AAI offers a wide variety of rock climbing courses and guided climbs for individuals and groups, from beginner to expert. Offerings include introductory courses; lead-climbing instruction; big-wall and aid climbing; self-rescue; and Warriors' Way clinics. Locations include Washington state, British Columbia, Nevada, California, Colorado, and Utah.
A climber learns rock-climbing fundamentals while protected by a top-rope. Scott SchumannA four-day intensive course that provides beginners and indoor climbers with a foundation in outdoor climbing techniques and the principals of rock climbing technical systems. By the end of the program, climbers will be able to belay, rappel, and set-up their own single-pitch top-rope systems to enable them to climb independently.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$975
A student learning to rappel on the Sunset Slabs, Mt. Erie. Jason MartinThe Beginning Rock Climbing course is an introduction designed for people who have little or no experience in rock climbing. The course is ideal for those who are curious and want to experience the thrill of rock climbing in a beautiful natural setting. By the end of the course, participants should feel comfortable climbing with experienced friends and be able to pass a rock gym belayer's test.
- Location:Mt. Erie, WA
- Season:June - September
- Length:1 or 2 Days
- Cost:$215 per day (min. of 3 participants)
A climber practices taking a lead fall on day three of AAI's Learn to Lead course. AAI CollectionThe objective of the Learn to Lead program is to introduce climbers to the techniques required for leading single-pitch traditional rock climbing routes, while advancing technical and movement skills.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year Round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$995
A climber works up the fantastic North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak (5.5, III). Photo by Mike PowersSome of the most inspirational and beautiful lines in North America may be found on remote, high and wild alpine peaks. The first part of this two-part program introduces climbers to the art of alpine rock climbing. The second part expands on the knowledge presented in the first part and provides climbers with the skills and techniques to lead their own alpine rock routes.
- Location:Sierra Nevada, CA; Rocky Mountain NP, CO
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 or 12 days
- Cost:$1920 ($3600 for Parts 1 and 2)
An aid climber works his way up City Park, a classic aid line at Index, WA. Andy Bourne.This four-day aid climbing and big wall technique seminar is designed for competent leaders who wish to expand their horizons and their climbing ability by exploring advanced aid and free climbing skills.
- Location:Index, Washington; Red Rock, Nevada; also offered in Utah and Colorado
- Season:Year Round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$1125
Climbing at the limit of one's ability requires a high level of mental discipline. Warrior's WayThis 1-day field seminar, designed by Arno Ilgner, addresses fear of falling and improving commitment. We'll do falling, movement, and resting exercises and apply all learned skills to a challenging route.
- Location:California and Nevada
- Season:Varies
- Length:1 day
- Cost:$450
Topping out on Chablis Spire. Mark HoustonThe clean granite of Washington Pass and the Liberty Bell Group provides some of the best and most accessible alpine rock climbing in the Pacific Northwest. Classics like the Southwest Buttress of South Early Winter Spire make for rewarding outings for intermediate climbers, while the spectacular Liberty Crack challenges the most advanced.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day for 1:1; lower rates for larger parties.
AAI climbers as they ascend the Swiss Arete of Mt. Sil. Kevin McGarityEver since the days of famous early mountaineers like Clarence King and John Muir, the Eastern Sierra has been known as one of the most serenely beautiful alpine areas in America.
- Location:Eastern Sierra Nevada, California
- Season:April - October
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Cost varies, see program details
A party of climbers on the Crescent Glacier with Snowpatch Spire behind. Matt AndersonThe Bugaboos are North America's answer to the French Alps, offering the same high quality granite above beautiful glaciers like those found in Chamonix, but with one big difference - there are no telepheriques or huge crowds here, only the isolation and grandeur characteristic of the mountains of Canada.
- Location:Bugaboos - British Columbia Canada
- Season:July - September
- Length:7 Days (plus 2 driving days)
- Cost:2:1 $3720 (per person); 1:1 $5200
A climber starts the 2nd pitch of Midway (5.5) in Leavenworth, WA. Mike PowersLeavenworth is perhaps the best rock climbing area in the state for recreation and skill-building at all levels. Ease of access, good camping, and high-quality granite combine to make a great outing, whether for a day or a week.
- Location:Leavenworth, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day at 1:1
Climbers working their way up a steep line at Index. Brendan CusickIndex Town Wall and the surrounding crags are home to some of Washington's most classic testpiece climbs. Steep cracks and hard ratings make for a challenging outing.
