Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing in Tahoe

If you've been climbing in the gym for awhile but you're ready to take your rock climbing to the next level, this is the course for you! Learn the foundational skills you'll need to climb the famous granite rock of Donner Summit and beyond!
Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

We'll cover the following topics and skills:

  • Crag safety and etiquette
  • Climbing Communication: standard climber/belayer commands
  • Rock Climbing movement for outdoor sport and trad climbing, including Crack, Face and Slab climbing techniques
  • Basic Rope Systems including Belaying and Rappelling

  • Max climber to guide ratio: 4:1

    This program requires at least 3 participants to run.

    Here's the schedule for your course:

    • 8:00 am - Meet your guide at the trailhead

    • 8:30 am - We'll spend the full day learning how to rock climb outside!

    • 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
    • 3:00pm - Course ends

    Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

    • Basic Climbing Experience - In a gym and belaying.

    • Basic Rope Skills - It is recommended that you can create the following knots prior to the course:
      • Overhand on a bight
      • Figure 8 on a bight
      • Figure 8 follow through
      • Clove hitch
      • Double Fisherman

    • Basic Fitness - You should be able to spend an active day outside, climbing.

    • AMGA Trained Guide
    • Climbing Gear & Ropes
    • Group Safety Gear: Guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
    • Leave No Trace Materials: wag bag

    • Not Included
      • Meals
      • Transportation
      • Climbing Harness, Shoes, Helmet
      • Guide Gratuities

    The gear list for your program depends on your level of skill, experience, and your goals for the day(s).

    For most programs, including Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing, the Single Pitch Rock Climbing Gear Guide is perfectly suitable.


    Know Before you go

    SKILL LEVELBeginner
    ELEVATION7,000-8,000'
    LocationTahoe - Donner Summit

    Price/Person $250.00
    Private Programs
    Duration: 1 Day
    View Full Itinerary

    PRIVATE PROGRAMS

    • Custom Scheduling: Choose your dates and plan around your availability.
    • Tailored Experiences: Itineraries and objectives are adjusted to suit your goals, experience, and fitness.
    • Cost-Effective for Most Large Groups: Private programs are typically more cost-effective for groups of 3 or more.
    • Flexibility Comes at a Price: For groups of 1-2, private programs are generally more expensive.
    • AIARE Courses: AIARE course pricing is based on a group of 6. Running these as a private program with fewer than 6 participants will increase the per-person cost.

    SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

    • Fixed Dates & Costs: Scheduled programs have set dates, itineraries, objectives, and pricing.
    • Great for Solo or Small Groups: Ideal for individuals or small groups looking to share costs with others.
    • Affordable for 1-2 People: Scheduled programs are typically less expensive for groups of 1-2.
    • Less Flexibility: Dates fill quickly, and group programs require adapting to the skill level and pace of all participants
    • Group Atmosphere: Meet others with similar interests and make some new backcountry buddies!

    Note: Any scheduled program can also be run as a private program with customized dates and rates.

    Both options offer exceptional guiding and experiences. Choose what works best for you!

    Contact us
    Full Itinerary
    Meet at 8AM and spend a full day learning how to rock climb outside!

    We'll cover the following topics and skills:

  • Crag safety and etiquette
  • Climbing Communication: standard climber/belayer commands
  • Rock Climbing movement for outdoor sport and trad climbing, including Crack, Face and Slab climbing techniques
  • Basic Rope Systems including Belaying and Rappelling

  • Max climber to guide ratio: 4:1

    This program requires at least 3 participants to run.

    Here's the schedule for your course:

    • 8:00 am - Meet your guide at the trailhead

    • 8:30 am - We'll spend the full day learning how to rock climb outside!

    • 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
    • 3:00pm - Course ends

    Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

    • Basic Climbing Experience - In a gym and belaying.

    • Basic Rope Skills - It is recommended that you can create the following knots prior to the course:
      • Overhand on a bight
      • Figure 8 on a bight
      • Figure 8 follow through
      • Clove hitch
      • Double Fisherman

    • Basic Fitness - You should be able to spend an active day outside, climbing.

    • AMGA Trained Guide
    • Climbing Gear & Ropes
    • Group Safety Gear: Guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
    • Leave No Trace Materials: wag bag

    • Not Included
      • Meals
      • Transportation
      • Climbing Harness, Shoes, Helmet
      • Guide Gratuities

    The gear list for your program depends on your level of skill, experience, and your goals for the day(s).

    For most programs, including Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing, the Single Pitch Rock Climbing Gear Guide is perfectly suitable.

    Book Now
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    Epic Reviews From Adventurers

    8 reviews
    • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Knowledgeable & experienced - absolutely loved it!

      Absolutely loved working with Blackbird Mountain Guides. Zeb was an awesome guide, knowledgeable and experienced, would highly recommend!

      Belle J.
      Flag of United States
      Rock Climbing in Tahoe - Private
    • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Trad intro and top Rope climb

      My intro to trad climbing was amazing, my guide figured out my level adn picked out some great climbs

      Julio D.
      Verified Buyer
      Rock Climbing in Tahoe - Private
    • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Totally worth it - phenomenal day!

      Okay, that was totally worth it! Phenomenal day. Lots of good reassurance that I'm doing the right thing. Plus many new skills to add to my toolkit. I feel like everyone should do one of these classes every 5 years or something like that. Daryl Teittinen was awesome, a good mix between professionalism, teacher and fun person to hang out with. He is a fantastic teacher. Excellent listener and I had great timing and knowledge went to cut me off and direct me to the more important issues/techniques. I'll go climb the rest of the year and come back again next year for some more education. Thank you!

      Kirk D.
      Flag of United States
      Rock Climbing in Tahoe - Private
    • Rated 5 out of 5 stars
      Awesome, personalized experience

      Great half day with lots of climbing tailored to our levels

      Gillian M.
      Verified Buyer
      Rock Climbing in Tahoe - Private
    Reviews LoadedReviews Added

    the blackbird difference

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    ongoing support

    Got Questions?

    We’re here to help. Our FAQs or Gear Lists might have the information you’re seeking. But If you’re not finding the information you need, we’d be happy to help!