Intro to outdoor
rock climbing
WHAT TO EXPECT
Every trip is tailored to you or your group. This course can be taken by complete beginners, gym climbers & newer outdoor climbers.
For beginners - this course is all about giving it a shot, having a relaxed adventure & exploring climbing in the outdoors.
For gym climbers & newer outdoor climbers - become more independent and confident at the crag. Instead of relying on more experienced friends to handle all the technical systems, you’ll learn the foundational skills needed to safely and efficiently climb outdoors on your own.
Throughout the day, you’ll get hands-on instruction from a professionally trained AMGA Guide covering essential outdoor climbing systems, including:
Climbing movement & technique — improving footwork, body positioning, and reading the rock
Belaying outdoors — safely managing the rope for your partner
Gear basics — understanding what’s on your harness and how it’s used
Knots & hitches - when to use them and why they matter
Additionally, for gym climbers & new outdoor climbers:
Top rope anchor building — learning multiple anchor styles and appropriate applications
Rappelling systems - descending safely using appropriate techniques
Outdoor climbing systems - understanding how ropes, anchors, and safety systems work together
Crag efficiency & safety - building habits that make you a stronger and more reliable climbing partner
This is a highly interactive course focused on practicing the skills yourself—not just watching demonstrations—so you leave with real experience and confidence applying these systems outdoors.
DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR or have more questions?
LOCATIONS: San Diego, Joshua Tree, Eastern Sierra, Los Angeles, Holcomb Valley
COURSE LENGTH: FULL DAY (8 HOURS)
-
RATES (PER PERSON)
SAN DIEGOOne Person $375
Two People $265
Three People $215
Four People $190
Five People $170
Six People $150
LOS ANGELES/MALIBUOne Person $495
Two People $300
Three People $250
Four People $225
Five People+ $195
JOSHUA TREE & HOLCOMB VALLEY
One Person $415
Two People $265
Three People $225
Four People $205
Five People+ $195
EASTERN SIERRA
One Person $515
Two People $325
Three People $265
Four People $215
Five People $185
Six People $160
-
KNOTS & HITCHES
We’ll review and practice the applicable knots and hitches needed to climb safely and efficiently outdoors in a ground school setting. Knots and hitches reviewed will be figure eight on a bight, double and triple fisherman, kleimheist, pruski, autoblock, clove, girth, and basket hitch.
TOP ROPE ANCHORS
We’ll review and demonstrate how to construct 3 different types of top rope anchors including a pre equalized/cordelette anchor, self- equalizing/equalette anchor, and a quad anchor. Our professionally trained guides will point out what to look for when constructing an anchor on pre-drilled bolts and speak to rock quality, angles, and more.
RAPPELLING
We’ll review how to safely rappel applying an autoblock, acting as a third hand. All participants will be taught how to extend their belay device while simultaneously incorporating a personal anchor into their tether.
-
Harness, helmet, climbing shoes (if needed)
All climbing equipment (ropes, anchoring equipment, etc.)
Professionally trained AMGA Guide
WHAT TO EXPECT
Every trip is tailored to you or your group. This course can be taken by complete beginners, gym climbers & newer outdoor climbers.
For beginners - this course is all about giving it a shot, having a relaxed adventure & exploring climbing in the outdoors.
For gym climbers & newer outdoor climbers - become more independent and confident at the crag. Instead of relying on more experienced friends to handle all the technical systems, you’ll learn the foundational skills needed to safely and efficiently climb outdoors on your own.
Throughout the day, you’ll get hands-on instruction from a professionally trained AMGA Guide covering essential outdoor climbing systems.
LOCATIONS: San Diego, Joshua Tree, Eastern Sierra, Los Angeles, Holcomb Valley
COURSE LENGTH: FULL DAY (8 HOURS)
-
RATES (PER PERSON)
SAN DIEGOOne Person $375
Two People $265
Three People $215
Four People $190
Five People $170
Six People $150
LOS ANGELES/MALIBUOne Person $415
Two People $265
Three People $225
Four People $205
Five People+ $195
JOSHUA TREE & HOLCOMB VALLEY
One Person $415
Two People $265
Three People $225
Four People $205
Five People+ $195
EASTERN SIERRA
One Person $515
Two People $325
Three People $265
Four People $215
Five People $185
Six People $160
-
KNOTS & HITCHES
We’ll review and practice the applicable knots and hitches needed to climb safely and efficiently outdoors in a ground school setting. Knots and hitches reviewed will be figure eight on a bight, double and triple fisherman, kleimheist, pruski, autoblock, clove, girth, and basket hitch.
TOP ROPE ANCHORS
We’ll review and demonstrate how to construct 3 different types of top rope anchors including a pre equalized/cordelette anchor, self- equalizing/equalette anchor, and a quad anchor. Our professionally trained guides will point out what to look for when constructing an anchor on pre-drilled bolts and speak to rock quality, angles, and more.
RAPPELLING
We’ll review how to safely rappel applying an autoblock, acting as a third hand. All participants will be taught how to extend their belay device while simultaneously incorporating a personal anchor into their tether.
-
Harness, helmet, climbing shoes (if needed)
All climbing equipment (ropes, anchoring equipment, etc.)
Professionally trained AMGA Guide
DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR or have more questions?
