Rock-About Climbing Adventures
Traditional Rock Climbing Course
See our 550+ reviews on
Tripadvisor
2025 Travelers' Choice
Experienced Guides
AMGA-Certified
Gear Included
Ready for Adventure
OVERVIEW
Highlights
FAQ
Policies
Take your climbing skills to the next level with our Traditional (Trad) Rock Climbing Course, designed for climbers ready to embrace the purest form of outdoor climbing. Whether you’re an experienced top-roper or lead climber looking to expand your skill set, this comprehensive course will equip you with the techniques needed to safely and confidently climb using removable protection.
Guided by AMGA-certified instructors, you'll receive hands-on instruction at the world-class climbing destination, Enchanted Rock, where you'll develop the confidence and knowledge needed to climb safely in any trad area around the world. Our expert guides will teach you to place passive and active protection, build bomber anchors, and execute efficient rappels—all while learning to navigate the unique challenges that come with traditional climbing.
Trad climbing is more than just a sport; it’s about self-reliance, problem-solving, and adventure. Whether you're looking to transition from sport climbing or deepen your climbing experience, this course offers an immersive and rewarding way to gain the skills necessary to explore trad climbing destinations with confidence.
This two-day course option allows for additional practice in anchor construction, gear placement, and crack climbing techniques, helping you refine your abilities and feel fully prepared to tackle multi-pitch trad routes in the future.
We focus on the following in this course:
- Knots and hitches used in climbing
- Proper placement of gear, Passive and Active gear placements
- Anchors for trad climbing
- Leading trad climbing routes
- Rappelling
- And More
- Second day option, includes practicing anchor construction and gear placement and learning crack climbing
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.
- Comprehensive Trad Climbing Skills: Learn essential trad techniques, including knot tying, gear placements, anchor building, and safe rappelling practices.
- Expert Instruction: Receive personalized guidance from AMGA-certified guides with years of experience teaching trad climbing in challenging outdoor environments.
- Train at World-Class Locations: Experience the thrill of learning and climbing at Enchanted Rock, one of Texas’ premier trad climbing destinations.
- All Gear Provided: We supply all necessary trad climbing equipment—including cams, nuts, and slings—so you can focus on learning without worrying about gear, in addition to the normal helmets, climbing shoes, harnesses, and ropes.
What experience do I need before taking this Trad Climbing Course?
Since trad climbing requires more technical skills than sport climbing, we recommend participants have prior experience with top-rope climbing and basic lead climbing. If you are new to outdoor climbing, we suggest starting with our Beginner or Lead Climbing Course before moving on to trad climbing.
What will I learn in this course?
This course is designed to teach essential trad climbing skills, including:
- Placing and assessing trad protection (cams, nuts, hexes)
- Anchor building for single and multi-pitch routes
- Rappelling and route cleaning techniques
- Lead climbing strategies for trad routes
- Risk management and safety protocols
By the end of the course, you’ll have hands-on experience and the confidence to start leading your own trad climbs safely.
How physically demanding is trad climbing?
Trad climbing can be more physically and mentally challenging than sport climbing since it requires gear placement while climbing. However, our guides will tailor the course to your ability level and ensure a comfortable pace. If you can confidently top-rope or sport climb outdoors, you should be well-prepared for this course.
Do I need my own trad gear for the course?
No, we provide all necessary trad climbing gear, including cams, nuts, slings, and carabiners. If you have your own gear, you are welcome to bring it, and our guides will check it for safety and proper use. You should bring your own climbing shoes, helmet, harness, and belay device, or let us know if you need rentals.
Will I be able to lead trad climbs on my own after this course?
By the end of this course, you will have practiced placing gear, building anchors, and leading a trad route under the guidance of our expert instructors. While some climbers feel ready to start leading on their own, we always recommend gaining additional experience with an experienced partner before attempting difficult or multi-pitch trad climbs independently.
STARTING AT
Available Times: Year Round
Starting Times: 8:15AM
Duration: Varies
Age requirements: No Age Restriction
