intro to multi pitch
climbing

Ready to get a few hundred feet off the deck and learn the proper systems and applications needed to climb in a multi pitch setting? In our Intro to Multi Pitch Climbing Program, you'll be taught the necessary skills to climb safely and efficiently in a 2-3 person party, multiple pitches off the ground. This course covers everything you need to know including multi pitch anchors, belay techniques and best applications, rope management, navigation, route selection, transitions, and much more (full curriculum below). All courses offer hands on instruction so you can rest assured you'll learn these valuable technical skills by practicing them yourself with a professionally trained AMGA Guide in your presence. 

We offer the Intro to Multi Pitch Climbing Program as a 1 or 2 day course. The 2 day program allows for more time in the field, allowing us to climb multiple routes together, to really dial in and fine tune your systems. We’ll also include self rescue and hauling topics during the second day of a 2 day program. The 1 day program dives deep into the systems and applications in a ground school setting, ending with 1 or 2 routes climbed where you will apply your skills learned earlier in the day. Make sure to let us know which program you’re interested in when inquiring!

BOOK NOW
Intro to multi-pitch rock climbing course with professional guides
Guided multi-pitch climbing class teaching rope management and systems
Beginner multi-pitch rock climbing instruction in an outdoor setting
Small group multi-pitch climbing course on natural rock formations
Professional instruction for climbers learning multi-pitch techniques
Introductory multi-pitch climbing experience with certified instructors
Guided multi-pitch rock climbing training focused on safety and efficiency
Outdoor multi-pitch climbing course for first-time multi-pitch climbers
Multi-pitch climbing fundamentals class with experienced mountain guides
Scenic multi-pitch rock climbing lesson in a high-quality climbing area
Guided instruction for transitioning from single-pitch to multi-pitch climbing
Intro to multi-pitch climbing systems and rope work in a real rock environment
Professional multi-pitch rock climbing course for developing alpine skills

INTRO TO MULTI PITCH CLIMBING COURSE INFO

LOCATION: San Diego, Joshua Tree, Tahquitz, Eastern Sierra

COURSE LENGTH: 1 OR 2 DAY PROGRAM OPTIONS (8 HOURS EACH DAY)

  • PRE TRIP PLANNING

    Multi pitch theory, route selection, gathering route information, gear, logistics.

    NAVIGATION

    Reading megastructure, utilizing modern resources (guidebooks, topos, Mountain Project, digital tracks), terrain classifications.

    ANCHORING & BELAYING

    Building multi pitch anchors (monolithic, 2 piece, and 3+ piece). Modes of attachment. Belaying from above and lowering with a Grigri style belay device. Belaying and lowering with a plaquette style belay device.

    LEADING

    Multi pitch lead belays, preparing your harness, leaving the anchor, reading terrain, reducing rope drag. General hazards (falls, loose rock, dropped objects, other parties, etc.)

    PARTY OF 2 TRANSITIONS

    Setting-up for the next pitch, communication, rope management (spaghetti piles, lap coils, flipping the stack). Passing the rack, snack time!

    DESCENTS

    Walking off, standard rappel setups, top-down transitions, down-down transitions, using two ropes, avoiding/dealing with stuck ropes.

    **SELF RESCUE & HAULING

    If registering for our 2 day Intro to Multi Pitch Climbing Program, we’ll review entry level self rescue and hauling systems during your second day out.

  • Bottom belay and top-rope climbing experience

    Lead belaying experience

    Lead climbing experience (preferred but not mandatory)

    Traditional gear placement (preferred but not mandatory)

    Multi pitch following experience (preferred but not mandatory)


  • Harness, helmet, climbing shoes (if needed).

    All multi pitch climbing equipment including ropes, quick draws, active and passive traditional climbing gear, slings, cords, and locking carabiners.

    Professionally trained AMGA Guide

BOOK NOW

INTRO TO MULTI PITCH CLIMBING

California

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This course is for climbers who want to progress from single-pitch climbing to efficiently climbing and belaying multiple pitches in a two- or three-person team.

  • Participants should review the prerequisites listed on this page and have the required foundation in climbing, belaying, knots, and outdoor systems. Contact Golden State Guiding if you are unsure which course should come first.

  • The curriculum may include multipitch anchors, belay methods, rope management, route selection, navigation, transitions, communication, team organization, and applying these systems while climbing.

  • The one-day option emphasizes core systems, ground-school practice, and applying skills on one or two routes. The two-day option provides more climbing and refinement, with additional self-rescue and hauling topics.

  • Intro to Multi Pitch Climbing is available in San Diego, Joshua Tree, and the Eastern Sierra. The best location depends on your dates, experience, weather, and appropriate multipitch terrain.

  • The program is available as one or two eight-hour days. Included technical equipment and required personal gear are explained in the course details and confirmed in your pre-trip information.