advanced anchors

LOCATIONS: Joshua Tree, Big Bear, San Diego

COURSE LENGTH: FULL DAY (8 HOURS)

*Private courses can also be held in the Greater Los Angeles area, Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra & Alabama Hills - Message for custom pricing.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What happens when you get to the top of a climb and the anchor spot is 20+ feet back from the face?

Instead of destroying your rope or setting up something dangerous, learn to build advanced anchor systems using semi/static lines up to 50m in length for climbs where a simple two-bolt top rope anchor isn’t available.

For climbers ready to build more complex anchors – develop your skills with natural features, active and passive protection, and longer anchor systems. Practice choosing knots and hitches, creating instructor tethers, and understanding anchor strength with hands-on guidance.

  • Many climbs in around the country don’t have a clear or obvious anchor setup. Our Advanced Anchors course focuses on building advanced anchor systems with static lines up to 50m in length.

    These systems draw on a range of skills: choosing and applying knots and hitches, using natural features along with active and passive protection, creating instructor tethers above the climb, and understanding kN (kilonewton) ratings and anchor strength.

  • KNOTS & HITCHES
    We’ll review the knots and hitches used in advanced anchor systems and discuss when to apply them.

    NATURAL & GEAR ANCHORS
    We’ll practice incorporating natural features, active protection, and passive protection into anchor systems.

    SEMI-STATIC ROPE SYSTEMS
    We’ll review and practice building “Joshua Tree” anchor systems using semi-static lines up to 50m in length.

    INSTRUCTOR TETHERS
    We’ll review creating instructor tethers for working above the climb.

    ANCHOR STRENGTH
    We’ll discuss kN (kilonewton) ratings, what your anchor should be able to hold, and how these considerations apply to the overall system.

  • Harness, helmet, climbing shoes (if needed)

    All climbing equipment (ropes, anchoring equipment, quickdraws, etc.)

    Professionally trained AMGA Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This course is for experienced outdoor climbers who already understand basic anchor principles and want to build complex top-rope systems where fixed bolts are absent or far from the climbing edge.

  • Participants should be comfortable with climbing knots, basic anchors, belaying, and evaluating common anchor components. Golden State Guiding can confirm whether Anchors 101 or Trad Climbing 101 should be completed first.

  • Instruction focuses on Joshua Tree-style top-rope anchors using long semi-static lines, natural features, and active or passive protection when appropriate. Systems are adapted to the available terrain and objective.

  • Topics may include selecting knots and hitches, incorporating natural and removable protection, managing long anchor lines, instructor tethers, edge safety, equipment strength ratings, redundancy, and system evaluation.

  • The course emphasizes anchor challenges common in Joshua Tree, but the underlying planning, rigging, risk-management, and system-evaluation skills can apply at other climbing areas with similar terrain.

  • Equipment needs may include a long semi-static line and specialized anchor materials. Your guide will provide a detailed list and explain what is supplied, what you should bring, and any available rental options.