The Spirit of Alpinism
Leavenworth is perhaps the best rock climbing area in the state for recreation and skill-building at all levels. Ease of access, good camping, and high-quality granite combine to make a great outing, whether for a day or a week.
Difficulty: Beginner to Very Advanced
AAI Guide Erin Smart smiles at a belay station in Leavenworth. Jason Martin
Leavenworth is a diverse area. At least eight different crags lie within a ten mile radius of the picturesque "Bavarian" town after which the area is named. With the exception of Castle and Midnight Rocks which tower above the Tumwater Canyon of the Wenatchee River, most of the other cliffs are found up the Icicle Canyon southwest of town. There is something for everyone, from single pitch climbs of all difficulties found alongside the road, to classic multi-pitch routes such as Outer Space (5.8+) on the 800-foot-high Snow Creek Wall. Castle Rock itself has over sixty routes, ranging in difficulty from 5.3 to 5.12. Varied climbing, excellent rock, short approaches, and great weather all combine to make Leavenworth a fine choice for the beginner and expert alike.
Group Rock Climbing Courses
Team uses "mock-leading" technique to work on placing protection. George Bieker
If you are new to rock climbing, in need of a refresher, or want to increase your confidence at the crag by having an expert evaluate your skills, then you are a great candidate for group instruction. Please refer to the list below to find a trip that fits your schedule and ability level. Call the office for further advice on which course is right for you.
Private Rock Climbing
It is easy to arrange a trip for yourself or a group of friends. Such a trip can be a series of climbs, a skills course concluding with an ascent, or a trip that combines skills development or review with exciting series of ascents. And if you are coming on your own but would like to climb with others, you can request that we match you with other climbers of similar background and interest. Fees are based on the ratio of climbers to guide. Please call or e-mail us to set up a climb or design an itinerary.
Climber to Guide Ratio Prices (per person):
Overnight programs:
Inclusions: group climbing equipment, including rope and protection.
Exclusions: transportation from meeting place to climbing locations; personal climbing and camping gear (rentals available)
Join us in one of several stellar rock climbing locations across Washington and Canada, including: Leavenworth, Index, Squamish BC, and Mt. Erie.
This course will teach participants to become skilled free climbers on moderate ground and safe, competent belayers.
A four-day intensive introduction to rock-climbing that provides new climbers and indoor climbers with a foundation in outdoor climbing technique and the pri...
The Learn to Lead program introduces climbers to the techniques required for leading single and multi-pitch traditional rock routes, while advancing technica...
The four-day Multi-Pitch Skills Course provides climbers with an introduction to multi-pitch climbing systems with a focus on efficiency and movement.
This four-day AAI aid climbing and big wall technique seminar is designed for competent leaders who wish to expand their horizons and their climbing ability ...
An intensive seminar on improvised multi-pitch rock rescue techniques. Participants study a series of haul, lower, rappel and rope climbing systems and then ...
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