challenging
3 days
Participants should be in good physical condition with experience in basic trad and sport climbing; endurance and upper body strength are important.
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.
Out of the bolted world and into the natural
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.
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 change rapidly; always review the latest conditions before heading out to plan your gear and timing accordingly.
Bring a full trad rack, helmet, and climbing shoes to ensure safety and maximum learning during your lead climbing sessions.
Stay hydrated and bring high-energy snacks to maintain strength and focus on long climbing days.
Familiarize yourself with essential knots and rappelling techniques before the course to maximize learning time on the rock.
Silverthorne has been a climbing hub since the 1960s, with routes pioneered by early Rocky Mountain climbers.
Instructors emphasize Leave No Trace ethics to minimize human impact on the fragile alpine environment.
Essential for practicing gear placements and protection during lead climbing.
Protects against falling debris and impacts, a must-have for trad climbing.
Provide traction and precision on varied rock surfaces encountered during climbs.
Useful for unpredictable mountain weather and staying comfortable during instruction and breaks.