Have your best day on rock with our AMGA-trained Tahoe rock climbing guides. Whether it’s smearing and jamming on Donner Summit’s classic Sierra granite or edging and crimping on the volcanic cliffs of Big Chief, you and your crew will get a personalized climbing experience on our favorite rock climbs in the Sierra Nevada.
Rock Climbing in Tahoe - Private
Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear
Whether you’re brand new to rock climbing or a Yosemite veteran, our guides will design an adventure that matches your goals and experience. From climbing your first multi-pitch crack, building skills on a Lake Tahoe rock climbing course, or having a blast with climbing with friends, we'll build you a perfect day on rock.
With private guided climbing in Tahoe, you decide the focus:
- Learn the fundamentals in a “Learn to Rock Climb in Lake Tahoe” course
- Take your skills further in an advanced climbing course
- Tackle classic multi-pitch routes with a professional guide
- Or enjoy a fun day of top-roping with friends and family
Our AMGA-trained climbing guides know Donner Summit’s legendary granite and Big Chief’s volcanic cliffs inside and out. From dialing in movement on iconic Sierra rock to building technical and rescue skills, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable climbing adventure in one of the most stunning settings in California.
Climbing Options Can Include:
- Family Rock Climbing
- Hard Multi-Pitch Trad Climbing
- Sport Climbing
- Single Pitch Trad Climbing
Rock Climbing Courses Can Include:
- Knots
- Traditional Anchors
- Multipitch Efficiency
- Rappelling and Lowering
- Belaying
- Rock Rescue
- Rope Ascension
- Rock Movement
Pricing:
- 1 Person: $645 Full Day ($645/person) // $445 Half Day($445/person)
- Group of 2: $790 Full Day ($395/person) // $490 Half Day ($245/person)
- Group of 3: $885 Full Day ($295/person) // $585 Half Day ($195/person)
- Group of 4: $980 Full Day ($245/person) // $700 Half Day ($175/person)
- Group of 5: $1,125 Full Day ($225/person) // $725 Half Day ($145/person)
- Group of 6: $1,350 Full Day ($225/person) // $870 Half Day($145/person)
Tahoe Rock Climbing Resources
- Looking for beginner rock climbing in Tahoe? Best Spots for Beginner Rock Climbing in Tahoe.
- Already a 5.9 Rock Climber? Our Tahoe Climbing Guide is a hit: The 5 Best Rock Climbs in Tahoe Under 5.9.
- Want to see all Rock Climbing Courses in Tahoe? Tahoe Rock Climbing Trips.
- Confused about Rock Climbing Grades? Complete Guide to Rock Climbing Grades (Yosemite Decimal System).
- Looking for Lover's Leap Rock Climbing Grades? Private Lover's Leap Rock Climbing.
Book a Full or Half Day, then let us know how you want us to shape your day.
Tell us what type of climbs you like, your ability level or specific climbs that you love and our Tahoe rock climbing guides will tailor your itinerary to make a perfect day of climbing. If you’re looking to build specific skills, you can let us know what scenarios you’d like to train for or what techniques you’d like to improve.
Good examples are:
- Learn to rock climb Lake Tahoe
- Beginner rock climbing course in Tahoe
- Rock Rescue Course in Tahoe
- Trad Climbing in Tahoe (Traditional Climbing techniques like placing gear)
- Crack Climbing Techniques
- Sport climbing techniques
- Anchor building
- Multi-pitch Rock climbing systems and efficiency
- I want to climb One Hand Clapping on Donner Summit
Full Days are flexible. Generally we start summer programs at 8am, but that can be discussed with your guide and altered based on your schedule and the weather forecast.
Half Days run from 9am-1pm or 1-5pm.
Below is a sample itinerary for a full day of guided rock climbing in Tahoe on Donner Summit :
- 8:00am - Meet your Guide & Review the Plan for the Day. After a quick discussion of weather, review of objectives for the day and a quick gear check, you’ll approach the climb with your guide. You’ll do a quick review of basic safety skills, like commands and belaying, then gear up to climb.
- 8:30am - Rock Climbing. Based on your ability level and objectives, your rock climbing guide will pick routes and either lead or set up top ropes on the climbs. You’ll climb various routes until you’re tired or you want to move to a different crag. It’s easy to snack and drink water between climbs and we can plan in a lunch break if desired.
- 4:00pm - Program Close. When we’ve had our fill of climbing for the day, we’ll coil the ropes and return to the trailhead.
Sample itinerary for a full day Rock Climbing Course in Tahoe:
- 8:00am - Meet your Guide & Review the Plan for the Day. After a quick discussion of weather, you’ll review the skills you’d like to cover and do a quick gear check. Hike to the skills venue with your guide.
