High School Mountain Club at City of Rocks

High School Mountain Club at City of Rocks

by Exum Senior Guide Christian Santelices

The Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club  Photo: Exum Senior Guide Christian Santelices The Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club at City of Rocks Photo: Exum Senior Guide Christian Santelices

Bethany seemed to float up the last difficult section of layback crack, moving fluidly up the rock without hesitation. She gave a “whoop!” of triumph upon reaching the top. “I can’t believe I just did that!” she exclaimed, looking down the cliff at her friends.

The Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club at City of Rocks Photo: Exum Senior Guide Christian Santelices The Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club at City of Rocks Photo: Exum Senior Guide Christian Santelices The Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club at City of Rocks Photo: Exum Senior Guide Christian Santelices

So went Teton County/Jackson Parks & Recreation’s Rock Climbing Camp at the City of Rocks last week. 13 kids aged 12 to 17 spent the week with Exum Guides Garrick Hart, Anneka Door and Christian Santelices for a week of rock climbing instruction and fun in this magical rock climbing retreat in Southern Idaho. Days were filled with climbing on the superb granite cliffs and the evenings were for great camp cuisine and S’mores around the campfire. The camp is a collaboration between the Recreation district, which provides transportation and meals, and Exum, which provides the guides and equipment. It was an opportunity for kids of all ability levels to learn rock climbing skills while also building perseverance, self esteem and confidence.

The Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club at City of Rocks Photo: Exum Senior Guide Christian Santelices The Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club at City of Rocks Photo: Exum Senior Guide Christian Santelices The Jackson Hole High School Mountaineering Club at City of Rocks Photo: Exum Senior Guide Christian Santelices

Coming up soon –  Middle School Climbing Club City of Rocks Trip August 12-15! It promises to be an exciting and fun trip!

About The Author



  • Arc'Teryx
  • Black Diamond
  • Virginian Lodge
  • Samsara
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