Rock Climbing Courses & Certifications

Camera Matt Hage
One student climbing a cliff face, while another is belaying

Rock Climbing Courses

Develop Your Rock Climbing Skills with NOLS

Adventure awaits! Embark on a thrilling journey into the world of rock climbing with NOLS. Our rock climbing courses offer unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, challenge yourself and develop skills needed to pursue rock climbing in a variety of settings. Spend your days moving on rock, belaying, rope handling, building anchors, and more. 

Depending on your course, you may experience a combination of bouldering, mock lead climbing, lead climbing, multi-pitch climbing, and top roping. You may learn to climb on a variety of rock types, from granite to limestone to sandstone, or focus your skills on one area.

Rock Climbing Expeditions

Featured Rock Climbing Trips & Courses

Whether you're a beginner climber seeking to conquer your first rock face adventure or an experienced climber looking to enhance your skills, NOLS has the perfect course for you. Join us and discover the joy and excitement of rock climbing while immersing

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Course: Spring Break Rock Climbing - 8 Day

Spend your spring break rock climbing in the Red Rocks! This 8-day adventure will challenge you to push your limits while building leadership, resilience, and communication skills. You'll develop your rock climbing techniques, learn risk management strategies, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Sign Up Today ->
Student climbing in the rocky mountains

Course: Rocky Mountain Adult Rock Climbing

Pursue your climbing goals in Colorado’s Unaweep Canyon with NOLS! Develop climbing techniques and build leadership skills while exploring the stunning rocky crags and granite cliffs in this unforgettable 8-day adventure designed for climbers of all experience levels. Sign Up Today ->
Climber wearing a helmet and securely anchored at the edge of a cliff with a wide vista behind.

Course: Rocky Mountain Rock Climbing - 16+

Climb iconic Western spots like Wild Iris or City of Rocks! Learn camping basics, anchor building, lead climbing, and leadership skills while exploring wildlife, geology, and history. Take your climbing and outdoor skills to new heights in this epic 19-day adventure. Sign Up Today ->
A student learning to rock climb in the scenic Wind River Range.

Course: Backcountry Rock Climbing - 21 Day - 16+

Spend 21 days rock climbing in Wyoming’s Wind River Range! Push your limits in backcountry terrain while honing leadership, decision-making, and outdoor living. Practice knots, belaying, vertical rescue, explore local ecology, and learn Leave No Trace Principles. Sign Up Today ->
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Course: Backcountry Rock Climbing - 21 Day - 18+

Learn essential outdoor living skills before progressing to rock climbing techniques, including knot tying, belaying, and advanced skills like lead climbing and vertical rescue. The course emphasizes leadership development, offering daily opportunities to enhance communication, decision-making, and self-leadership. Sign Up Today ->
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Course: Women's Rock Climbing - Adult

Elevate your climbing foundation and forge lasting connections with fellow women climbers in Red Rock Canyon. From refining movement techniques to building anchors and placing protection, this course covers all the essential fundamentals of outdoor rock climbing. Sign Up Today ->
A student rock climbing above the waters of Fremont Canyon in Wyoming.

Course: Backcountry Rock Climbing - 30 Day

Spend 30 days rock climbing in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. Backpack deep into the mountains, then learn and practice skills like tying knots, belaying, and placing climbing protection. Build leadership, communication, and decision-making skills along the way. Sign Up Today ->
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Embark on Your Rock Climbing Adventure with NOLS

NOLS invites you to join us on a rock climbing course that will challenge and inspire you. Our expert  instructors, comprehensive curriculum, exceptional locations, and commitment to risk management make NOLS the ideal choice for your climbing journey.

Discover the thrill of scaling vertical walls and the serenity of breathtaking landscapes. Enroll in a NOLS rock climbing course today and unlock your true climbing potential!
 

Why Choose NOLS for Rock Climbing Courses?

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Expert Rock Climbing Instructors

At NOLS, we pride ourselves on our team of expert climbing instructors who possess extensive climbing experience and a deep passion for teaching. They are not only skilled climbers but also outstanding educators, committed to sharing their knowledge and helping you become a confident climber.
Students learning about top rope climbing, at the top of a cliff face

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our rock climbing courses are carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive learning experience. From fundamental techniques to advanced skills, our curriculum covers everything you need to know to excel in the vertical realm. You'll gain hands-on experience in belaying, rappelling, anchor building, assessing the best approach to the route, and much more.
Student climbing with ropes on a cliff face at Cochise Stronghold.

Exceptional Rock Climbing Locations

When you choose NOLS, you choose to climb in some of the most breathtaking locations on the planet. From towering granite walls to majestic desert spires, our courses take you to iconic climbing destinations such as Wyoming’s Wind River mountains, the beautiful Pacific Northwest rock-climbing mecca of Squamish, and Red Rock Canyon.
Students happily getting prepared for the climbing ascent

Small Group Sizes

To ensure personalized attention and an optimal learning environment, our rock climbing courses maintain small group sizes. This allows you to form close-knit bonds with fellow climbers and receive individualized guidance from our climbing instructors. Together, you'll foster a supportive community that encourages growth and exploration.
Students look on while mountaineering instructor organizes cams in the Wind River Range.

Focus on Risk Management

Learn to identify subjective risks and anticipate objective risks. We provide rigorous training in risk management, hazard assessment, and emergency response, equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the vertical world with confidence and caution.
Many students backpacking to the base of a climbing wall in the Wind River Wilderness

Wilderness Leadership Skills Development

NOLS rock climbing courses go beyond climbing skills, focusing on wilderness leadership. Learn decision-making, communication, and risk assessment in rugged landscapes. Develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities for unpredictable environments. Become a capable and responsible leader on and off the rock.

Learn More About Rock Climbing with NOLS

Rock Climbing Courses FAQs

  • Q: Do I need any prior climbing experience to join a rock climbing course with NOLS?

    NOLS offers courses to everyone, regardless of their level of climbing experience. It is important to note that we do not have courses specifically tailored to beginners, intermediate, or advanced climbers. Our courses are designed to accommodate individuals with a wide range of climbing backgrounds and abilities. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, NOLS provides opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and knowledge in rock climbing.

  • Q: What equipment do I need to bring for a rock climbing course?

    A detailed gear list will be provided upon registration. You can rent or purchase all necessary technical climbing equipment, including harnesses, helmets, climbing shoes, ropes, and protection from us. You'll need to bring appropriate outdoor clothing and personal items.

  • Q: Are NOLS rock climbing courses suitable for all ages?

    NOLS offers rock climbing courses for a range of ages and abilities. While some courses may have specific age requirements, we have options available for both youth and adults. Please refer to individual course descriptions for age restrictions and our essential eligibility criteria.
     

  • Q: Are NOLS rock climbing courses physically demanding?

    Rock climbing courses require a moderate level of physical fitness and strength. You should be prepared to engage in physical activity throughout the course, including hiking, climbing, and carrying a backpack.


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