How to Use Trees in Rock Climbing

Trees are everywhere, making it fairly easy to participate in recreational tree climbing. This type of climbing is fun and exciting, all while providing a complete workout. However, as with any outdoor adventure activity, there are certain safety precautions and protocols to follow.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Climbing rope
• Climbing harness

Doubled-Rope Technique

1. Use the doubled-rope technique for climbing trees that grow up to 100 feet, such as oaks, poplars, maples and pines. Drape both ends of the rope over a sturdy branch that's at least 6 inches in diameter using a throw bag or a rope placement device.

2. Pass the rope through a branch protection device to prevent damage to the bark and rope.

3. Tie a series of climbing knots to create a system in which you can safely and easily ascend and descend. Tie a modified Blake's hitch as your main knot. Attach your harness to the ropes and begin climbing.

4. Climb primarily with your arms, although you can devise a system to help push your feet when climbing.

5. Reach where the rope is looped and secure yourself to the branch. Move higher up the tree by placing new rope settings, or descend.

6. Descend by grasping the modified Blake's hitch and pulling down.

Single-Rope Technique

7. Climb taller trees, such as redwoods, spruce and firs, using the single-rope technique. Anchor one end of the rope to a branch or to the tree base and the other end to a higher branch.

8. Ascend to the other end of the rope using a mechanical ascender. Use an "inchworm" motion with certain tree climbing devices.

9. Reach the top of the rope line, and switch to a different device to descend. (See Resources below.)

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid climbing trees near power lines, and check for active animal, bird or insect nests.
• Don't use leg spikes to preserve the trees.

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Resources

• Tree climbing gear