Intro to Rock Climbing
Season:
Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty:
Duration:
Good For:
Individuals, Groups, Families
Take your first steps on rock with professional climbing instruction in Summit County. Our introduction to rock climbing courses provide a safe, supportive environment to experience this incredible sport. In just one day, you'll learn basic climbing movement, belaying, and safety systems while climbing real rock near Breckenridge—no prior experience required.
Rocky Mountain Guides has been introducing people to rock climbing since 1992. Our AMGA-certified instructors bring patience, expertise, and a progression-based approach that builds confidence from your very first climb. We make rock climbing accessible and fun for everyone—individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Trips Depart Daily from: Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon
Have Questions?
Get in touch with us.
What You'll Learn
Basic Climbing Movement: Discover how to move efficiently on rock. Learn to use your legs (not just arms), find handholds and footholds, maintain balance, and climb smoothly rather than muscling your way up. Good technique beats raw strength every time.
Belaying Fundamentals: Learn to belay—the system that keeps climbers safe. We teach proper belay device use, communication, rope management, and how to catch a falling climber. Belaying is a critical skill that requires practice and attention.
Safety Systems: Understand harnesses, knots, carabiners, and how everything connects. We explain why climbing systems work and what makes them safe. Knowledge builds confidence.
Climbing Etiquette: Learn crag behavior, how to share routes, and basic climbing culture. These unwritten rules help everyone enjoy the experience.
Course Format
Introduction courses run 4-5 hours at climbing areas near Breckenridge and Summit County. We start with ground school—harness fitting, knot tying, and belay practice. Once comfortable with basics, we move to the rock for top-rope climbing (your rope is already at the top of the route—you just climb up).
Your instructor sets up routes of varying difficulty. Everyone climbs multiple times, progressing from easy terrain to more challenging climbs as confidence builds. Small group sizes (typically 2-4 students per instructor) ensure personalized attention and plenty of climbing time.
Who Should Take This Course?
Complete Beginners: Never climbed? This course is designed for you.
Gym Climbers Going Outdoors: Indoor climbing experience helps, but outdoor climbing requires different skills. This course bridges the gap.
Families: Kids ages 8+ welcome. Climbing is an excellent family activity.
Corporate Groups: Team building through shared challenges and partner belaying.
Anyone Curious: If you've wondered about climbing, try it with professional instruction rather than figuring it out yourself.
Introduction to Rock Climbing Rates*
| 1 Person | $500 |
| 2 People | $300 |
| 3 People | $250 |
| 4-6 People | $200 |
*Pricing Transparency: This is the full price of the trip, unlike other outfitters, we don’t charge any additional fees!
Call for larger groups
What's Included
All introduction courses include AMGA-certified professional instruction, all technical equipment (harness, helmet, belay device, ropes, carabiners), and access to quality climbing areas near Summit County. You just need athletic clothing, approach shoes or sneakers, water, and sunscreen.
Are you ready to start climbing?
Ready to try rock climbing with expert instruction? Our intro courses run regularly throughout Summit County's climbing season. Private instruction and custom group courses available. Perfect for first-timers wanting a safe, fun introduction to this incredible sport.
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Equipment
- Helmet, harness, ropes, and other belaying equipment will be provided by RMG
- Sturdy shoes for the approach (closed toe shoes, please no flip flops or sandals)
- Climbing shoes (to rent climbing shoes please select during checkout)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunblock
- Clothing: athletic shirt, athletic shorts or pants, wind/rain jacket
- Plenty of water
- Snacks and/or lunch
Just wasn’t what we expected. I would classify this more as a rock climbing class than I would a guide service. Much of the class was spent learning, which is fine but I wouldn’t classify this as a guide service. When we did get to climb it felt very unenjoyable. The guide had a very specific way to do climbs which ended up feeling like we were taking a test. Our guide was also quite rude and insulted us on many occasions. In the end I think this place could use a rebrand. If they want to run a rock climbing school/lessons they should advertise it as such. Also the guides could be nicer