Gym to
Crag Clinic

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Gym to

Crag Clinic

Single:$175

Intro- Intermediate

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Golden, Colorado

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Saturday, August 23rd

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LET’S LEARN HOW TO CLIMB OUTSIDE TOGETHER!

This course is meant for the climber who wants to build confidence and skills, specific to leading outdoor sport routes. Join a supportive group and passionate guides who will cover the major differences between leading in the gym vs outside. Risk management strategies, route reading, cleaning bolted anchors, and climbing at some of our favorite front range crags!

  • THIS COURSE COVERS

    +Understanding fundamental gear for sport climbing

    +How to place quickdraws and clip them in a variety of climbing positions

    +Leader considerations and practice

    +Proper lead belay techniques & catching falls

    +The art of the stick-clip

    +Cleaning a sport route

    These skills can take you all over the world, from the dramatic caves of the Red River Gorge to the limestone tufas cliffs of Southern Spain.

    GET EXCITED- WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

    This course is offered at several climbing crags in Golden, Colorado. All locations are close to downtown and your guide will confirm the location in their pre-trip email based on weather and group considerations.

  • This adventure takes place in Golden, Colorado.

    Pre-Course Call:

    Our team extends the offer to schedule a group call before your course. They will discuss crag options for the day, review gear needs, and share a general time plan for the climbing day. This is also a great way to ask any questions.

    Climbing Day:

    Meet at the trailhead given to you by your guide, share in some group hellos, and share a morning meeting, The team will confirm they have all the necessary gear and then take a stroll to the crag.

    At the climbing area, instruction is focused on specific lead climbing skills taught via ground school. Questions welcome! As you feel more confident we get to practice the skills in the vertical world.

  • Saturday, August 23rd
    Clear Creek Canyon

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A person hiking through a narrow canyon with large rock walls and sparse trees.
Woman in blue jacket and helmet rock climbing outdoors, holding onto metal anchors on a rocky surface surrounded by trees.

PREPARATIONS FOR INTRO TO SPORT CLIMBING

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Technical Experience

No technical climbing experience is required for this program.

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Fitness

General physical fitness is recommended. Climbers should be able to be outside for approximately 8-hours while staying engaged and climbing.

FAQ’s

Gym to Crag Clinic

The answers to our most commonly asked questions for our Gym to Crag Clinic.

  • PRICE INCLUDES

    +Guide fees (4:1 climber-to-guide ratio)

    +Group equipment such as ropes, helmets, harnesses, shoes, and technical climbing equipment.

    PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

    +Gratuity

    +Food and beverage

    +Transportation

    +Hotels/lodging in Colorado

    +All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evac fees)

    +Trip cancellation insurance

  • Smile Mountain Guides provides the following gear.

    Technical:

    +Helmets

    +Harness

    +Shoes

    +Ropes and group technical equipment

    Smile Mountain Guides does not provide the clothing needed to be comfortable in the mountain environment.

  • Smile focuses on small groups and ratios that meet the professional mountain guiding standard. These programs have a 4:1 ratio and can accommodate up to 8 guests and two guides.

  • Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.

  • Yes! A large portion of our business is designed around custom programs. Please email, climb@smilemountainguides.com if you would like more information or visit our Custom Instruction page.