challenging
2–3 days
Participants should be in good physical condition, comfortable with sustained upper body and core strength and moderate endurance.
Elevate your climbing skills with the Learn to Lead Sport Rock Climbing Course in Silverthorne, Colorado. This hands-on program empowers you to confidently lead sport routes on iconic Rocky Mountain granite.
Let’s tie into the sharp end and lead some routes!
Let’s tie into the sharp end and lead some routes! If you enjoy top-roping either in the gym or on real rock, and have the desire to lead under the guidance of a certified guide, this is the course for you. This one day course will take you through the process of learning to lead climb with bolted protection through a safe and encouraging method. Learn the importance of choosing an appropriate route to lead, proper clipping, building/cleaning sport anchors, and “third-hand” rappelling.
3 person minimum needed to run the course
In this course, climbers will learn, practice, and hone the following skills:
Transition from top-rope to leading
Setup, thread and clean bolted anchors
Techniques for belaying a leader
Identify routes appropriate for your ability
Climbing movement skills to improve efficiency
We will meet at the CAG office or a convenient rendezvous point, gear up, and head to the field. Meeting time is 8AM. We will spend the day in field instruction where we turn the backcountry into an experiential classroom where you will learn and practice your new climbing skills.
Colorado Adventure Guides is permitted to operate in a variety of terrain from Summit County to several adjacent counties, which allows us to access a variety of zones for courses. Typically we confirm our destinations about two weeks before the actual course to make sure we have the most appropriate terrain for the course. This course will take place in Summit County.
Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts spanning Summit and Eagle Counties to the Denver Front Range. Our all-season, guided operations include:
We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!
You should be an intermediate climber in the gym or on rock before this course.
Colorado Adventure Guides priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our guides and instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
Your instructor will contact you at least 48 hours prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time.
We supply all climbing gear. You should bring water, food, snacks, closed toed shoes, sunglasses, pants or long shorts, synthetic materials shirt, and an extra insulating or waterproof layer.
Your guide/instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.
Mountain weather can shift rapidly; clear skies can turn into storms, so always check the forecast before heading out.
Protect yourself from rockfall and unexpected slips by wearing a climbing helmet at all times on the cliff.
Mastering figure-eight and stopper knots before your course will help you focus on lead techniques during instruction.
Establish clear commands and trust with your belayer to ensure safety and smooth lead climbing.
Silverthorne has been a hub for climbers since the 1960s, evolving alongside Colorado’s mountaineering boom.
Local guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile alpine environment and maintain climbing access.
Precision footwear is essential for gripping small footholds on sport routes.
Protects from falling debris and accidental impacts on rock faces.
A quality climbing harness is critical for safety and comfort during climbs.
Necessary for safely controlling the rope during lead belaying.