Anthony Fox
Discover the Beauty and Challenge of Outdoor Sport Climbing in Red Rocks
Embark on an unforgettable climbing journey in the stunning Red Rock Conservation Area, just outside Las Vegas, NV. This women-only course offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals in one of the world’s premier climbing destinations. Whether you’re new to climbing or transitioning from indoor walls to outdoor rock faces, this course will equip you with the skills to confidently tackle sport climbing, all while enjoying the beauty and camaraderie of the Red Rocks landscape.
Learn, Lead, and Grow in a Supportive Women’s Environment
This course isn’t just about learning how to climb—it’s about empowering you to push past your limits, gain confidence, and develop leadership skills. In the Red Rocks Conservation Area, you'll not only master the technical skills of climbing but also gain valuable insights into teamwork, decision-making, and leadership. With the unique opportunity to learn in a women-only space, you’ll find a comfortable and supportive environment that fosters personal growth, risk-taking, and lasting friendships. As you challenge yourself to climb higher, you’ll also explore new ways to lead both in the outdoors and in everyday life.
Photo credit: Anthony Samaripa
Climbing and Camping in the Iconic Red Rocks Conservation Area
Red Rocks is one of the most celebrated climbing destinations in the world, known for its towering red sandstone cliffs and breathtaking desert landscapes. Over eight days, you’ll camp in a group campsite nestled among these dramatic cliffs, hiking to various climbing sites each day. With an elevation range of 6,000 to 7,500 feet, the terrain offers a mix of rocky landscapes, steep slopes, and awe-inspiring vistas. Along the way, you'll encounter diverse wildlife and plant life, adding to the adventure of each climbing session.
Whether you're rappelling down steep rock faces, learning the intricacies of lead climbing, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, this course offers an immersive experience in a world-class outdoor setting. Red Rocks’ popularity means you’ll also encounter other climbers, but this only enhances the sense of community and shared adventure.
Master the Fundamentals of Sport Climbing and Outdoor Skills
This course is designed to take you from beginner to competent sport climber, with hands-on experience and professional guidance. You’ll start with the basics—belaying, knot tying, rope handling, and top-rope climbing—before advancing to more technical skills like lead belaying, cleaning bolted anchors, and mock lead climbing. Alongside climbing, you'll also gain practical outdoor skills, including Leave No Trace camping techniques, base camp set-up, and cooking.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in the essential techniques of outdoor sport climbing, as well as the knowledge to safely and effectively climb in this dynamic environment.
Photo credit: Anthony Fox
8 Days of Climbing, Learning, and Connection
Day 1: Arrival and introduction to base camp setup. Begin learning the fundamentals of rock climbing and camping, including belaying, knot tying, and Leave No Trace techniques.
Days 2-6: Full days of climbing, ranging from top-rope climbing to practicing lead belaying and “mock” lead climbing. Each day, you’ll also focus on developing outdoor living skills such as cooking, navigation, and group leadership.
Day 7: A final day of climbing, followed by a review of key skills, leadership lessons, and group dynamics. Reflect on the progress made and the challenges overcome.
Day 8: Return to Las Vegas, where you'll clean, organize and pack gear. You'll also have a closing circle and share your experiences over a graduation dinner before heading home.
Adaptability is Key in Red Rocks’ Dynamic Environment
Red Rocks can offer a range of weather conditions, from sunny skies to sudden rainstorms, intense heat, and chilly evenings. To ensure your comfort and safety, you'll need to be prepared for all conditions, including having proper sun protection, hydration strategies, and cold-weather gear for early mornings and evenings.
Climbing in Red Rocks means navigating rocky terrain, steep slopes, and sometimes loose rocks, which requires constant attention to safety and route-finding. While the area is accessible, it can also present challenges, so maintaining awareness and careful planning will be key to a successful expedition.
Build Leadership Skills and Form Lasting Connections
This course is about more than just climbing; it’s about building trust, working together, and developing leadership in challenging conditions. With a small group of like-minded women, you’ll work closely with your instructors and peers to tackle difficult situations, encourage one another, and practice being both a leader and a supportive team member. The supportive, women-centered environment creates space for asking questions, trying new things, and growing as a climber and a leader.
Photo credit: Justin Forrest-Parks
Empowered Women Ready to Explore the Outdoors and Learn New Skills
This course is ideal for women who want to learn outdoor sport climbing in a supportive, women-only space. Whether you’re new to climbing, transitioning from indoor climbing to the outdoors, or looking to refine your skills, this course will provide you with the tools and confidence to take your climbing to new heights. A minimum age of 23 and some prior climbing experience (indoor or outdoor) is recommended, but the focus is on developing your skills in a fun, inclusive, and empowering setting.
Become Part of the NOLS Community and Take Your Skills Beyond the Course
By completing this course, you’ll not only gain climbing skills but also become part of the NOLS community—an inspiring network of leaders, adventurers, and outdoor professionals. As a NOLS graduate, you’ll carry the lessons of the outdoors with you, empowering you to make thoughtful decisions, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence in every aspect of your life. Ready to take your climbing—and your leadership—to the next level? Join us for an experience that will transform you, both on the rock and beyond.