Multi-Pitch Trad Climbing Class in Colorado
ADVANCED
Take your trad climbing to the next level with our two-day Multi-Pitch Trad Climbing Class. Designed for climbers with prior trad lead experience, this class teaches the essential skills required to safely and efficiently climb Colorado’s classic multi-pitch trad routes. Learn advanced gear placements, build natural anchors, refine rope systems, improve route finding, and develop the judgment needed for longer and more committing climbs. Join us and discover the adventure, self-reliance, and satisfaction of true multi-pitch trad climbing. Be advanced!
Why Choose American Mountain School for Multi-Pitch Tad Climbing?
Experienced Instructors. Learn from instructors with extensive experience climbing and guiding on Colorado’s classic trad routes. We focus on practical systems and sound judgment to help you climb longer routes safely and efficiently.
Advanced Trad Skills. Develop confidence placing traditional protection, evaluating gear placements, and building secure natural anchors using removable protection.
Comprehensive Curriculum. This two-day class covers essential multi-pitch trad techniques, including anchor construction, rope management, belay transitions, rappelling, retreat strategies, and efficient movement on longer climbs.
Personalized Learning. Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction and feedback, helping each climber strengthen decision-making skills and progress at their own pace.
Local Expertise. Train on some of Boulder Canyon’s classic trad routes while benefiting from our knowledge of local climbing conditions, route selection, and mountain weather.
Safety and Self-Reliance. Safety is the foundation of every lesson. You’ll learn proven systems, backup techniques, and problem-solving strategies designed to increase both competence and independence in the mountains.
Build Judgment and Confidence. Designed for climbers with prior trad lead experience, this class helps bridge the gap between single-pitch trad climbing and longer, more committing multi-pitch objectives.
Boulder Canyon: Colorado’s Traditional Multi-Pitch Classroom
Boulder Canyon provides an outstanding environment for developing multi-pitch trad climbing skills. Its diverse crack systems and classic trad routes offer the perfect setting to refine protection placements, build natural anchors, and develop the judgment and efficiency required for longer and more committing climbs.
What to Expect from Our Multi-Pitch Trad Climbing Class
Day 1: Multi-Pitch Trad Systems and Skills
- Review and refine essential single-pitch trad climbing skills.
- Improve the quality and efficiency of gear placements.
- Evaluate and manage traditional protection in a variety of situations.
- Build secure natural anchors using removable protection.
- Practice anchor equalization, redundancy, and organization.
- Master rope management techniques for multi-pitch trad climbing.
- Learn smooth belay transitions and efficient changeovers.
- Practice lowering and retreat strategies when conditions require it.
- Master single- and double-rope rappelling techniques.
- Explore different methods of deploying ropes for rappels to minimize tangles and improve efficiency.
Day 2: Putting It All Together on Multi-Pitch Trad Routes
- Climb one or two classic multi-pitch trad routes in Boulder Canyon.
- Apply all of the systems learned on Day 1 in real climbing situations.
- Lead and follow as a team of two.
- Build and manage anchors throughout the climb.
- Make route-finding decisions and identify the best line of ascent.
- Improve efficiency while moving through multiple pitches.
- Practice communication and teamwork on longer routes.
- Develop sound judgment and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
- Complete an entire multi-pitch trad ascent from start to finish.
Expert Instruction in a Supportive Environment
Our experienced instructors provide personalized coaching in small groups, allowing each climber to progress at their own pace. Safety remains the foundation of every lesson as you develop the competence, efficiency, and self-reliance needed to tackle Colorado’s classic multi-pitch trad objectives with confidence.
Discover the adventure and satisfaction of true multi-pitch trad climbing and take the next step toward becoming a more capable and independent climber.
INCLUDES:
Group Gear:
- Ropes: Durable, dynamic climbing ropes suitable for rock climbing.
- Slings: Sturdy nylon or Dyneema® slings for anchors and protection.
- Rock Protection: A variety of nuts, cams, and other protective equipment to secure your climb.
