This two-day course introduces students to traditional (trad) climbing on routes that follow cracks. Students will learn how to select equipment, place and remove protection, build simple trad anchors, and climb cracks and other natural features. These skills prepare students to climb at rock climbing destinations and in the mountains throughout the United States. Our course utilizes phenomenal learning environments such as the Index Town Walls of Washington where students find an abundance of traditional climbs of all difficulties. If students are interested in learning how to lead trad routes this course can be combined with our Trad Lead Climbing Course. Previous climbing experience is required for this course with outdoor climbing experience preferred. This can be gained on our Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing trip.
Skills Covered during the course:
- Choosing a rope for trad climbing
- Choosing shoes and a harness for trad climbing
- A good rack for first-time trad climbers
- Types of traditional protection: Nuts, cams, tri-cams
- Racking protection
- Placing protection
- Extending protection
- Removing protection
- Building and equalizing anchors
- Belay management
- Crack climbing technique
- How to train for trad climbing
We will have a logistics meeting and gear check at least three days before your trip is scheduled to depart.
Duration
2 Days 1 Night CampingPassport
Not Required for AmericansMinimum Age
13 years oldActivity
Rock Climbing and InstructionAccommodation
Tents
- Group climbing equipment
- Guide Services
- Pre-trip Planning/Information session on packing and gear
- Backpacking, mountaineering, and general outdoor safety skills

- Transportation (We will help arrange carpools)
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Parking or entry fees
- Meals/Snacks/Drinks
- Gratuities for Guides