PE 1651: Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing
Learn basic rock climbing skills on real rock! We’ll spend a glorious weekend climbing, tent camping, and relaxing at Minnewaska State Park in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. We will cover climbing equipment and technique, knots, belaying, rappelling, and natural history.
| Course Fee | Students: $445 Community: $475 CU Faculty/Staff: $465 |
|---|---|
| Fee Notes | Course fee includes instruction, all climbing equipment, and group camping gear (tents, stoves, etc.) If you don't have your own personal camping gear (sleeping bag, headlamp, etc.) it is available for rent at a 25% discount. See Equipment List below for details. |
| Attendance | Participation in all class sessions is required in order to receive PE credit. |
| Prerequisites | No prior experience necessary |
| Drop Deadline | September 2, 2026 |
| Enrollment | For students: in your student center. For CU staff/faculty or community members: email coed@cornell.edu |
| Field | There is an overnight trip to Minnewaska State Park, in the Catskill Mountains of NY. |
| Links | Medical Form Lindseth Climbing Waiver |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9/14/26 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9/16/26 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm |
| Fri-Sun | 9/18/26 to 9/20/26 | 5:00pm to 10:00pm |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9/21/26 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9/23/26 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm |
| Fri-Sun | 9/25/26 to 9/27/26 | 5:00pm to 10:00pm |
Rock Climbing Equipment List
* These items are provided by COE and are covered in the course fee.
** These items can be rented from the COE Outfitting. Prices below reflect 25% discount, tax not included.
Clothing
- Synthetic base layers for bad weather
- Cotton t-shirts for nice weather
- Closed toe shoes. No sandals, even around camp!
- Wool or synthetic socks
- **Waterproof rain jacket with hood, available for $7.50 from COE Outfitting
- **Waterproof rain pants, available for $6.00 from COE Outfitting
- Warm hat
- 1-2 Insulating layers: fleece or synthetic fill jacket
- Warm gloves
Camping Items
- *Sleeping bag, rated for 25F or lower
- *Sleeping pad
- Pillow (optional)
- Bowl, spoon, mug
- *Pack or duffel bag to carry it all
Personal Items
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses (optional)
- **Working headlamp and an extra set of fresh batteries, available for $9.00 from COE Outfitting
- Personal medicine
- Feminine hygiene products
- Food or money for travel meals
- Camera (optional)
- Water bottles to hold 2 liters of water
Climbing Gear
- *Helmet
- *Harness
- *Climbing shoes
- Backpack to carry personal and a some of group climbing gear
Group Gear
- * Tents and Tarps
- * Cooking gear & Food
- * First Aid Kit
- * Climbing Equipment