Master Traditional Climbing with Expert Instruction in Moab’s Desert Landscape
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical shape with endurance for prolonged climbing and hiking.
Overview
Step up your climbing game with a full-day traditional climbing course in Moab. Learn to place gear, lead multi-pitch routes, and gain skills for independent trad climbing in Utah’s iconic red rock.
Wasatch, Trad Climbing Instruction
Ages 8+ • 8 Hours • A Full Day Course On Traditional Climbing!
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Elevate your climbing skills with this comprehensive 8-hour course designed for those ready to transition from sport climbing to traditional and multi-pitch climbing. Tailored instruction covers gear placement, leading techniques, and essential climbing knowledge, ensuring you gain confidence and independence on the rock while under expert guidance.
A full day group or private course to take your climbing to the next level! Instruction is tailored to your skill level and ability.
Ages 8+
Duration
8 Hours
About
The next step in learning how to climb. This is for those that have been sport climbing and have a understanding of belaying, climbing movement, anchoring, lowering and repelling. This is the course for those who want to move beyond sport climbing or “following” friends and begin trad and multi-pitch climbing on their own. Participants will practice placing gear, mock lead and move to leading pitches while an Instructor monitors the placements.
Topics Covered
Review: We will review and expanded upon your knowledge of the following.
- Knots
- Communication
- Belaying
- Movement
Anchoring: We will discuss traditional gear placements for both protection and anchoring.
- What makes a good anchor
- Traditional gear‚ Cams, nuts, hexes and tri-cams
- Fixed Hardware, trees and natural features
- Extensions‚ how and why
Traditional climbing
- Racking
- Placements
- Anchors
- Cleaning
Equipment
- What is needed, what is not
- Selection, proper use, storage and life expectancy
General
- Use of guidebooks, topos, climbing grades
- LNT
- Climbing myths
- Hazard assessment
Includes
- Instructor
- Equipment
Adventure Tips
Practice proper gear placement
Mastering gear placement is crucial for safety—focus on learning how to spot secure cracks and proper cam/nut use.
Start early to avoid heat
Desert temperatures rise quickly; begin climbing early in the day, especially in summer, to stay comfortable and safe.
Hydrate adequately
Carry plenty of water and drink regularly to prevent dehydration in Moab’s dry climate.
Learn and respect LNT principles
Preserve the fragile desert environment by minimizing your impact and following Leave No Trace guidelines.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Collared lizards
History
Moab’s climbing history stretches back to the 1960s with pioneers establishing routes that shaped trad climbing in the desert southwest.
Conservation
The courses emphasize Leave No Trace ethics to protect Moab’s delicate desert landscape and maintain sustainable climbing access.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Climbing helmet
Protects your head from rockfall and bumps during climbs.
Traditional climbing rack (cams, nuts)
Essential gear for practicing placements and protection on trad routes.
Climbing shoes
Provides traction and sensitivity necessary for technical climbing on sandstone.
Hydration pack
Keeps you hydrated in the dry desert heat, especially during long climbs.
summer specific