CLIMB MAINE

DISCOVER MAINE’S CLIMBING

Have you climbed the Camden Hills? “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea”

Northern Vertical Climbing Guides is Camden Maine’s original, premiere guide service offering a full range of highly safe and rewarding experiences for new climbers. For seasoned climbers we offer private instructional courses and personalized adventures throughout Maine’s extensive climbing terrain. Complete your visit to the coast of Maine with a climbing experience for your friends and family. Step off the sail boat and walk into our convenient downtown Camden office for the most memorable experience of your stay. Our three hour “New Climbers” experience is perfect for adults and teenagers.

CHOOSE YOUR MAINE CLIMBING ADVENTURE

NEW CLIMBERS

Camden Hills is home to an abundance of excellent rock climbing terrain. New Climbers quickly discover rock climbing is equal parts challenging and fun with professional instructors to guide the way. Climb the Camden Hills with Northern Vertical this season for excellent memories you will surely wish to repeat. Climb with us!

NEW CLIMBER PACKAGES

CLIMBING INSTRUCTION

& COURSES

For experienced climbers who want to elevate their skills with the best climbing instructor in Maine, choose from our lineup of summer climbing packages and specialty courses, designed and led by Ryan who is the sought after guide for learning how to lead climb on rock and ice.

CLIMBING COURSES

BACKCOUNTRY

Looking for the perfect rock climbing adventure in solitude? Maine’s abundant backcountry terrain has something for everyone, including the Northeast gem, Katahdin. Northern Vertical is the Katahdin specialists with decades of guided adventures within the park including the Armadillo.

BACKCOUNTRY PACKAGES

COMMUNITY
BASED
CLIMBING

Community based climbing experiences are all about one thing: building community. These shared adventures come in all shapes and sizes. Sign up for Tour de Camden or Women’s Climbing and make new adventure buddies. Meet them at one of our festivals in the beginning or end of the season.

COMMUNITY CLIMBING

WHY CLIMB WITH NV?

Because you want the best climbing experience possible. Owner and head guide, Ryan Howes has been climbing in Maine for over 25 years, has been the head guide for several climbing companies, has trained thousands of climbers and guides, and has a zero-accident safety record.

His excellent instruction started with a master’s degree in experiential education and a bachelor’s in adventure therapy and adventure education leadership. He’s more than qualified to show you the ropes! His list of qualifications keeps going - click the button for his backstory and full credentials.

Learn more

MAINE CLIMBING VIDEOS

“Ryan is a deep and soulful person who cares about his clients and their state of wellness. He uses climbing as a vehicle for personal betterment. He's an elite climber but also a good dude who gives you your money's worth!”

—Russ K
Apart from the thrill of accomplishing our objective, strength training to increase good health, two things stood out to me that day: the first is obvious - his expertise. At every step along the way he made sure I understood what we were doing and why. It quickly became apparent not only is he a highly qualified guide but a willing and eager teacher. The other quality I noticed, which stands out to this day, is his ability to get me to step outside my comfort zone.

-Joel B.