Once you have gained a solid understanding of climbing technique, placement of protection, and anchor systems, you may find that it is time to venture onto the ‘sharp end’ of the rope. This introduction to the art of lead climbing includes assessing your belay system, route finding, efficient racking, advanced placements, use of runners, minimizing rope drag, learning to rest, protecting traverses for your "second," multi-directional anchors, improvised aid climbing, and more. (For safety, all "leading" by clients is done while top-roped. To help ensure high quality instruction, this course typically has a maximum of two participants.)

NOTE: This course requires significant past experience in the skills of rock climbing, placement of protection, and the concepts of anchor systems. You will be contacted by our office to ascertain your past experience to help ensure a successful experience for you.

Course Locations:
Joshua Tree National Park: September through May
Suicide Rock, near Idyllwild: May through September