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Master Trad Rock Climbing in Colorado’s Silverthorne: Lead with Confidence - Silverthorne

Master Trad Rock Climbing in Colorado’s Silverthorne: Lead with Confidence

Silverthornechallenging

Difficulty

challenging

Duration

3 days

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good physical condition with experience in basic trad and sport climbing; endurance and upper body strength are important.

Overview

Take your trad climbing skills to the next level in Silverthorne, Colorado. This hands-on Learn to Lead course builds essential lead climbing techniques and safety mastery amid the stunning Rocky Mountains.

Climbing
Walking Tour
Silverthorne, Colorado

Learn to Lead: Trad Rock Climbing Course

Out of the bolted world and into the natural

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Adventure Photos

Learn to Lead: Trad Rock Climbing Course photo 1

About This Adventure

Let’s tie into the sharp end and lead some trad routes! If you enjoy lead sport climbing either in the gym or on real rock, and have the desire to lead trad under the guidance of a certified guide, this is the course for you.

3 person minimum needed to run the course

This 1 Day course will take you through the process of learning to lead trad climbs with traditional protection through safe and encouraging methods.

  • Placing and removing protection
  • Protect your follower
  • Learn proper leading techniques
  • Set bomber anchors
  • Clean anchors
  • Evaluate hazards thoroughly
  • Understand route-finding issues
  • Utilize extended runners

Itinerary


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.

Trip Package Includes

  • CAG professional climbing guide (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
  • All climbing equipment
  • Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead
  • A safe, fun, and educational experience

Trip Package Does Not Include

  • Lodging
  • Clothing for weather conditions
  • Insurance (trip or rescue)
  • Instructor gratuity

Area Info


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.

About Your Guides

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:

  • Rock Climbing
  • Mountaineering
  • Hiking/Peak Ascents
  • Mountain Biking
  • Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
  • Backcountry Skiing
  • Backcountry Splitboarding
  • Snowshoeing
  • Ice Climbing
  • AIARE Snow Safety

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!

FAQs


Are there any prerequisites to participate in this course?

You should be an intermediate climber in the gym or on rock before this course.

How physically fit do I need to be to participate in 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.

When and how do I meet up with our instructor?

Your instructor will contact you at least 48 hours prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time.

What should I bring?

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.

Should we tip our instructor?

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%.

Adventure Tips

Check Weather Forecast

Mountain weather can change rapidly; always review the latest conditions before heading out to plan your gear and timing accordingly.

Gear Up Properly

Bring a full trad rack, helmet, and climbing shoes to ensure safety and maximum learning during your lead climbing sessions.

Hydrate and Fuel Well

Stay hydrated and bring high-energy snacks to maintain strength and focus on long climbing days.

Practice Knots and Rappelling

Familiarize yourself with essential knots and rappelling techniques before the course to maximize learning time on the rock.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mountain goats
  • Pikas

History

Silverthorne has been a climbing hub since the 1960s, with routes pioneered by early Rocky Mountain climbers.

Conservation

Instructors emphasize Leave No Trace ethics to minimize human impact on the fragile alpine environment.

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Adventure Hotspots in Silverthorne

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Full Trad Rack

Essential

Essential for practicing gear placements and protection during lead climbing.

Climbing Helmet

Essential

Protects against falling debris and impacts, a must-have for trad climbing.

Climbing Shoes

Essential

Provide traction and precision on varied rock surfaces encountered during climbs.

Weather-Resistant Clothing

Useful for unpredictable mountain weather and staying comfortable during instruction and breaks.