Rock-About Climbing Adventures
Advanced Traditional Rock Climbing Clinic
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Ready to embrace the purest form of climbing and take your skills to the next level? Our Advanced Traditional (Trad) Rock Climbing Clinic is designed to teach climbers the essential techniques required to safely and effectively lead trad routes, place gear with confidence, and build solid anchors—all under the guidance of AMGA-certified instructors.
Held at the iconic Enchanted Rock, this clinic offers hands-on experience in real outdoor conditions, ensuring you gain the skills needed to climb safely and independently in any trad climbing area around the world. Whether you're transitioning from sport climbing or looking to refine your trad climbing techniques, our expert guides will walk you through essential skills such as:
- Knots & Hitches: Learn the critical knots and hitches used in trad climbing for efficient rope management.
- Gear Placement Techniques: Master the art of placing passive (nuts, hexes) and active (cams) protection with precision and security.
- Anchor Building: Understand how to construct safe, reliable anchors for single and multi-pitch climbs.
- Leading Trad Routes: Gain confidence in placing gear on lead while managing risks and improving efficiency.
- Rappelling Techniques: Learn safe descent methods to wrap up your climb effectively and securely.
Learn these techniques at Enchanted Rock, but use them at any Trad area anywhere in the world. Trad climbing should be taught by someone who is qualified, in our opinion. Yes, you can learn from your buddy, but you’ll be guaranteed to go through some growing pains.
If you're passionate about pushing your climbing limits and want to gain the self-sufficiency needed to explore trad climbing destinations confidently, this clinic is the perfect place to start.
- Master the Fundamentals of Trad Climbing: Learn proper gear placement, anchor building, and essential knots to climb safely and independently.
- Led by AMGA-Certified Instructors: Train with expert guides who will ensure you develop safe and efficient climbing techniques.
- World-Class Climbing Location: Enchanted Rock offers ideal trad climbing terrain, allowing you to practice skills in a stunning natural environment.
- Build Confidence in Lead Climbing: Transition from sport climbing to traditional climbing with a focus on self-sufficiency and critical decision-making.
- Gear Included: Helmets, climbing shoes, harnesses, and ropes. Also, any Trad climbing gear that is needed. You’re welcome to use your own Trad gear once the guide has checked it out.
Do I need prior trad climbing experience to join this clinic?
Yes, this clinic is designed for climbers who already have experience with lead climbing and anchor building. If you’re transitioning from sport climbing to trad or want to refine your gear placement and multi-pitch skills, this clinic is perfect for you. Clinics are held on specific dates. If you want a private trad climbing course on a different date, check out our Advanced Traditional Climbing Course.
What is the difference between a clinic and a course?
Our clinics are scheduled group sessions, allowing climbers to learn in a community-driven environment while benefiting from group pricing. The advantages of a clinic include:
- Learning in a group setting, meeting like-minded climbers.
- More affordable pricing compared to private instruction.
- A structured curriculum covering key trad climbing skills.
If you prefer one-on-one instruction or need flexibility in scheduling, we recommend booking our Advanced Traditional Climbing Course, which offers a more personalized experience.
What skills will I learn in this clinic?
This clinic focuses on advanced trad climbing techniques, including:
- Proper gear placement and evaluation (cams, nuts, hexes)
- Building solid and efficient anchors for multi-pitch climbs
- Belaying from above and rope management techniques
- Efficient route planning and lead strategies
- Self-rescue basics for unexpected situations
By the end of the clinic, you’ll have hands-on experience that will prepare you to lead trad routes confidently and safely.
What gear do I need to bring?
We provide ropes, quickdraws, and anchor-building gear, but you should bring:
- Your own harness, helmet, climbing shoes, and belay device
- Trad protection (cams, nuts, slings, carabiners) if you have them
- Plenty of water and snacks for a full day of climbing
- Approach shoes or sturdy sneakers for hiking to the climbing area
If you don’t have a full trad rack, let us know—we can provide gear or help you learn with what’s available.
How physically demanding is this clinic?
Trad climbing requires good endurance, strength, and mental focus, as you’ll be placing protection while climbing. You should be comfortable climbing 5.8–5.10 routes before joining. However, our instructors will tailor the climbs to the group’s ability level, ensuring a challenging but manageable learning experience.
List of Services
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Clinic Minimum Requirement Clinic requires 3 or more participants to make. If the minimum requirement is not met by 24 hours before the clinic starts, you will be informed of the cancellation and refunded.Clinic Minimum Requirement
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Cancellations Customers may cancel or reschedule their booking for a full refund, in the case of a cancellation, with at least 72 hours' notice before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made within 72 hours of the booking are not eligible for a refund.Cancellations
Customers will be notified to reschedule in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If the customer cannot reschedule, they will be refunded. Contact us by email to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
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List of Services
Available Times: Year Round
Starting Times: 8:15AM
Duration: 5-6 Hours
Age requirements: No age restrictions