- Climbing Quickdraws: Lightweight quickdraws for clipping into bolts and protection along the route.
EXCLUDES:
Personal Gear:
- Climbing Helmet: Certified climbing helmet for safety and protection against falling debris.
- Climbing Harness: Comfortable and secure climbing harness designed to hold you safely on the rock.
- Technical Rock Climbing Shoes: High-performance rock shoes for precise footwork on all terrains.
- Climbing Backpack (20-30 L): Lightweight backpack to carry your essentials comfortably.
- Locking Carabines (4 pcs): Essential for secure clipping, locking during belaying, and anchoring.
- Assisted Braking Device (GriGri): Belay device with assisted braking for enhanced control and security.
- Rappel/Belay device -BD ATC or Petzel Reverse
- Prusik (Hollowblock2, 13.5”): Essential for self-rescue and ascending the rope if needed.
- Belay/Rappel Gloves: Gloves designed to protect hands from friction while belaying or rappelling.
- Chalk Bag: For keeping hands dry and improving grip during climbing..
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF sunscreen and moisturizing lip balm to protect from sun exposure.
- Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses to reduce glare and protect your eyes during climbing.
- Personal First Aid Kit: Small kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary medications.
- Snack for a Day: High-energy snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Thermos (1 L): Thermos for carrying warm beverages in cold weather.
- Water (Isotonic) 1 L minimum: Hydration for the day; consider adding electrolytes for added endurance.
We highly recommend to use your own gear for this course but if you do not have some of the personal equipment ask us, we can help you with it. Most of the personal equipment we have in our stock and we can provide it for you.
CLOTHING (Weather-Appropriate Layers)
- Breathable Base Layer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable.
- Mid-Layer: Insulating layer (like fleece) to keep you warm during cooler conditions.
- Weatherproof Jacket: Windproof, water-resistant jacket in case of changing weather.
- Climbing Pants or Shorts: Flexible, durable pants or shorts that allow full mobility on the rock face.
- Hat: Sun hat or cap for sun protection, or a warm beanie if climbing in cooler weather.
- Appropriate Footwear: Lightweight approach shoes or sturdy hiking boots to reach the climbing site comfortably.
The rendezvous point for Multi-Pitch Sport Climbing Class is the Parking lot in the begining of Boulder Canyon
PRICE INCLUDES
- Climb itinerary
- Guide fees
- Group equipment such as ropes, quick draws, etc.
- Human waste disposal bags
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Food during trip
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Personal gear (see gear list)
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Rescue Insurance
- Gratuity
- Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of American Mountain School
Book your Private Class
🔥 1–2 CLIMBERS • SAME PRICE
FAQ
You will learn the systems and techniques required for safe and efficient multi-pitch trad climbing, including advanced gear placements, natural anchor construction, rope management, belay transitions, rappelling, retreat strategies, route finding, and effective teamwork on longer climbs.
This class is designed for climbers who are already comfortable leading and following single-pitch trad routes. Participants should have prior experience placing traditional protection, building basic anchors, and managing standard trad climbing systems before progressing to multi-pitch objectives.
Yes. Participants are expected to have their own personal climbing equipment appropriate for trad climbing, including a harness, helmet, climbing shoes, belay device, and a trad rack. However, if you are missing specific pieces of equipment, American Mountain School can provide them upon request.
Multi-pitch trad climbing requires a moderate to high level of fitness. Participants should be comfortable hiking to and from the climbing area, carrying climbing equipment, and spending a full day on the rock. The physical demands vary depending on the route and the pace of the team.
Safety is our top priority. Instructors closely supervise all aspects, teaching safe, reliable techniques tailored to each climber’s experience level, ensuring you build confidence progressively.
Our instructors choose locations based on accessibility, weather conditions, and the best educational opportunities for multi-pitch climbing, often within Colorado’s renowned climbing areas.
For safety reasons, our climbing locations are generally not spectator-friendly. Only registered participants can join the climbs, but we’re happy to capture photos to share the experience afterward!