- 8:30am - Basic Skills Progression. You’ll review the knots and gear you’ll need for the skills you want to build. This may be prusiks, slings, cordelettes, belay devices and camming devices. Knots might include the overhand and figure 8 family, various hitches like clove hitches, munter hitches, and girth hitches, as well as friction hitches, like prusiks, autoblocks and kleimheist hitches.
- 10:30am - Advanced Skills Progression. After establishing a solid foundation of basic knots and hitches, we’ll work into more advanced techniques such as mechanical advantage systems, escaping belays, lowers, rappel systems and more. We’ll find a good time to stop for food and water as we discuss scenarios and systems.
- 4:00pm - Program Close. We’ll wrap up our training day with a recap of what we covered and what applications we have for the skills we’ve built. We’ll also discuss what the limitations of our training are and identify areas where we might need more practice. We’ll aim to be out of the field at the trailhead at 4:00 pm.
This program is for all ability levels!
As a private program, our Tahoe rock climbing guides are happy to meet you and your group where you’re at with skills and fitness. From first time rock climbers to 5.11 trad leaders, our expert rock guides are ready to build you a perfect day on rock! Reach out and let us know the ability level of your group and what you’re looking for as soon as you can in advance of your course and we’ll tailor the day to suit.Here's what's included with your Rock Climbing Course in Lake Tahoe
Included
- Experienced, AMGA-Trained Tahoe Rock Climbing Guide
- Ropes and group gear for climbing and/or training
- Group safety gear / first aid kit
- Wag bags for human waste disposal (We'll use nearby bathrooms when available) but in field locations we'll pack out or dispose of human waste in compliance with 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
- Food for the day
- Personal Climbing Gear (Rock Climbing Shoes, Harness, Helmet)
- Rent from Blackbird - Your guide will bring your gear to the field!
- Guide Gratuities
As a Private Rock Climbing Course in Tahoe, the required gear depends on what your objectives are.
Here are our tried and true gear lists for Rock Climbing Courses in Tahoe:
- Single Pitch Rock Climbing Gear Guide This gear list is suitable for most single pitch rock climbing programs at Donner Summit and Big Chief areas. These days are focused on fun climbing and movement skills.
- Multi Pitch Rock Climbing Gear Guide This gear list is for climbs that ascend multipitch rock routes (Black Wall, School Rock, etc).
- Rock Rescue Skills Gear Guide This gear list is for technical rescue programs that require extensive gear beyond personal climbing gear. Your guide can supply the gear for use during the course, but it can be nice to practice with your own gear.
Please arrive to your program prepared with your own personal climbing gear or rent from Blackbird! If you rent from Blackbird, your guide will bring your gear to the venue and return it at the end of the day.
Blackbird Mountain Guides supplies all group gear required for rock climbing courses in Tahoe. This includes: Ropes, Rock Protection (cams, stoppers, etc), draws, slings, anchor materials and rescue gear.
If you need to buy gear, we recommend our friends at Tahoe Sports Hub.
Know Before you go
Price/Person
$645.00
Private Programs
Duration: Full or Half 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!
Full Itinerary
Book a Full or Half Day, then let us know how you want us to shape your day.
Tell us what type of climbs you like, your ability level or specific climbs that you love and our Tahoe rock climbing guides will tailor your itinerary to make a perfect day of climbing. If you’re looking to build specific skills, you can let us know what scenarios you’d like to train for or what techniques you’d like to improve.
Good examples are:
- Learn to rock climb Lake Tahoe
- Beginner rock climbing course in Tahoe
- Rock Rescue Course in Tahoe
- Trad Climbing in Tahoe (Traditional Climbing techniques like placing gear)
- Crack Climbing Techniques
- Sport climbing techniques
- Anchor building
- Multi-pitch Rock climbing systems and efficiency
- I want to climb One Hand Clapping on Donner Summit
Full Days are flexible. Generally we start summer programs at 8am, but that can be discussed with your guide and altered based on your schedule and the weather forecast.
Half Days run from 9am-1pm or 1-5pm.
Below is a sample itinerary for a full day of guided rock climbing in Tahoe on Donner Summit :
- 8:00am - Meet your Guide & Review the Plan for the Day. After a quick discussion of weather, review of objectives for the day and a quick gear check, you’ll approach the climb with your guide. You’ll do a quick review of basic safety skills, like commands and belaying, then gear up to climb.
- 8:30am - Rock Climbing. Based on your ability level and objectives, your rock climbing guide will pick routes and either lead or set up top ropes on the climbs. You’ll climb various routes until you’re tired or you want to move to a different crag. It’s easy to snack and drink water between climbs and we can plan in a lunch break if desired.
- 4:00pm - Program Close. When we’ve had our fill of climbing for the day, we’ll coil the ropes and return to the trailhead.
