Rock Climbing Guiding
- Price: $349.00 – $849.00
Colorado Mountain School is the premier guide service in the Rocky Mountains. We offer custom rock climbing adventures every day of the year. Whether you would like to learn a particular set of skills like climbing technique or building anchors, or you just want to climb one of the many iconic formations that Colorado has to offer, we’re here to take you wherever your rock climbing aspirations may lie.
Overview:
Rock climbing is about fun and adventure, and no place tops our backyard for its incredible variety of world-class climbing – Eldorado Canyon, Boulder Canyon, The Flatirons and Rocky Mountain National Park. These places are where the outdoors is still king, the sky is open and blue, and classic climbs abound.
The Front Range corridor between Denver and Estes Park, Colorado (Boulder being the hub) offers some of the most accessible climbing anywhere. You can start your day in Boulder (5,400′), climb Longs Peak (14,259′) by one of its 120-plus routes, and be back in time for dinner.
The Yellow Spur, Petit Grepon, Longs Peak and The First Flatiron are just a few of the scores of routes, spires and peaks famous for reasons that are obvious once you climb them. Rocky Mountain National Park holds a lifetime’s worth of rock faces – from splitter cracks to coarse slabs, and everything in between. The impeccable granite of Lumpy Ridge keeps any climber entertained. In Eldorado Canyon, over 600 routes lace the angular sandstone walls. And then there are the spectacular Flatirons in Boulder, rising like thousand-foots spikes out of the base of the Rockies, with climbing at grades accessible to almost everyone. Yvon Chouinard called the East Face of the Third Flatiron, 1,300 feet long and rated 5.4, “The finest beginner’s climb in the country.”
But there’s more to it – a spirit of the West, a culture that values recreation, takes its time and considers what you have to say. As one of our Swiss clients, Douwe van den Oever, said: “Climbing here is fun. In Europe it’s over-organized; everything is bolted; guiding has become a routine. Here things are fresh. Guides are professional yet passionate, and natural climbing lines remain free.”
Climbers have always felt at home here. Yosemite pioneer Tom Frost wrote in the original edition of the classic book, Climb!, back in 1977: “Colorado’s cliffs, located on the spine of the continent, have become the crossroads of American climbing. …It is felt by many that Colorado is the subculture center of the climbing community; where climbing is a more serious way of life, and lived more fully by sizable numbers of participants, than any other place in the nation.” You’ll feel welcome too.
All this, with 300 days of sunshine a year, make Boulder, Colorado a climber’s paradise. On any given day, at local crag or gym, you could find yourself alongside climbing legends Lynn Hill, Tommy Caldwell, Roger Briggs or other inspiring climbers. They’re all here for the same reasons: world-class rock climbing, world-class fun. It’s like Jeff Achey wrote in the 2002 edition of Climb!: “Writers go to New York. Actors go to Hollywood. Climbers go to Colorado.”
Details:
Colorado Mountain School offers rock climbing guiding and instruction services in the following locations:
- Colorado Front Range
- Denver
- Boulder
- Fort Collins
- Estes Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Moab
- Vedauwoo
| Item | Description | Quantity | Example | Purchase At | Rent At | Equipment Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approach Shoes |
These are “hiking” shoes specifically made for approaching and descending from a climbing venue where scrambling is necessary, or even for climbing an entire route. They have sticky climbing rubber on the bottom and a formed fit to influence better climbing abilities while scrambling. Consider high-tops for additional ankles support if needed. Regular hiking boots or athletic shoes may be acceptable for many climbs. |
1 |
Men: La Sportiva TX3 Men |
Clothing | ||
| Athletic Tape |
Roll of 1.5-2″ tape; These are best found at rock climbing gyms or shops such as Neptune Mountaineering. Not all tape works well for climbing – gear shops have usually identified a brand that works well – the local pharmacy has not. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Backpack: 18-25 liter |
This small pack is carries one’s approach shoes, water, food, extra layers, and toilet kit on the route. This pack should close completely so that no items can fall out. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Backpack: 20-40 liter |
Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing. |
1 |
Colorado Mountain School |
Equipment | ||
| Baselayer Bottoms |
Synthetic or Merino Wool, Lightweight or mid-weight are recommended. |
1 |
Men: Rab Syncrino Leggings |
Clothing | ||
| Beanie or Fleece Hat |
Should cover the ears and fit under a helmet. Hats with fluff balls on top do not fit under helmets. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Belay and Rappel Device |
Plaquette style devices with auto-block mode are ideal. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Belay Gloves |
Leather gloves, either full fingered or fingerless. These protect your hands from rope wear when belaying or rappelling and keep your hands warm at belays. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Climbing Harness |
UIAA or CE approved; With belay loop and gear loops. The waist belt should fit over multiple layers of clothing. |
