Details

Prerequisites

  • Ability to build a traditional anchor without direct supervision.
  • Ability to set-up a toprope for a single pitch climb without direct supervision.
  • Ability to set-up and manage a rappel without direct supervision.
  • Ability to top-rope a 5.8 single-pitch climb in an outdoor setting.
  • Ability to lead a 5.6 trad single-pitch climb in an outdoor setting.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions: Included in the course cost are group technical climbing equipment like ropes and rock protection, all permits, fee to enter Red Rock NCA and the guide fee.

Exclusions: Not included in the course cost are all personal clothing and climbing gear, rentals, gratuities to the guide, meals, lodging, or travel insurance.  On private programs, you are responsible for your own and your guide’s transportation.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage.  Ripcord is our primary travel insurance provider, offering coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage, medical evacuation and other eventualities.

Unlike many vacations that are less physically demanding, a climbing and trekking vacation can be ruined by an illness or relatively minor injury that occurs before departure. While you can still tour a city or head to the beach with a sprained ankle or a very bad cold (albeit, less conveniently), such an injury or common illness can stop you in your tracks short of your climbing or trekking destination.

If you would like to do a longer route that requires an early morning meeting, please request the route by name and the office will work with both you and your guide to set an appropriate meeting time and location.

Note on Gear

Course participants are encouraged to bring their own traditional gear. However, if they do not have any, they will be able to use AAI equipment. Helmets, harnesses, and rock shoes are required equipment and are available for rental if needed.

Course Options

Rock Climbing Course Series

Our rock climbing course progression takes you from the basics to advanced skills in a clear, supportive way. Each course builds on the last, giving you hands-on practice and the confidence to take on bigger objectives. Whether your goal is to climb outside for the first time, lead trad routes, or tackle alpine rock, our step-by-step approach ensures you’re always learning, growing, and ready for the next challenge.

  1. Outdoor Rock Climbing Intensive Introduction
  2. Learn to Lead
  3. Technical Self-Rescue for Climbers
  4. Multi-Pitch Skills Course
  5. Aid and Big Wall Climbing course

​Locations

We offer our Learn to Lead course in some of the most iconic climbing destinations in the country like Leavenworth, Red Rock, Moab, and Joshua Tree.  In doing so, we are able to offer this course year-round in world-class terrain. Each location offers stunning scenery and unique climbing styles, from the splitter cracks of the desert to the alpine granite of the Cascades, giving you a well-rounded experience and the chance to explore incredible places while building your skills.

Winter (October – April) locations include:

  • Red Rock Canyon, NV – located just minutes outside the city of Las Vegas.

​Summer (April – September) locations include:

  • Leavenworth, WA – about forty minutes from Wenatchee or three hours from Seattle on the east side of Washington’s mountains.

A private Multi-Pitch Skills Course can be arranged with the location, length, and dates of your choice. Though the group course is generally preferable for learning, a customized course can be superior for some climbers. The cost for a private course is determined by the private rate for the location.