Sample itinerary for a full day Rock Climbing Course in Tahoe:
- 8:00am - Meet your Guide & Review the Plan for the Day. After a quick discussion of weather, you’ll review the skills you’d like to cover and do a quick gear check. Hike to the skills venue with your guide.
- 8:30am - Basic Skills Progression. You’ll review the knots and gear you’ll need for the skills you want to build. This may be prusiks, slings, cordelettes, belay devices and camming devices. Knots might include the overhand and figure 8 family, various hitches like clove hitches, munter hitches, and girth hitches, as well as friction hitches, like prusiks, autoblocks and kleimheist hitches.
- 10:30am - Advanced Skills Progression. After establishing a solid foundation of basic knots and hitches, we’ll work into more advanced techniques such as mechanical advantage systems, escaping belays, lowers, rappel systems and more. We’ll find a good time to stop for food and water as we discuss scenarios and systems.
- 4:00pm - Program Close. We’ll wrap up our training day with a recap of what we covered and what applications we have for the skills we’ve built. We’ll also discuss what the limitations of our training are and identify areas where we might need more practice. We’ll aim to be out of the field at the trailhead at 4:00 pm.
Whether you’re brand new to rock climbing or a Yosemite veteran, our guides will design an adventure that matches your goals and experience. From climbing your first multi-pitch crack, building skills on a Lake Tahoe rock climbing course, or having a blast with climbing with friends, we'll build you a perfect day on rock.
With private guided climbing in Tahoe, you decide the focus:
- Learn the fundamentals in a “Learn to Rock Climb in Lake Tahoe” course
- Take your skills further in an advanced climbing course
- Tackle classic multi-pitch routes with a professional guide
- Or enjoy a fun day of top-roping with friends and family
Our AMGA-trained climbing guides know Donner Summit’s legendary granite and Big Chief’s volcanic cliffs inside and out. From dialing in movement on iconic Sierra rock to building technical and rescue skills, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable climbing adventure in one of the most stunning settings in California.
Climbing Options Can Include:
- Family Rock Climbing
- Hard Multi-Pitch Trad Climbing
- Sport Climbing
- Single Pitch Trad Climbing
Rock Climbing Courses Can Include:
- Knots
- Traditional Anchors
- Multipitch Efficiency
- Rappelling and Lowering
- Belaying
- Rock Rescue
- Rope Ascension
- Rock Movement
Pricing:
- 1 Person: $645 Full Day ($645/person) // $445 Half Day($445/person)
- Group of 2: $790 Full Day ($395/person) // $490 Half Day ($245/person)
- Group of 3: $885 Full Day ($295/person) // $585 Half Day ($195/person)
- Group of 4: $980 Full Day ($245/person) // $700 Half Day ($175/person)
- Group of 5: $1,125 Full Day ($225/person) // $725 Half Day ($145/person)
- Group of 6: $1,350 Full Day ($225/person) // $870 Half Day($145/person)
Tahoe Rock Climbing Resources
- Looking for beginner rock climbing in Tahoe? Best Spots for Beginner Rock Climbing in Tahoe.
- Already a 5.9 Rock Climber? Our Tahoe Climbing Guide is a hit: The 5 Best Rock Climbs in Tahoe Under 5.9.
- Want to see all Rock Climbing Courses in Tahoe? Tahoe Rock Climbing Trips.
- Confused about Rock Climbing Grades? Complete Guide to Rock Climbing Grades (Yosemite Decimal System).
- Looking for Lover's Leap Rock Climbing Grades? Private Lover's Leap Rock Climbing.
Book a Full or Half Day, then let us know how you want us to shape your day.
Tell us what type of climbs you like, your ability level or specific climbs that you love and our Tahoe rock climbing guides will tailor your itinerary to make a perfect day of climbing. If you’re looking to build specific skills, you can let us know what scenarios you’d like to train for or what techniques you’d like to improve.
Good examples are:
- Learn to rock climb Lake Tahoe
- Beginner rock climbing course in Tahoe
- Rock Rescue Course in Tahoe
- Trad Climbing in Tahoe (Traditional Climbing techniques like placing gear)
- Crack Climbing Techniques
- Sport climbing techniques
- Anchor building
- Multi-pitch Rock climbing systems and efficiency
- I want to climb One Hand Clapping on Donner Summit
Full Days are flexible. Generally we start summer programs at 8am, but that can be discussed with your guide and altered based on your schedule and the weather forecast.
Half Days run from 9am-1pm or 1-5pm.
Below is a sample itinerary for a full day of guided rock climbing in Tahoe on Donner Summit :
- 8:00am - Meet your Guide & Review the Plan for the Day. After a quick discussion of weather, review of objectives for the day and a quick gear check, you’ll approach the climb with your guide. You’ll do a quick review of basic safety skills, like commands and belaying, then gear up to climb.