- Location:Index, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:Varies
- Cost:$595/day at 1:1
A climber learns rock climbing techniques with protection from a top-rope. Richard RiquelmeMount Erie is a great place for a beginning rock climber, or for someone looking to perfect their skills. Located on the top of a large bluff overlooking the San Juan Island and Pacific ocean, the views are stunning. The access at Mount Erie and it's central location in Western Washington make it an ideal spot for climbers who have only a day or even a half day to get out and climb.
- Location:Anacortes, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:Half day and up
- Cost:Varies based on Climber to Guide ratio
Climbing granite in Squamish, B.C. Tali LevinThe striking white granite of Squamish is most frequently compared to the high quality rock found in Yosemite. Unlike its southern counterpart, Squamish lies far from crowds and R.V. lines.
- Location:Squamish, British Columbia
- Season:April - October
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day at 1:1
An AAI climber enjoying a fantastic day of rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon, NV. Szu-ting YiLocated just 20 miles from the world famous Las Vegas Strip, the Red Rocks of Southern Nevada provide options for climbers of all ability levels. Red Rock Canyon is an excellent place to learn to climb, advance your skills, climb a long multi-pitch route, or combine all of these things for a highly educational program!
- Location:Red Rock, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Half-day and up
- Cost:$430/day for one climber; ratio pricing for additional climbers
A climber pulls through a roof on Mr. Z (5.7, III), established in 2003. Jason Martin.While there are thousands of classic established routes in Red Rock Canyon, there are still literally miles of unclimbed rock in the Conservation Area. Next time you are in Red Rocks, consider a real adventure.
- Location:Red Rock, Las Vegas, NV
- Season:October - May
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Private rates
Granite domes, yucca, and Joshua trees – recipe for a perfect climbing vacation. Dyan PadagasJoshua Tree National Park is a true winter playground for climbers of all levels, and the ultimate climbing road-trip destination. The area touts high quality rock with abundant cracks, challenging edges, and a very high friction factor. Come enjoy the sun with us and try climbing outdoors for the first time, learn to lead, or perfect your crack technique in an other-worldly landscape.
- Location:Joshua Tree National Park, CA
- Season:October - May
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$430/day for one climber; lower rates for larger groups
Castleton Tower is one of the most striking of the desert towers. Andy BourneThe town of Moab is surrounded by rock. Climbs of all ability levels are available, just minutes from downtown Moab. Indeed, one of the great advantages to climbing in Moab is the ease of access. Many of the practice crags just outside of town are so close to the road that you can literally open your car door and put on your harness.
- Location:Moab Area and Southern Utah
- Season:September - November, March - May
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$430/day for one climber; lower rates for larger groups
AAI Guide Jim Mediatore savors the exposure on the legendary traverse on Ruper (5.8), Redgarden Wall, Eldorado Canyon.One of the most iconic and historic venues in American rock climbing, Boulder, Colorado offers stunningly diverse climbing in Eldorado Canyon State Park and the Flatirons, including everything from short sport lines to 1,000-foot multi-pitch adventures. With thousands of routes to choose from – from novice to expert – the Boulder area may be the best all-around rock climbing destination in the United States.
- Location:Boulder, Colorado
- Season:March - November / year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Private Pricing
Alpenglow lights the eastern rampart of Taylor Peak and the Cathedral Spires, seen from Sky Pond. Zach LovellStraddling the continental divide of north-central Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a climber's paradise. From long scrambling routes to classic alpine rock and ice climbs and front-country cragging, the park offers everything a climber could want.
- Location:Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Season:Year-round
- Length:2 days and up
- Cost:$595/day for 1:1; lower rates for larger parties
A Women's Only Alpinism 1 descending the Easton Glacier on their way back to Bellingham. Lauren SmithWomen interested in climbing with other women are invited to take their rock climbing or mountaineering skills to the next level on a women-specific AAI course. Learn to lead climb or summit a snow-capped peak in a supportive, all-women environment. Our women's programs include rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and custom trips.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies
Rock climbing on the stunning limestone cliffs that surround Laos.Laos is an incredible place to rock climb. Amazing limestone walls rise sharply out of a lush jungle, featuring huge holds and amazing movement. On rest days, you will immerse yourself in a unique culture that has existed for thousands of years. You will enjoy delicious food, explore soaring temples, and meet welcoming local people. Join us for the rock climbing trip of a lifetime!
- Location:Thakhek, Laos or Vang Vieng, Laos
- Season:October - May
- Length:14 days or 21 days
- Cost:$5950 for Thakhek 14-day; $7995 for Vang Vieng 21-day