|
Rock Climbing
Nevada
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join Mountain Madness at the West’s best desert rock-climbing area! Red Rocks, located minutes from glitzy Las Vegas, Nevada, offers something for every climber, from challenging sport routes to long, classic multi-pitch traditional climbs like the eleven pitch, 5.6 Solar Slab or the eight pitch, 5.8 Frogland. Few climbing locations offer as much sun and varied climbing as the beautiful canyons found in the Red Rocks National Conservation Area.
We designed our Red Rocks program so you can start at any level, first time beginners, and gym climbers transitioning to the outdoors, as well as those training for more difficult alpine rock routes or ascents of big walls. Participants have an option to car camp, stay in hotels in nearby Las Vegas (about 20 minutes drive!), cook over a stove, or enjoy local restaurants.
|
INTRODUCTION TO ROCK CLIMBING
This class is designed to accommodate first time climbers as well as those with some indoor rock climbing experience. We begin with friction climbing to develop your balance, and then incorporate both face and crack climbing techniques before progressing to more challenging climbs. You will learn safe climbing protocols under the guidance of experienced and supportive instructors.
It is our intent to educate, encourage and enlighten you in the rewards and pure fun of rock climbing. Equipment, belays, anchors, knots, rappelling and lowering are all thoroughly covered. An additional objective of this class is for students to be able to safely evaluate and set up their own top ropes. Our three day immersion course introduces lead climbing.
2011 Course Dates: To be announced
2 Day Cost: To be announced
3 Day Cost: To be announced
Guide to Client Ratio: 4:1
Climbing Grade: Beginner
Included in Cost: All group climbing equipment and professional instruction.
Not Included in Cost: Personal climbing equipment (rock shoes, climbing harness, large locking carabiner), transportation, gratuities for guides, meals, lodging, and personal items.
Course curriculum:
- Selection and use of ropes, knots & harnesses
- Anchor construction, equalization, and evaluation of top-rope, lead climbing and rappel anchors
- Development of face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber, lowering, and rappelling techniques
- Route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing techniques
- Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
 Equipment: You must bring your own rock shoes, climbing harness, and climbing helmet. All ropes, slings, and hardware will be provided. Because there are a wide variety of belay/friction devices available, students are encouraged to bring their own belay/friction device or any other equipment they wish to learn more about.
Course Itinerary:
Day 1: The day begins with an equipment review and a lesson on the essential knot skills required for the day’s climbing. You will also learn proper belaying techniques that will prepare you for actual climbing. Once the basics are covered, you begin climbing. Communication signals and various friction climbing techniques will be covered. After a break, the group will move onto steeper terrain. Top rope set-up, rappelling, and rope management will round out the day’s activities. In the evening, Mountain Madness guides will often head into town for a relaxing meal or prepare their meals at the campground. You are welcome to join them to discuss the day’s lesson or to learn more about Mountain Madness and climbing.
Day 2: The second day will include more climbing and a review of the previous day’s lessons. As the group moves on to steeper and more challenging terrain, you will learn anchor evaluation as well as face and crack climbing techniques. We generally wrap up the course by about 4:00 p.m.
Qualifications: Previous climbing experience is not required. This class is designed to accommodate first time climbers as well as those with some indoor experience. A high degree of strength is not a requirement; with proper guidance almost anyone can enjoy rock climbing on their first outing.
INTRODUCTION TO ROCK - IMMERSION COURSE (3 Days):
This class is a one-day extension to the basic rock course described above. The additional objective of this class is for students to be able to safely evaluate and set up their own top ropes as described above, but also to impart basic knowledge of leading climbing.
2011 Course Dates: To be announced
Cost: To be announced
Student/Instructor Ratio: 4:1
Additional Course Curriculum Includes:
- Anchor construction, equalization, and evaluation of top rope, lead & rappel anchors
- Development of more advanced face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber
- Leading route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing technique
- Hazard assessment; including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
- Selection and use of protection passive and active protection
Day 1-2: Same as Inroduction to Rock outlined above.
Day 3: Today students will get opportunities to practice lead climbing under the protection of a top-rope. Students will have a chance to have their gear placements evaluated and anchors critiqued. In the afternoon, we will continue to apply the skills we have learned throughout the course in the multi-pitch climbing arena. As a beginning lead climber, you will also follow your instructor up increasingly difficult and complex leads to gain an understanding of lead climbing techniques and strategies. We usually wrap up the course by about 4:00 p.m.
