Jordan Taylor
Embark on an unforgettable 19-day rock climbing journey in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where adventure, leadership, and personal growth await. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, this immersive NOLS course offers the perfect opportunity to refine your climbing techniques, develop essential leadership skills, and connect with the raw beauty of the American West. You'll climb iconic granite spires, tackle challenging sport routes, and build a foundation that will support your future adventures—both on the rock and in life.
Photo credit: Celia Ripple
This isn't just another rock climbing course—it's a transformative experience that will elevate your skills, push your limits, and teach you how to lead with confidence. As you tackle diverse climbing challenges, you'll build the technical expertise to tackle any climb while honing key leadership skills that will serve you beyond the cliffs. From decision-making to risk management, you'll learn how to lead in high-stakes situations on and off the rock. Whether you're looking to deepen your climbing knowledge or prepare for future outdoor expeditions, this course will leave you with the tools you need to succeed.
The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking climbing terrain in the world. During this course, you'll explore diverse climbing areas that range from towering granite spires to demanding sport routes, offering something for every skill level. The rugged landscape, dramatic rock formations, and scenic vistas will challenge your climbing abilities while immersing you in the beauty of nature. Along the way, you’ll encounter the area's diverse wildlife, including mountain goats, eagles, and marmots, all while navigating through forests, meadows, and rocky cliffs. Each day will bring new experiences as you learn and grow as a climber and leader.
This course is designed to provide you with the technical climbing skills and leadership knowledge to tackle challenging routes and lead others with confidence. Here’s what you’ll learn:
Climbing Techniques: Master the fundamentals, including belaying, rappelling, and anchor building, to ensure safety and efficiency on every climb.
Leadership and Decision-Making: Learn to take charge in outdoor settings by managing risks, making informed decisions, and leading your team through challenging environments.
Rock Climbing Safety: Gain the skills to assess climbing conditions, manage hazards, and keep your team safe in diverse situations.
Environmental Stewardship: Embrace Leave No Trace principles and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world as you navigate some of the most stunning landscapes on earth.
Group Dynamics: Develop effective communication and teamwork skills, learn how to manage group dynamics, balance individual needs with group goals, and build trust within your team.
Throughout the 19-day course, you’ll engage in a mix of technical skill development, climbing adventures, and leadership exercises. Each day builds on the previous one, ensuring steady progression while keeping the experience fresh and exciting.
Day 1: Meet your instructors, review climbing gear, and prepare for the first day of climbing. You'll receive a comprehensive introduction to rock climbing and safety basics.
Days 2–10: Begin climbing on various regional rock formations. These days will focus on skill-building, with plenty of time spent on belaying, rappelling, lead climbing, and anchor building. You'll also start developing leadership skills through practice scenarios.
Days 11–17: Take your skills to the next level with more complex routes, longer climbs, and leadership challenges. During these days, you'll lead group climbs, make real-time decisions, and manage risks while navigating rugged terrain.
Days 18–19: Reflect on your journey, receive instructor feedback, and participate in a debriefing. These final days will focus on consolidating the skills you've learned and preparing you for future climbing adventures, whether personal or professional.
Photo credit: Jessica Fuller
The Rocky Mountain terrain offers both breathtaking beauty and significant challenges. Weather can change quickly; climbing on technical rock formations requires focus, adaptability, and persistence. Overcoming these challenges will help you develop resilience, both mentally and physically. As you progress through the course, you’ll gain confidence in your decision-making abilities, adapt to ever-changing conditions, and grow as a climber and a leader.
Physical Endurance: Climbing demands both strength and stamina. You'll push your physical limits, building endurance while navigating diverse routes.
Mental Resilience: Mental challenges are just as important as physical ones. Overcoming fear, managing risk, and staying focused under pressure will help you grow into a more confident and capable leader.
Team Dynamics: Learning how to lead a group in challenging outdoor conditions teaches invaluable skills like empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.
Photo credit: Matt Hage
This course is designed for climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced adventurers, who are eager to develop their technical climbing abilities and leadership potential. If you want to challenge yourself, build essential outdoor skills, and become a confident leader, this course is for you. Whether you're preparing for a future in outdoor education, seeking personal growth, or simply want to push your boundaries, the Rocky Mountain Rock Climbing course will equip you with the tools to succeed.
By completing this course, you’ll become part of the global NOLS alumni network—a community of outdoor leaders, adventurers, and professionals who apply the lessons learned in the wilderness to excel in their careers and personal lives. NOLS graduates are known for their resilience, leadership, and ability to navigate uncertainty—essential skills in any field.
Are you ready to take your climbing skills and leadership potential to new heights? Join us for the Rocky Mountain Rock Climbing course and embark on a transformative adventure that will change how you lead, climb, and approach challenges.
