Beginner Learn to Climb Courses in Red Rock
Overview
Learn to Rock Climb in Red Rock Canyon
Learn to climb in the Red Rock! This climbing mecca is just minutes from downtown Las Vegas. With its warm weather and spectacular sandstone, the Red Rock offers some of the best beginner terrain in the country. The Mountain Guides has nearly 40 years of experience, guiding and instructing climbers in every discipline of rock climbing. Offering courses for the beginner to advanced climber, TMG can also design special programs for corporate groups, schools, or private clubs.
Beginner Course Options
- Introduction to Climbing: for first-timers and gym climbers moving outside — crag risk management, knots, commands and safety checks, top-rope and lead belaying, movement, anchor cleaning and rappelling
- Learn to Top Rope Course: the skills to go top-roping on your own — knots and belay refresh, top-rope anchors, rappelling, movement, and anchor cleaning
Both courses are private and taught in a single day, with the option to add days as you progress toward our Learn to Lead and multi-pitch courses.
Who Red Rock Beginner Climbing Courses Are For
- New climbers interested in climbing for the first time
- Beginner climbers looking for the next step in their climbing progression
- Families, kids, and groups looking for a unique experience visiting Las Vegas
What You'll Learn in a Beginner Climbing Course
- Top rope & lead belaying
- Climbing commands & safety checks
- Climbing movement and footwork techniques
- Anchor building, cleaning, and rappelling
What to Expect in Your Red Rock Climbing Class
- Professional route selection and risk management
- Custom tailored day to your exact goals and objectives
- Instruction in systems, techniques, and efficiency
- Coaching on climbing movement
- A full, rewarding day maximizing your time out
Why Learn to Climb with The Mountain Guides
- AMGA-trained and certified professional guides
- Emphasis on safety, fun, and learning
- Extensive knowledge of Red Rock climbing
- All equipment provided - travel light
Introduction to Climbing
If you have never climbed or are looking to transition from gym to crag, this class is for you. Once you experience life in the vertical world, you will be hooked!
What you'll learn
- General crag risk management
- Knots for climbing
- Climbing commands & safety checks
- Lead & top rope belaying
- Climbing technique & movement skills
- Anchor cleaning & rappelling
Learn to Top Rope Course
Designed to teach you the skills and techniques to go top roping on your own.
What you'll learn
- Refresh basic knots, belaying, & safety checks
- Top rope anchors
- Rappelling
- Climbing technique & movement skills
- Anchor cleaning
# Climbers | $ Per Person | $ Total |
|---|---|---|
1 | $425 | $425 |
2 | $265 | $530 |
3 | $215 | $645 |
4 | $195 | $780 |
5 | $175 | $875 |
6 | $165 | $990 |
Because of scheduling, these classes cannot be booked online. Please click here to inquire about specific dates and pricing for your class.
Please read through our policies by visiting this page.
While Red Rock is located in a desert, depending on the season, we see big variations in temperature. With this in mind it is important to be prepared for a variety of conditions, keeping in mind that in some cases we will be up to 2+ hours from the trailhead.
The Mountain Guides can provide any personal climbing gear (helmet, harness, climbing shoes, belay devices, PAS, etc.) at no additional cost, though if you have your own, you are encouraged to bring it (especially climbing shoes). We will supply all ropes & protection (cams, quickdraws, slings, etc.).
Please contact our office for any gear questions.
Upper Layers
- Synthetic T-shirt or
- Sun Hoody
- Lightweight Wind Shell
- Fleece or lightweight down sweater
- One extra higher weight upper layer or another jacket if November - mid March
Bottom Layers
- Synthetic Climbing Pant
- Long John’s optional December & January
Footwear
- Sticky Rubber Approach Shoes (highly recommended as most approaches involve a lot of slick rock), running shoes or hiking shoes
- Technical Rock Climbing Shoes (comfortable fit for long routes)
- Socks: 1 pair
Backpack
- 15-30 liter capacity
Accessories
- Sun Hat
- Water: 2-3 liters
- Food: Energy bars, fruit, sandwiches, trail mix.
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen / Lip balm
- Bandana
- Headlamp (for long routes)
Considerations
- Warm Weather (April - October): The sun is itense and hydration is vital! Stary hydrating the night before. Consider freezing your water bottles or putting ice in them. Light colored and loose fitting clothes will help keep you cool.
- Cold Weather (November - March): Bring gloves and a warm hat that will fit under your helmet. Bring extra layers like long underwear and a heavier winter jacket to keep warm when the sun ducks behind clouds of dips below the canyon walls.
See more about gear, including recommendations and discounts from our gear partner Black Diamond here.
We typically meet at the Vista Commons shopping plaza in Summerlin, about 25 minutes drive from the Las Vegas Strip. There is a coffee shop, grocery store, gas station, restaurants, and more available at the plaza.
A wide range of lodging options can be found from the hustle and bustle of The Strip, on the edge of town closer to Red Rock in Summerlin, or even camping in the desert 10 minutes outside of town at the Red Rock Canyon Campground. We're happy to send lodging recommendations.
Harry Reid International Airport is about 20 minutes away and provides quick access to Red Rock.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please call our Red Rock office at 702-659-9255 or email redrock@themountainguides.com.
Is Red Rock a State Park or a National Park?
It's neither. It is a National Conservation Area that is operated and administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is the largest administrator of public lands in the western U.S. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is almost 200,000 acres of your public lands.
Do I have to pay a fee to get into Red Rock?
To date, there is only one fee area, the 13 Mile Scenic Drive / Visitor Center. On the days you climb with JHMG, you do not have to pay an entrance fee. Most climbing is accessed via the one-way 13 Mile Scenic Drive. When you return to Red Rock on your own, a day pass is $7, annual pass is $30 and they honor the America the Beautiful Pass ($80).
Does JHMG provide transportation and will you pick us up and drop us off back down on the Strip?
JHMG does not provide transportation. However, for a party of one or two, it is possible to take a cab out to our office (or other west side rendezvous venue) and guide can drive from office out to Red Rock and back to office. Depending on location of your hotel, cab fare could run $30-$50 each way. If you have more than one day to escape the Strip, we highly recommend a rental car.
How far is Red Rock from the Strip?
The entrance/fee booth to the Red Rock 13 Mile Scenic Drive and Visitor Center is a quick 20-30 minute drive from the Neon Jungle.
Is it always hot and sunny in Red Rock?
Definitely not. Red Rock is in the Spring Mountain Range and most of the climbing is located between 4000’-6000’ above sea level (Vegas = 2000’). Temperatures can vary from well below freezing in winter to well above 100(f) degrees in summer. During winter months, it is not uncommon for Red Rock to be covered in a fresh blanket of snow (2”- 8”). Fortunately, most of the snow melts within a few days.