TRAD climbing 101

Traditional climbing is quickly becoming a new favorite in the climbing community so why not make sure you have your systems dialed when venturing out into the vertical world! Our Trad 101 course focuses on the necessary skills to keep you safe when developing your traditional climbing skill set. We'll start by explaining the difference between active and passive gear, their primary uses, how to place gear and what to look for, utilizing natural protection when available.  Instruction for building gear anchors will be a focus in the course which will involve proper gear selection, placing gear, equalizing the system, and utilizing the anchor to it's fullest potential. From there we'll put your newly acquired skills to the test and place gear on mock-lead so you get the feel for placing active and passive gear and understand the technicalities involved with your new found passion. 

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Intro to traditional rock climbing class teaching gear placement and safety
Beginner trad climbing course with professional instructors
Guided introduction to traditional climbing on natural rock
Small group trad climbing class for first-time traditional climbers
Trad climbing fundamentals course in an outdoor setting
Professional instruction for learning traditional rock climbing techniques
Introductory trad climbing experience with certified guides
Beginner-friendly traditional climbing class on granite formations
Guided trad climbing lesson focused on safety and movement
Traditional climbing course for climbers transitioning from sport climbing
Intro to trad rock climbing program on natural cliffs
Trad climbing instruction for learning protection placement and anchors
Outdoor traditional climbing class with experienced instructors
Guided trad climbing experience for new traditional climbers
Small group traditional climbing course with hands-on instruction
Trad climbing fundamentals lesson in a scenic outdoor environment
Professional guiding for introductory traditional climbing skills
Beginner trad climbing training focused on confidence and safety
Traditional rock climbing class for learning crack and gear techniques
Guided introduction to multi-pitch and traditional climbing systems
Trad climbing course covering essential outdoor climbing skills
Intro to traditional climbing with emphasis on protection and belay systems
Outdoor trad climbing instruction for first-time leaders
Guided trad climbing class on classic rock formations
Traditional climbing basics course with certified mountain guides
Introductory trad climbing program for climbers new to placing gear
Professional trad climbing instruction in a small group setting

TRAD CLIMBING 101 COURSE INFO

LOCATION: San Diego, Joshua Tree, Eastern Sierra, Los Angeles, Holcomb Valley

COURSE LENGTH: FULL DAY (8 HOURS)

  • RATES (PER PERSON)

    SAN DIEGO

    One Person $375

    Two People $265

    Three People $215

    Four People $190

    Five People $170

    Six People $150

    JOSHUA TREE & HOLCOMB VALLEY

    One Person $415

    Two People $260

    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

  • Click here for our Trad Climbing 101 Curriculum

  • Harness, helmet, climbing shoes (if needed)

    All climbing equipment (ropes, anchoring equipment, active & passive gear, etc.)

    Professionally trained AMGA Guide

  • Please note, any guest registering for a Trad Climbing 101 course must have the basic skill set and knowledge to build basic 2 point bolted anchors using cordalette’s and slings. This will ensure you are set up for success for your Trad Climbing 101 course.

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TRAD CLIMBING 101

California

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This course is for climbers who already have foundational climbing and belaying skills and want to begin learning how traditional protection, gear anchors, and trad-climbing systems work.

  • Participants should review the prerequisite section on this page and be comfortable with the listed climbing, belaying, and technical skills. Contact Golden State Guiding if you need help choosing the right progression.

  • Topics include active and passive protection, evaluating and placing gear, using natural protection, selecting components for gear anchors, equalizing systems, and managing traditional-climbing anchors.

  • Participants typically practice placements and systems in a controlled setting before applying them through mock-leading. Any progression beyond mock leads depends on experience, demonstrated ability, conditions, and guide judgment.

  • Trad Climbing 101 is available in San Diego, Joshua Tree, the Eastern Sierra, Los Angeles, and Holcomb Valley. Venue selection depends on dates, weather, experience, and suitable terrain.

  • Trad Climbing 101 is a full-day course of approximately eight hours. Included equipment and required personal gear are explained in the course details and confirmed in your pre-trip information.