MOAB CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Crack Camp — Wide Boyz! A hard‑won three‑day crack‑climbing immersion in Moab with Tom Randall, Pete Whittaker, and Mary Eden
A focused, three‑day crack‑climbing clinic in Moab that pairs the Wide Boyz with local AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Mary Eden for intensive coaching, camping, and hands‑on trad instruction.
Crack Camp — Wide Boyz! A hard‑won three‑day crack‑climbing immersion in Moab with Tom Randall, Pete Whittaker, and Mary Eden.
Adventure brief
Crack Camp — Wide Boyz! A hard‑won three‑day crack‑climbing immersion in Moab with Tom Randall, Pete Whittaker, and Mary Eden
Join renowned climbers Tom Randall and Pete Whittaker — the Wide Boyz — and local guide Mary Eden for a three‑day crack clinic in the red desert of Moab. Expect concentrated instruction on crack movement from fingers to off‑width, traditional gear and anchoring, leading and rescue techniques, and communal nights at camp under desert skies.
Crack Camp - Wide Boyz! offers a unique, three-day crack climbing clinic held in the stunning desert landscape of Moab, Utah. Led by legendary climbers Tom Randall and Pete Whittaker—known collectively as the Wide Boyz—along with local climbing guru Mary Eden, this experience is perfect for climbers looking to elevate their crack climbing skills to the next level. Over the course of three days, participants receive expert coaching tailored to all skill levels, learn advanced techniques, and practice in some of Moab's most remarkable crack formations. The camp’s supportive atmosphere encourages camaraderie, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow climbers passionate about this specialized discipline. With hands-on guidance in a naturally challenging setting, participants will improve their technique, build confidence, and gain problem-solving skills essential for crack climbing. Alongside thrilling climbs, you'll explore the breathtaking red rock canyons and scenic beauty unique to the Moab region. This private adventure ensures personalized attention and a memorable climb experience shaped by world-class instructors and local insight. Whether you’re chasing your first crack ascents or refining your abilities for advanced routes, Crack Camp - Wide Boyz! delivers an inspiring and enriching climbing adventure in one of America’s top outdoor climbing destinations.
Route Schematic
Itinerary route schematic
The three‑day rhythm cycles between camp orientation, technique sessions on varied cracks, and practical anchoring, leading and rescue practice.
Camp setup & orientation
Establish campsite, review knots, communication, Leave No Trace principles, and clinic objectives before climbing begins.
Technique sessions
Dedicated movement work on finger cracks through off‑widths: hand and fist jams, transitions, roof techniques, and efficiency drills.
Traditional gear and anchoring practice
Hands‑on instruction in placements (cams, nuts, hexes, tri‑cams), building anchors from fixed hardware and natural features, and use of extensions.
Leading, rescue and retreat drills
Practice racking and clipping strategy for leaders, cleaning routes, lowering, rappelling and safe bailing techniques.
This is a technical, hands‑on climbing clinic; guides emphasize safety and will adapt the schedule and objectives to conditions and participant needs.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
World‑class crack coaching from the Wide Boyz and a local AMGA guide
Tom Randall and Pete Whittaker—known for the first free ascent of Century Crack (5.14a), a 160‑foot off‑width in Canyonlands, and for freeing Cobra Crack—team up with Moab guide Mary Eden. The clinic is run by AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Mary Eden and coached by Tom and Pete.
Technique, protection, and rescue—comprehensive crack curriculum
Expect focused work on movement efficiency (from fingers to off‑width), wide and thin crack techniques, roof cracks, traditional placements and anchors, leading strategy, and rescue and retreat procedures.
Three days of camping, climbing, and close coaching
The clinics are three‑day, immersive events that include instruction, equipment, and campsite as part of the program, with an emphasis on hands‑on learning and group camaraderie.
What the day feels like
What this clinic feels like
The clinic is an immersion in desert crack climbing: you camp, climb, eat, learn, struggle, fail, and succeed together. Instruction blends technical drills, practical trad skills and anchors, and coached climbs under the guidance of world‑class crack specialists and a certified AMGA instructor.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this clinic suits—and who should consider other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The clinics are three days in length and are offered on two sets of dates in May; plan for desert conditions and variable temperatures around Moab.
The program includes instructors, equipment and a campsite as part of the clinic package.
Instruction covers knots and communication, movement from fingers to off‑width, traditional gear, anchors, leading, cleaning, and rescue/retreat techniques.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the clinic?
Each clinic runs three days.
When are the clinics scheduled?
Two clinics are scheduled in May: May 7–9 and May 14–16.
Who instructs the clinic?
Tom Randall and Pete Whittaker (the Wide Boyz) coach the clinics alongside local AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Mary Eden.
What does the curriculum include?
Topics include knots and communication, crack movement from fingers to off‑width, wide and thin crack technique, anchoring and traditional gear placements, leading strategy, and rescue and retreat skills.
Is gear and camping provided?
Yes—the clinic package includes instructors, equipment and a campsite.
What is the coaching style and atmosphere?
Guides emphasize a supportive, communal atmosphere focused on learning—participants will camp, climb, learn, and work toward personal goals together.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-15T12:03:51.379Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.