an intentional discussion on mental health and processing trauma after an incident.

March 10th | Light breakfast fare and freshly brewed Presta Coffee will be awaiting you early at 7:00am. We will go through a morning briefing with everyone and then proceed to the next climbing areas!
  • There will be two WFA Scenarios integrated into the day of learning technical Multi-Pitch Self Rescue skills.
  • At the conclusion of Day 3, there will be an optional movement & mobility session to keep you refreshed for the days ahead by Tina Leaman of Dynamic Alignment.
Everyone will arrive back at the Group Site in the early evening for refreshments with time built in to relax before the last group dinner. While dinner is winding down, the logs on the fire will be building up. 

March 11th | Our final day! Light breakfast fare and freshly brewed Presta Coffee will be awaiting you early at 7:00am. At 7:45am we will break out into different groups where you will go through a briefing with your Guides and then proceed to various multi-pitch routes for a day of fun Cochise Stronghold climbing!
  • Groups will work together to identify climbing objectives that will be facilitated by the Guides. 
  • Options to learn more about multi-pitch efficiency and even an option to practice "bailing" off of a route will be provided.
  • Groups will re-join at the end of the day for a final debrief to share lessons-learned.
Everyone has the option to pack up their campsite in the morning, or leave it throughout the day to clean up in the afternoon. We will arrive back at the Group Site in the early-evening for refreshments and snacks with time built in to get you on the road home after farewells are had!

PRIVATE COCHISE CLIMBING OPTIONS | March 6th & 7th

A DAY IN COCHISE STRNGHOLD | MULTI-PITCH
Looking to add on more days of climbing in Red Rock before you join us for the Red Rock Retreat? This private day out will allow you to obtain a full-value experience of the area mid-week. You and your Guide will discuss route options and personalize the day just for you! Or, grab a friend and enjoy a shared experience on a route!