Instructional Rock Climbing

It certainly can be! Our instructors are really good at catering to your level, so even if this is your first outdoor climbing experience we can provide a valuable experience and introduce you to climbing in a fun, challenging, and approachable way.

You should also check out the Via Ferrata which is a great introductory experience!

Absolutely! We would love to give you a carefully cushy catch, help you select the best climbs for you with our knowledge of the area, and hang your draws if you so choose. Whether you have solid specific plans or want some beta on approaches, sun/shade aspects, climbing styles, or even specific routes, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call and we will see you on the rocks soon!

You want to go trad climbing? Heck yeah, Trad is Rad! Let’s get out and practice hand & foot jams, fingerlocks, and I guess we can’t leave out that baffling off-width climbing! In addition to trad climbing technique we can also focus on gear placement efficiencies, anchor building, anchor transitions, rope management, and many other topics even including but not limited to extended rappelling.

This is some of our favorite content! We love working with you as you make the transition from indoor climbing to becoming proficient outdoor climbers. We actually offer this during all of our private guided climbing trips. We believe climbing is a journey and it is not a one-size-fits-all model. We also know we can provide high quality individual training. So when you book our full or half day guided trips, we will work with you on your specific actionable steps to getting where you want to go in your climbing journey.

We cover outdoor climbing technique, lead climbing, anchor cleaning, advanced belay skills, falling and catching lead & top-rope falls, and so much more!

The day of your reservation, you will check-in 10 minutes prior to your reserved start time and meet with your instructor. In the first few minutes your instructor will begin to uncover any goals that you may have and start to further develop plans that will shape the day. During the check-in process you will also pay for your trip, ensure all pertinent waivers are complete, and pack all necessary equipment.

Once at the climbing crag, which may include a 5 - 25 minute drive and a 5 - 25 minute hike, we will start with a brief safety orientation which will include ensuring that all appropriate parties know how to tie-in and how to belay. The instructor will help get the first climbing route set up and everyone will be on the way to enjoying and being politely challenged by the climbs.

Throughout the day there will be continual check-ins to see if goals are being met and the necessary teaching topics are being covered. As the trip wraps up, the instructor will summarize all that you accomplished and discussed your possible next steps.

This is truly an individualized question. Sometimes we work with experienced folks for half a day and everyone feels comfortable afterwards, whereas some of our clients we have for multiple years and they are often working on specific, advanced goals. But speaking in very general terms, most folks that regularly climb indoors could be proficient in climbing in our areas in about four full days of guided trips, typically with a little time in between to practice skills.

The short answer is yes, but you know your kiddos better than us, so let’s provide some context and hopefully better answer your question! We recommend 6 years of age or older but there is actually no insurance restriction so if your kids are amped and ready our patient, friendly, and fun instructors can’t wait to meet your family.

In fact, kids aged 9 and under participate at $20 off. Typically a half day is plenty of time and what we recommend. With guided climbing, climbers start at the base and go as high as they would like, which to most young climbers is less intimidating than rappelling in which you start at the highest point. While climbing on a secure top-rope, climbers can feel the tension of the rope which is often encouraging for most. Additionally some young climbers just love to hang on the rope and swing around!

Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks as being in the woods and climbing around can burn through calories quickly. Also be prepared to practice LNT principles for bathroom use in the woods or plan on leaving the climbing areas with at least a 10-minute walk to get to the nearest restroom. All in all, we enjoy working with young kids and have small harnesses and helmets 🙂