1 |
Colorado Mountain School |
Equipment | ||
| Climbing Pants, Shorts or Capris |
For all seasons, cotton, loose-fitting (or tight, stretchy) pants are usually acceptable for rock climbing. Shorts are acceptable during the summer – though shorts expose the knees and shins to abrasions. New climbers are encouraged to wear pants or capris. A synthetic material (like in softshell pants) may be required by your guide due to potential rain storms. |
1 |
Men: Rab Sawtooth |
Clothing | ||
| Cotton Socks |
Cotton Socks are acceptable for most rock climbing days. Synthetic and merino wool socks tend to be too hot and make climber’s feet sweat excessively. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Double-length Sewn Runner |
48″ or 120cm. Used for rappelling, making leashes, and improvised rescue. |
1-2 | Equipment | |||
| Face Mask – PPE |
Optional; Look for a mask with a bendable border at the top so you can mold the mask to fit the bridge of your nose and prevent your glasses from fogging. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| First Aid Kit |
Your guide will have an emergency First Aid Kit. You should bring a small kit including blister prevention and care products such as a role of athletic tape and Moleskin. Your kit should also contain a few Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Food |
Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (sandwich, burrito, leftover pizza, etc), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes. Feeze-dried meals are acceptable on overnight trips, but not day trips. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Headlamp |
Load with fresh batteries. Critical for hiking before sunrise and great to have in the pack in case you are caught out after dark. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Lightweight Baselayer Top |
Synthetic or Merino Wool; Worn against the skin and is considered a “wicking” layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. Hooded base layers add extra versatility. |
2 |
Men: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee |
Clothing | ||
| Lip ScreenSPF 15 or higher. |
Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned. |
1 |
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Lip Balm |
Optional | ||
| Locking Carabiners |
Pear shaped carabiners are most versatile – screwgates or twist locks are acceptable. |
2-3 | Equipment | |||
| Long and Short Sleeve T-shirt |
Cotton or Synthetic and Merino Wool; Bring a variety of short-sleeve or tank tops, and a few long-sleeve. Synthetic shirts are not required, but many prefer the feel and quick-dry performance. If your program includes crack climbing, a long sleeve cotton shirt adds a layer of comfort. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Midweight Baselayer Top |
Synthetic or Merino Wool; Adds extra warmth and protection from the cold and wind without creating a moisture barrier as a jacket would. Having at least one base layer that is hooded adds versatility, protecting the neck and ears from cold winds. |
1 |
Men: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie |
Clothing | ||
| Neck Gaiter |
“Buffs” are quite versatile in their uses. They can be used as light beanies, neck warmers, and can offer face protection from the cold wind or sun. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Non-locking Carabiners |
Most climbers prefer wire-gated carabiners due to their light weight and low bulk, among other useful characteristics. |
2-3 | Equipment | |||
| Personal Care Items |
Medications, glasses or contacts, feminine products, etc. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Personal Toilet Kit |
At minimum, bring a small Ziploc with toilet paper. Consider bringing a travel sized package of hand-wipes. Idealy, purchase, or for free from the RMNP Backcountry office, bring a “Rest Stop.” The Rest Stop, known as “Blue Bags” in the Pacific Northwest, or the “Wag Bag” in other areas, are poop-in-a-bag systems that include toilet paper and a sanitizing hand wipe. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Rock Climbing Helmet |
UIAA/CE approved; Should be large enough to fit over a beanie. Plastic helmets are more durable, but heavier. Foam helmets are lighter, but more easily damaged when carried in a pack. |
1 |
Colorado Mountain School |
Equipment | ||
| Rock Climbing Shoes |
Technical rock shoes are required. For beginning climbers, having a looser fit is advisable. In this case, loose means that toes are touching the front of the shoes when standing, but are not forced against the front of the shoe. In colder weather, thin socks inside climbing shoes are a great option. On long routes, rock shoes should be comfortable enough to wear for day. |
1 |
Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering |
Clothing | ||
| Ski or Trekking Poles |
Two poles, with powder baskets, are required for all skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers. It is ideal if poles are ski-specific and collapse small enough to fit onto a pack when climbing. |
1 |
Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering |
Equipment | ||
| Smartphone |
Great for taking photos and videos. Smartphone batteries tend to shut down in freezing temps – keep your phone in a warm inner layer. A tether is ideal in the mountains to protet against dropping your phone. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Softshell and Fleece Jacket |