- 8:30am - Rock Climbing. Based on your ability level and objectives, your rock climbing guide will pick routes and either lead or set up top ropes on the climbs. You’ll climb various routes until you’re tired or you want to move to a different crag. It’s easy to snack and drink water between climbs and we can plan in a lunch break if desired.
- 4:00pm - Program Close. When we’ve had our fill of climbing for the day, we’ll coil the ropes and return to the trailhead.
Sample itinerary for a full day Rock Climbing Course in Tahoe:
- 8:00am - Meet your Guide & Review the Plan for the Day. After a quick discussion of weather, you’ll review the skills you’d like to cover and do a quick gear check. Hike to the skills venue with your guide.
- 8:30am - Basic Skills Progression. You’ll review the knots and gear you’ll need for the skills you want to build. This may be prusiks, slings, cordelettes, belay devices and camming devices. Knots might include the overhand and figure 8 family, various hitches like clove hitches, munter hitches, and girth hitches, as well as friction hitches, like prusiks, autoblocks and kleimheist hitches.
- 10:30am - Advanced Skills Progression. After establishing a solid foundation of basic knots and hitches, we’ll work into more advanced techniques such as mechanical advantage systems, escaping belays, lowers, rappel systems and more. We’ll find a good time to stop for food and water as we discuss scenarios and systems.
- 4:00pm - Program Close. We’ll wrap up our training day with a recap of what we covered and what applications we have for the skills we’ve built. We’ll also discuss what the limitations of our training are and identify areas where we might need more practice. We’ll aim to be out of the field at the trailhead at 4:00 pm.
This program is for all ability levels!
As a private program, our Tahoe rock climbing guides are happy to meet you and your group where you’re at with skills and fitness. From first time rock climbers to 5.11 trad leaders, our expert rock guides are ready to build you a perfect day on rock! Reach out and let us know the ability level of your group and what you’re looking for as soon as you can in advance of your course and we’ll tailor the day to suit.Here's what's included with your Rock Climbing Course in Lake Tahoe
Included
- Experienced, AMGA-Trained Tahoe Rock Climbing Guide
- Ropes and group gear for climbing and/or training
- Group safety gear / first aid kit
- Wag bags for human waste disposal (We'll use nearby bathrooms when available) but in field locations we'll pack out or dispose of human waste in compliance with 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
- Food for the day
- Personal Climbing Gear (Rock Climbing Shoes, Harness, Helmet)
- Rent from Blackbird - Your guide will bring your gear to the field!
- Guide Gratuities
As a Private Rock Climbing Course in Tahoe, the required gear depends on what your objectives are.
Here are our tried and true gear lists for Rock Climbing Courses in Tahoe:
- Single Pitch Rock Climbing Gear Guide This gear list is suitable for most single pitch rock climbing programs at Donner Summit and Big Chief areas. These days are focused on fun climbing and movement skills.
- Multi Pitch Rock Climbing Gear Guide This gear list is for climbs that ascend multipitch rock routes (Black Wall, School Rock, etc).
- Rock Rescue Skills Gear Guide This gear list is for technical rescue programs that require extensive gear beyond personal climbing gear. Your guide can supply the gear for use during the course, but it can be nice to practice with your own gear.
Please arrive to your program prepared with your own personal climbing gear or rent from Blackbird! If you rent from Blackbird, your guide will bring your gear to the venue and return it at the end of the day.
Blackbird Mountain Guides supplies all group gear required for rock climbing courses in Tahoe. This includes: Ropes, Rock Protection (cams, stoppers, etc), draws, slings, anchor materials and rescue gear.
If you need to buy gear, we recommend our friends at Tahoe Sports Hub.
Rock climbing Tahoe on Donner summit with a Tahoe Rock climbing guide
climbing granite with a Tahoe rock climbing guide on Donner Summit
A Tahoe Rock climbing Guide on a rock climb at Donner Summit
Rock climbing with a guide in Yosemite national park. Donner Summit Rock climbing is great prep for Yosemite.
Granite cliffs at Donner Summit are the perfect place to climb with a Tahoe rock climbing guide
A Tahoe Rock climbing guide on Granite crack climbing at Donner Summit in Lake Tahoe
Epic Reviews From Adventurers
8 reviews
- Rated 5 out of 5 starsKnowledgeable & experienced - absolutely loved it!
Absolutely loved working with Blackbird Mountain Guides. Zeb was an awesome guide, knowledgeable and experienced, would highly recommend!
Belle J. - Rated 5 out of 5 starsTrad 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 - Rated 5 out of 5 starsTotally 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. - Rated 5 out of 5 starsAwesome, personalized experience
Great half day with lots of climbing tailored to our levels
Gillian M.Verified Buyer
the blackbird difference
Innovative courses
Professional Guides
Positive Progression
Community Focused
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!