There is something so beautiful about a place where everyone can be exactly as they are, and I’m convinced there’s no better example of that than the Red River Gorge.
This October marked my second annual Halloween trip to the Red, and it was just as magical as the first. I’ll never get over the autumn colors filling the forest and the extraordinary rock formations towering above the trails. Even just the sheer volume of crags and climbs is still hard for my midwestern brain to comprehend!
The Journey to the Red
With a car full of gear and a group of climber friends, we started our 10-hour drive at 5am. We left early in hopes of getting there soon enough to get in some solid climbing before it got dark. Unfortunately, we navigated to the wrong place at first and ended up climbing in the dark with our headlamps. As chaotic as it may sound, we had a great time alone at the crag, enjoying the quiet wilderness, crisp air, and a bright night sky full of stars.
After wrapping up our impromptu night climb, we grabbed a late (but delicious) dinner at La Cabaña—thankfully open until 11pm—before heading to Miguel’s Pizza, our home base for the weekend.
Miguel’s Pizza: A Red River Gorge Classic
If you’ve been to the Red, you know Miguel’s isn’t JUST a pizza place. It’s the beating heart of the climbing community, a gathering place for climbers from all over. Out front, climbers crowd around picnic tables sharing stories from their adventures. Out back, tents fill the big open field where you can camp for cheap.
Their business model just makes sense: there’s nothing better than rolling back from a long day at the crag and immediately ordering pizza. And in the morning? Nothing hits better than a hot, filling breakfast made for you, no camp stove required.
Climbing at the Gallery
The next day we met up with more friends and headed to The Gallery—a legendary crag full of classic routes and beautiful views—for a full day of climbing. Driving there was an adventure itself (shoutout to the Jeep that got us there), but it was worth every bump.
One of the best parts about climbing at the Red is that every crag has something for everyone. Whether you’re leading, top-roping, or just cheering your friends on, every route feels like its own experience. We all wore our Halloween costumes and enjoyed a day full of hard work, encouragement, and a lot of laughs.
We refueled that night with barbecue from RedPoint, a favorite of almost every climber I know that has been to the Red and a must-stop after a long day on the wall.
The Halloween Bash (and Our Own Version of It)
Miguel’s annual Halloween party is something incredibly special. This year, my group’s timing was a little off, and we missed the party by a week. Last year, though, it was an unforgettable night of dancing to wacky music from the DJ, costume contests, and hundreds of climbers celebrating through the night.
Missing the official party this year didn’t stop us, though, Instead, our crew made our own celebration. We played cards in the basement, pulled nearly 30 people into a late-night game of basketball lightning/knockout, goofed off on the slacklines in the dark, and chatted with friends late into the night. I laughed harder than I have in a long time and caught up with people I haven’t seen in ages.
The Magic of Miguel’s Community at the Red
What makes Miguel’s (and the Red as a whole) so special is the community. It’s one of the rare places where everyone immediately shares common ground. We’re all there for the same reason: to climb, connect, and have a good time.
There’s no need to tone yourself down or fit in. Everyone’s a little weird, a little wild, and totally themselves. You can be dressed in a wacky costume covered in dirt at the dinner table, and you still belong.
Every time I come here, it feels like exactly what I need. There’s something so grounding about spending a few days being gross in the woods—climbing until you can’t feel your fingers, laughing about nothing with friends, and remembering how simple life can be when you strip everything else away.
Heading Home
We wrapped up the weekend with one last Miguel’s breakfast (the pancakes never miss), and squeezed in a final climb before starting the long drive home. We left sore, exhausted, and completely happy—the best kind of tired there is.
Visiting Red River Gorge is truly a rite of passage for any U.S. climber, and if you haven’t made the trip yet, take this as your sign. Between the breathtaking rock, the community, and the memories you’ll make, it’s an experience you won’t forget.