Water-resistant, windproof, yet it “breaths,” which means it allows moisture to move through. Hoods are ideal. There are multiple thicknesses of Softshell jackets. A lightweight or medium-weight jacket is preferred. Fleece jackets are acceptable. |
1 |
Men: Rab VR Summit Jacket |
Clothing | ||
| Sports Bra |
Provides support and allows for full range of motion |
1 |
North Face Beyond the Wall |
Clothing | ||
| Sun Hat |
A billed hat to keep the bright mountain sun at bay. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Sunglasses |
“Wrap-Around” style sunglasses with 100% UV Protection. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| SunscreenSPF 30 or higher. |
Travel size. |
1 |
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 50 |
Equipment | ||
| Synthetic or Down Puffy Jacket |
Fits over all other layers and is worn at breaks and on really cold days. Synthetic puffies are more durable, are easily laundered, and dry out quickly if wet. Down puffies are lighter weight, pack smaller, and provide exceptional warmth, but once wet, they stay wet. |
1 |
Men: Rab Mythic Alpine Light Jacket |
Clothing | ||
| Water Bottles |
1 liter bottles are the standard. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are acceptable for above freezing temps, but only in conjunction with another bottle. Bladders are not acceptable during sub freezing temps. Sports drinks are also acceptable. |
2 |
Nalgene, Hydro Flask |
Equipment | ||
| Waterproof Shell Jacket |
Non-insulated, Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event, or other waterproofing system is required. Mostly, this jacket sits in the bottom of your pack and comes out when the weather gets nasty with precipitation. This jacket should fit over all other layers. |
1 |
Men: Rab Khroma Cirque GORE-TEX Jacket |
Clothing |
28 reviews for Rock Climbing Guiding
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CMS Client –
Bernardo was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide.
CMS Client –
Wes was a fantastic instructor with a very inclusive approach to teaching. His expertise was evident and was fun to spend time and learn from.
CMS Client –
I don’t know of anything that would’ve made it more perfect
Mary Ann Paliani –
I want to commend Bob Chase and Sarah Janin for their extraordinary professionalism and competence while guiding my climb up Long’s Peak via the North Face on August 27, 2019. Throughout the entire climb they exhibited incredible patience, support of my efforts, teamwork, and attention to safety. Although I have trained with Bob for some time, as well as with Sarah and two of your other excellent guides (Bernardo Beteta and Ryan Pedersen), none of us knew how well, at the age of 84, I would tolerate the altitude, as well as the stress associated with climbing for 16 hours. But they worked with me, had faith in me, and we finally pulled it off. Also, I want to give special recognition to Bob for the flawless manner in which he planned, organized and executed the entire project. While I have climbed in Patagonia (Torres del Paine), climbed seven fourteeners in my younger days, and participated in two treks in the Himalayas years ago, nothing compares with this mountaineering experience. You should be very proud of your guides and the quality experience they provided me.
CMS Client –
Great day! It was hard work, but Mia did an excellent job meeting everyone’s need and teaching us great skills. I have so much to learn, but it was a great entry.
CMS Client –
Everything went really smooth, Wesley was professional, thorough and really great to work with. Wouldn’t change a thing.
CMS Client –
This experience exceeded my expectations.
CMS Client –
All was great. My son and I thought that the tyrolean traverse was a nice, unique addition.
CMS Client –
Everything was great! Max Lurie was a wonderful guide. I can’t make any suggestions for improvement 🙂
CMS Client –
Adam & Rainbow are exceptionally well qualified and people-oriented. Immediately upon meeting they began to develop self-confidence in our grandkids, ages 13 & 15.
CMS Client –
Not sure the day could have been improved. Wes is a rockstar and a fantastic guide and coach. He helped explain everything along the way and made sure that the day was great!
CMS Client –
Entire experience exceeded expectation. Our guide Mark Hammond was exceptional
CMS Client –
It was so much fun. I can’t think of anything that could have gone better.
Marty Enright –
Japhy was terrific company, caring and generous and bloody good fun to be with. There were times when I felt scared – which is part of the deal – but I never felt unsafe. At those times Japhy was vigilant and balanced and maintained my enthusiasm while realistically balancing and securing the risks. He was also a calm, lucid and insightful teacher. I’ve come away with an appreciation of the curiosity that climbing encourages that I had never before understood. That’s a gift for a lifetime. Japhy is an outstanding ambassador for your organisation. I commend him to you. Also wanted to shout out to Jake who managed my booking, kept me engaged and calmly dealt with my payment pains. This was really appreciated. I’ll be back and I’ll spread the word. My experience with these young men who represent your organisation has inspired me. Keep up the good work in the vertical world. You got a great team. Very best to you all,Marty Enright
Elisha Hughes (verified owner) –
I had a really great class and also a great guided half-day in Vedauwoo with Mia Tucholke.
