Trad Climbing Boot Camp at Bluegrass Climbing School in Rogers
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic climbing fitness and familiarity with sport climbing but need not be expert trad climbers.
Overview
Get hands-on trad climbing skills with Bluegrass Climbing School’s immersive boot camp in Rogers, Kentucky. Perfect for climbers ready to take their outdoor skills to the next level, this course combines expert instruction with real-world practice amidst the region’s stunning limestone formations.
Trad Climbing Boot Camp
Intermediate Level Skills Course • 2 Day Clinic, 6-8 Hours each day
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About This Adventure
Join an AMGA certified instructor for an immersive two-day course that equips you with essential skills for leading trad climbs. Learn to build bomb-proof anchors, place reliable protection, and master climbing techniques like hand jamming. Gain hands-on experience and valuable feedback to elevate your climbing journey.
Train with an AMGA certified instructor!
Duration
6-8 hours each day
About
This is an excellent introduction course for those wishing to transition into leading trad climbs, multi-pitch climbing, or building their own anchors for top-roping.
DAY 1 We start with a hands-on ground school on building bomb-proof anchors. You’ll learn how to place active and passive traditional climbing gear (cams, stoppers, etc.) as well as how to use natural features like trees, rock threads, and horns and how to join various components into a solid anchor. We’ll focus on simplicity and efficiency without compromising strength or safety.
DAY 2 We’ll focus on placing reliable artificial protection, in cracks and rock features, to mitigate risk on traditional style climbs. We’ll also explore the special climbing techniques necessary to ascend crack features, learn the proper way to “hand jam”, “fist jam”, “finger lock” and more.
We'll progress to mock leading on routes with real time feedback on placements and a recommendation of how to progress forward in your trad climbing career.
Topics covered include:
- Placing artificial active and passive protection
- Equipment selection and planning
- Evaluating rock quality
- Route finding skills; how to read the rock
- Using natural protection
- Building gear anchors for single and multi-pitch
- Evaluating fixed gear, pitons, in-situ webbing, and bolts
Adventure Tips
Bring your own gear
Participants should bring personal climbing gear, including harness, helmet, and protection devices, for a more customized experience.
Check weather forecasts
Clear, dry days provide the best conditions for learning and safety on limestone cliffs.
Arrive early
Early arrival offers ample time for setup and personalized coaching with your instructor.
Respect local rules
Follow park and climbing area guidelines to preserve the natural environment and ensure ongoing access.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern box turtles
- Bald eagles overhead
History
The limestone formations here have been climbing hotspots since the late 20th century, with a local tradition of outdoor adventure.
Conservation
Local operators emphasize Leave No Trace principles to protect the region’s delicate limestone ecosystems and ensure continued access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Climbing harness
A sturdy harness is fundamental for safety during all training exercises.
Climbing helmet
Protects your head from falling debris and accidental bumps during climbs.
Protection gear (cams, nuts)
Brings your own, if possible, to practice placing and building protection in real scenarios.
Climbing shoes
Proper shoes improve grip and safety on limestone surfaces and during technique demonstrations.