Go: Moonstone Beach, Houda Point, Luffenholtz Beach and Patrick's Point all have beginner climbing routes. They are all within a 20 minute drive from Arcata.

Join: Roots to Rocks is a local women's climbing group. They meet several times a week to train and travel to local climbing spots on the weekends. Female climbers of all abilities (including first-timers) are welcome. Check them out on Facebook or at Far North Climbing gym.

Train: Far North Climbing Gym in Arcata has bouldering and top-rope routes, and a beer bar in the lobby for an après-climb drink. Discounted rates for women climbers on Sundays. HSU's Student Recreation Center has a climbing wall and offers beginning climbing classes to students, faculty and guests of students. Additional climbing classes are available through HSU Center Activities.

Explore: Hire a guide for a group climbing trip or an individual training session with North Coast Adventure Centers. You can always request a female climbing guide.

--  Amy Cirincione