Abdulrahman Khawjah (verified owner) –
My favorite mountain school in Colorado, they have very competent and friendly guides. Jake Gaventa was my guide two times of rock climbing and both were awesome he’s the best mountain guide, very patient and always easy to spark a conversation with. He’s very eager to teach everything he does and careful that you learn something everytime you go out with him. You’ll definitely enjoy your time with the school.
Thomas Lubanovic (verified owner) –
An excellent guided climbing experience! I went on a couple half-day climbs out at Eldorado Canyon with two different guides (Bernardo and Mike). Both are very professional, friendly and safe. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a guide in the Boulder area.
kahlilglenn (verified owner) –
I live in Boulder and have used the service at least 15 times for my teenage daughter and myself. The guides are well trained and the front office people are fantastic . I wanted a female guide for my daughter but she was so great I just used her for myself too. I have nothing bad to say.
Anthony Pogliano (verified owner) –
We had a great time with our guide, who was informative, stoked, safety-oriented and very knowledgeable. We will be using CMS’s services again in the future as we make the transition from primarily gym-climbers to outdoor climbers!
dhonx2 (verified owner) –
Had such a great time rock climbing. One for sure be in the books. Ian Fowler was so accommodating and exceeded my expectations. Will surely be back!!!
Corey Owens (verified owner) –
Josh was a patient, fun instructor. Two of our group had never climbed outdoors and walked away from the experience excited and feeling like they’d learned a lot.
home2olalla (verified owner) –
Jason Antin guided my son and I on the 1st Flatiron last week and was a fantastic guide/coach/inspiration. I have climbed with other guides and Jason was by all measures the absolute best!! He set us at ease immediately with his climbing knowledge and experience such that we could relax and just have fun climbing with him. I would highly recommend him to others who want to feel the experience of climbing safely and having a blast on the rock. Thanks so much Jason. Hope to see you again.
chandlek70 (verified owner) –
Awesome day up Notchtop with Soucy! I’ve been out with Mike several times and he always delivers a great adventure!
Theodora Mckinney (verified owner) –
If I could give this a 10/5 I would. My partner and I had the BEST TIME EVER. We booked with CMS as we were driving cross country from Michigan->Cali. We normally climb in West Virginia and one of our favorite guides recently joined the CMS team this summer and we knew we HAD to visit. We booked a half day trip with the wonderful Tyler Allen and did the first Flatiron in Boulder. We woke up at 6am to beat the heat (HIGHLY recommend) and just loved it. Since we were traveling we did not have all of our gear but CMS provided me with the shoes, harness and helmet I needed. I felt safe, comfortable and challenged in the climb in the best way possible.
Do the climb. Wake up early. Enjoy yourself. and also.. tip your guides!
Nicholas Mills (verified owner) –
My fiancé and I had a great time doing a custom guided intro to trad class over three days. The amount of information that we learned over those three days is crazy and I feel very safe going out on my own now. Mock leading with an instructor next to you is the way to learn how to lead in my opinion. Our guide, Bob, was super professional and a great teacher. This was money well spent and we had a great time (climbing in Estes Park didn’t hurt either)!
Adam Zwickle (verified owner) –
My 10 yr old daughter and I had an amazing time. Our guide, Bob, was patient, kind, fun and gave us the perfect mix of instruction and climbing. We had the time of our life and would love to come back again!
Timothy Rann (verified owner) –
Matt was a rockstar – customized the entire day around my objectives. Squeezed in about ten pitches and worked on a lot of improvement areas for me. Enjoyed that he was responsive to feedback on route variations that challenged my technique a bit. Couldn’t have been better
Philippe Viola (verified owner) –
Andy was a great guide for my first multi-pitch trad climb. He was polite, professional, and had a plan for any contingencies. He put up with my onslaught of questions and nervous comments as we began our ascent of the 1st Flatiron. He capitalized on any coachable moments and put me slightly outside of my comfort level in order to expand my knowledge and understanding of multi-pitch climbing. At no point in the climb did I feel unsafe or outside of the realm of comfortable control; I would 100% recommend CMS to anyone looking for quality guides in the mountains.