Evan Kirk

Guide & Routesetter


AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Apprentice Rock Guide, Routesetter

Climbing since 2010, Evan joined the Petra staff after moving to Burlington to finish his undergrad at UVM. While he believes any climbing is great climbing, you’ll have to twist his arm to get him to clip bolts or pebble wrestle because he’d much prefer to be two pitches up plugging gear all day long. If he’s not rock climbing he’s running, mountain biking, cycling, hiking, skiing, ice climbing, or generally, doing anything that doesn’t involve water (unless that water is frozen of course).

Evan began route setting at Petra Cliffs in 2016. As an avid outdoor climber, he tries to incorporate movements he finds on the cliffs and bring them to the indoor walls. Predominantly a sport and trad climber, he likes to set long sequences that keep climbers guessing till the finish hold. In 2019 Evan became a USAC Certified Level One Route Setter.

Evan enjoys helping new climbers gain the confidence and skills they need to have a great time on the walls. He looks forward to seeing you at Petra Cliffs and hopes to see you at the crags too!

Join Evan for a day of:

  • Intro to Climbing

  • Family Climbing

  • Intermediate Climbing: footwork, balance, movement

  • Intermediate Skills: Anchor Building, Rappelling, Self-Rescue, Partner Rescue

  • Intro to Sport Climbing

  • Intro to Traditional Climbing

  • Multi-Pitch Climbing for 1-2 people

  • Multi-Pitch Transitions 

And more!

Routesetter Profile

Setting Initials: EK

Preferred Pronouns: He / His 

If you see me in the gym I will be: Doing a little bit of everything.

Favorite Wall Angle to Set: Just over vertical 

Favorite Type of Hold to Set With: Low profile macros

Year You Started Climbing: 2010

Favorite Crag Snack: Chocolate covered gummy bears and air 

Certifications: USAC Level 1