Pioneer "Alan Watts"

at Smith Rock!

Watts Rocks is a premier Outdoor Adventure company with founder Alan Watts who pioneered sport climbing in America and made Smith Rock a world-class destination.

BOOK ALAN

Alan Watts and Smith Rock: The Birth of American Sport Climbing

Watts Rocks is a premier Outdoor Adventure company dedicated to the exhilarating world of climbing at Oregon's iconic Smith Rock State Park. Alan Watts, the founder, was instrumental in putting Smith Rock State Park on the map and from obscurity to an internationally renowned climbing destination,


Watts Rocks Company's mission is to share the treasured experiences of the pioneering climbers of previous generations with today's climbing community. Watts Rocks offer personalized climbing adventures at Smith Rock and indoor gyms, providing mentorship or sharing my writings, archives, guidebook, and captivating videos to connect with climbers far and wide.

Seize the chance to offer your audience Alan's exceptional viewpoint on Smith Rock and climbing. Schedule him for a guest appearance or speaking engagement.

Alex Honnold’s Climbing Gold Podcast with Alan Watts.

Discover the Rich History and Latest Updates on Smith Rock at Alan's Corner: Your Ultimate Climbing


Alan’s Corner is a subscription-based site where Alan shares his experiences and vast knowledge of Smith Rock. His blog shares personal stories, reflecting on the rich history of America's first sport crag. Alan’s Corner also serves as a real-time companion to his guidebook, sharing continually updated information on Smith climbing, whether new routes, corrections, or route details that go far beyond the scope of a guidebook.


Alan’s Corner also contains a wealth of information gleaned from a 50 year climbing career. Old articles, vintage photos, personal journal entries, and rare video clips are a treasure trove for anyone interested in how climbing developed at Smith Rock.



SMITH ROCK STATE PARK

Smith Rock in central Oregon has been attracting climbers since the 1930s. However, due to its distance from the Pacific Northwest's main population centers, it remained virtually unknown to US climbers until the 1980s.


The emergence of US sport climbing in 1983 changed this situation almost overnight. By 1985, Smith Rock boasted the most challenging accessible route in the country, and the region gained worldwide recognition. To this day, Smith Rock continues to welcome a million tourists each year, who come to experience its exceptional climbing opportunities and unparalleled natural beauty.

Smith Rock State Park Info

SMITH ROCK GUIDE BOOK

Alan Watts Smith Rock Climbing Guide
Discover the ultimate guide to the birthplace of sport climbing in North America with our fully updated, vividly illustrated new edition.

Experience the magic of Smith Rock State Park with the ultimate guidebook! Written by Alan Watts, a sport climbing pioneer, this comprehensive guide has been fully updated with an impressive 2270 routes, including over 800 new ones.


Smith Rock was the birthplace of American sport climbing and this guidebook pays homage to its legendary status. Featuring all-new photos, written descriptions, and over 300 topos and maps, this full-color guide is the definitive source of information on one of the world's most cherished climbing destinations.


Discover the breathtaking crags of Oregon's hidden gem and climb like a pro with Rock Climbing Oregon's Smith Rock State Park.

Rock Climbing

Smith Rock State Park

Rock Climbing Oregon's Smith Rock State Park - 3rd Edition by Alan Watts (Paperback)

$50.99 When purchased online

Preorder

Release date: Aug 1, 2023

Delivered on or shortly after release date

PRE ORDER TARGET

Welcome to Watts Rocks Shop!

Discover the Magnificence of Smith Rock with Our Locally-Inspired Collection. Our range of products inspired by Smith Rock offers a fresh take on this treasured landmark of Central Oregon. With deep roots in the locality that go back 120 years, our comfortable and trendy products are ideal for a day of climbing, an evening at the gym, or a night out at the brewery.


The Ben Watts Crag Series presents striking perspectives of Smith Rock, crafted by the celebrated artist, Ben Watts. As a fifth-generation Central Oregonian, and a family member, Ben's inspiration for the beauty of the region is as profound as those who have lived here before him. His love for Smith Rock is beautifully reflected in his portrayal of the local scenery, available on t-shirts and posters. The Topo T-Shirt Series showcases Alan Watts' meticulously hand-drawn topographic maps from his Smith Rock guidebooks. Stay tuned for our upcoming releases!


Since our clothing is custom-made and packaged specifically for you, it may take a little longer to arrive. Crafting products on demand takes a little extra time, but it is more sustainable than maintaining large amounts of inventory. We value your patience.

SHOP WATTS ROCKS

Experience the fascinating journey of Alan Watts as he takes you through his history at Smith Rock State Park.

Watts Rocks Teams up with Adventure MateTM for amazing experiences

Adventure MateTM is a revolutionary outdoor adventure app designed to provide users with the best information and experiences in the outdoor adventure space. Adventure Mate is to become the premier online immersive platform for outdoor adventure experiences, focusing on finding the perfect spot for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.


Coming Winter 2023!

Popular Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • What gear do I need to bring?

    We provide all technical gear, including ropes, harnesses, hardware, helmets, and climbing shoes.  


    Each participant should bring:


    Shoes appropriate for hiking on rough terrain (hiking or athletic shoes are fine).  Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or any open-toed shoes.  Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement. Shorts are fine on warm days, though many climbers prefer the protection provided by long pants.  Warm jackets on colder days are essential.  Summer days are typically very hot, while winter days are very cold. 


    Bring several quarts of water, food, sunscreen, and a pack for carrying personal gear.


  • Can young kids participate?

    AKids aged six and over have the best experiences, though we can accommodate even younger climbers.  We typically visit areas with quick approach hikes and shorter routes when climbing with children.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    When your event is scheduled, we set aside time to focus on you.  This allows us to prepare your personal experience and utilize our time and resources as efficiently as possible.  We understand emergencies happen and cancellations may be necessary.   If you cancel 30 days before your event, you will receive a full refund minus a processing fee of $100.00.  If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible.

    If you cancel within 30 days, we will assist you in rescheduling your event.  Payments are non-refundable.

    Watts Rocks reserves the right to cancel or modify your reservations due to circumstances beyond our control.

    A 25% deposit per booking is required to reserve your event. Full payment is due within 30 days of the event.


    *Convenience fee for online bookings is nonrefundable.

  • Do we provide food and water?

    We do not provide food or water for either the half or full day options.

  • Are there any age, weight or height restrictions?

    We do have full-body harnesses for kids and have taken participants as young as 3 with accompanying parents.


    The maximum width for our adult harness is 42″, and the manufacturers recommendation is a maximum of 300 lbs for optimal safety.


    Our guides have instructed a wide range of age and experience levels, and apart from these and other health considerations rock climbing may be safely enjoyed by many. 

TESTIMONIALS

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