Curriculum

In this course, you’ll gain a solid foundation in the essential skills needed for independent single-pitch outdoor climbing. We cover everything from equipment selection and anchor building to movement techniques and route-finding. Our hands-on approach ensures that you not only understand climbing systems but can confidently apply them at the crag.

Students Will Learn:

  • Selection, use, and care of climbing gear.
  • Basic knots and hitches.
  • Climbing commands and belay technique.
  • An understanding of climbing grades.
  • Techniques for climbing beginner and intermediate rock climbs.
  • How to interpret climbing guidebooks and route topos.
  • How to place and remove both passive and active rock protection.
  • The concept of SRENE and 12-point anchors.
  • Building of both pre-equalized and self-equalizing anchors.
  • How to set up simple top-ropes using bolts.
  • Bouldering technique in an outdoor environment.
  • Rappelling technique.
  • Belaying a lead climber.
  • Following a route that has been led with traditional gear and cleaning the equipment off the route as you climb.

Details

Prerequisites

  • Good physical fitness

Inclusions and Exclusions​

Inclusions: Included in the course cost are group technical climbing equipment, climbing permits, and the guide fee.

Exclusions: Not included in the course cost are all personal clothing and climbing gear, gratuities to the guide, transportation, lodging/camping fees, meals while on the course, or travel insurance.

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

The Outdoor Rock Climbing Intensive Introduction course is offered throughout the year in some of the most beloved climbing locations in North America.

Fall, winter, and spring locations (September – April) include:

  • Red Rock Canyon, NV – located just minutes outside the city of Las Vegas.
  • Joshua Tree National Park, CA – approximately an hour away from Palm Springs, CA and right next to the Marine base in Twentynine Palms, CA.
  • Moab, UT – near both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park in southeast Utah.

Summer locations (April – September) include:

  • Leavenworth, WA – about 40 minutes from Wenatchee or three hours from Seattle on the east side of Washington’s mountains.
  • Mount Erie, WA – located an hour and a half north of Seattle, near Anacortes, WA.
  • Boulder, CO – roughly 45 min outside of Denver, CO in the Front Range mountains.
  • Mammoth Lakes, CA – located in the eastern Sierra, forty minutes north of Bishop, CA, and three hours south of Reno, NV.

A private Outdoor Rock 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.