Itinerary
Outdoor Rock Itinerary
Please keep in mind that this is a standard, yet loose, itinerary. It is subject to change depending on conditions, weather, group dynamics, pace, and summit strategies.
Program Details
The Outdoor Rock Climbing Program is a 4-day hands-on class that fully takes place on the rock. This program provides beginners with the principles of rock climbing and technical systems. By the end of the course, climbers will be able to belay, rappel, and set up their own single-pitch top rope systems.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet your Guide and Foundations of Outdoor Rock Climbing
After meeting your guide and fellow students, the course begins with an introduction to climbing equipment, including proper use, care, and selection of harnesses, ropes, helmets, belay devices, and climbing shoes. Students learn essential climbing knots and hitches, basic climbing commands, and foundational belay techniques. Throughout the day, instructors coach movement skills on beginner terrain, helping climbers develop balance, footwork, and confidence on real rock. The day concludes with an introduction to climbing grades and outdoor climbing ethics.
Day 2
Movement Skills, Anchors, and rappelling
On the second day, students continue building climbing movement skills on increasingly varied terrain while expanding their technical systems knowledge. Instruction covers additional knots and hitches, route topos and guidebook interpretation, and the basics of traditional protection placement. Students learn anchor concepts including SRENE and 12 point anchors, then practice building simple top rope anchors and managing climbing systems at the crag. The afternoon includes more climbing practice and an introduction to rappelling techniques.
Day 3
Top Rope Systems and Outdoor Climbing Efficiency
Day three focuses on developing efficiency and independence at single pitch climbing sites. Students refine anchor construction skills, practice setting up and managing top rope systems, and continue working with passive and active protection. Climbers spend significant time on the rock applying movement techniques to a variety of climbing styles including slabs, cracks, and steeper terrain. Additional rappelling and belay practice help reinforce technical systems while building confidence in real outdoor climbing environments.
Day 4
Applied Climbing Systems and Independent Practice
The final day emphasizes integrating all of the skills learned throughout the course. Students work through complete climbing systems including route selection, anchor management, belaying, climbing communication, rappelling, and top rope site management. Instructors provide coaching as climbers practice operating more independently while refining movement skills on moderate outdoor climbs. The course concludes with a review of key systems, discussion of next steps in climbing progression, and recommendations for continued practice and future climbing objectives.