TOP
|
|
 INTERMEDIATE ROCK:
LEAD CLIMBING & 1 DAY ROCK RESCUE
In this course, you will learn techniques of multi-pitch climbing, placement of artificial protection, lead climbing, and route finding on longer climbs. After reviewing basic climbing protocols, you will be instructed on the practice and application of lead climbing on both sport and traditionally led climbs. Placing your own protection and belay anchors while under the watchful instruction and belay of expert instructors will give you the confidence and experience required to navigate, travel, and lead in the vertical world. Finally, you will have the opportunity to lead and route find on multi-pitch rock faces.
Guide to Client Ratio: 4:1
Climbing Grade: Intermediate
2011 Course Dates (add one day for rock rescue):
Cost: To be announced
Course Curriculum Includes:
- Selection and use of passive and active protection
- Anchor construction, equalization, and evaluation of top rope, lead & rappel anchors
- Development of more advanced face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber, lowering, and rappelling techniques
- Leading, route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing techniques in an alpine environment
- Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
Cost Includes: All group climbing equipment and instruction.
Cost Does Not Include: Personal climbing equipment (rock shoes, climbing harness, large locking carabiner), transportation, gratuities for guides, meals, lodging, and personal items.
Course Itinerary:
Day 1: We begin this course with a review of basic climbing protocols including essential knots, equipment use, belay technique and signals, climbing technique and style, rappelling, top rope anchoring systems, and rope management skills. We will then practice the fundamental skills of traditional climbing. Other areas to be covered are anchoring systems, equalization techniques, and multi-pitch climbing.
Day 2: Today students get opportunities to practice lead climbing under the protection of a toprope. Students have a chance to have their gear placements evaluated and anchors critiqued. In the afternoon, we will continue to apply the skills we have learned throughout the course in the multi-pitch climbing arena. As a beginning lead climber, you will also follow your instructor up increasingly difficult and complex leads to gain an understanding of lead climbing techniques and strategies. We usually wrap up the course by about 4:00 p.m.
Rock Rescue Extension:
Day 3 (Rescue Immersion):We begin the rescue overview with; belay escape using various systems, ascending ropes with friction hitches, long lowering with two ropes tied together passing a knot. We conclude the day with rappelling safety, passing knots in rappels, and descending with an injured person.
Equipment: You must bring your own rock shoes and climbing harness. All ropes, slings, and hardware will be provided by Mountain Madness. Because there are a wide variety of belay/friction devices available, students are encouraged to bring their own belay/friction device or any other equipment they wish to learn more about.
Qualifications: Previous climbing experience up to 5.8.
RED ROCKS CLIMBING SEMINAR
  Join Mountain Madness at the West’s best desert rock-climbing area! Red Rocks, located minutes from glitzy Las Vegas, Nevada, offers something for every climber, from challenging sport routes to long, classic multi-pitch traditional climbs like the eleven pitch, 5.6 Solar Slab or the eight pitch, 5.8 Frogland. Few climbing locations offer as much sun and varied climbing as the beautiful canyons found in the Red Rocks National Conservation Area.
This course goes one step further than most beginner-intermediate climbing courses. In addition to learning the basics, belaying, rappelling and knots, participants will also have some hands-on experience with placing protection, building anchors, and lead climbing. With a 4:1 client to guide ratio, you’ll receive the personalized instruction needed to prepare you for a grand finale, a multi-pitch route! This course gives students a solid skill base in all aspects of alpine rock climbing and is an excellent way to prepare for alpine climbs in the North Cascades, the Matterhorn, and Carstensz Pyramid.
Guide to Client Ratio: 4:1
Climbing Grade: Beginner
2011 COURSE DATES (5 days):
Cost: To be announced
Custom climbs available too- call for details to design your own desert rock trip!
Download Equipment List
Course curriculum includes:
- Selection and use of ropes, knots & harnesses
- Anchor construction, equalization, and evaluation of top rope, lead & rappel anchors
- Development of more advanced face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber, lowering, and rappelling techniques
- Route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing techniques
- Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
COST INCLUDES: Guiding, instruction, and group climbing equipment
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Transportation (available at additional cost), lodging/camping, food, and all personal climbing and camping equipment.
COURSE ITINERARY
Day 1: Meet Mountain Madness guide at 8:00 am at the Visitor Center. After an orientation and equipment check, you’ll begin the day with a review of essential knot tying skills and proper use of equipment. You will also review proper belay commands and techniques that will prepare you for actual climbing. Once these basics are covered, you begin climbing! Communication signals and various friction, face, and crack climbing techniques will be covered. Top rope set-up, anchors, belaying a lead climber, cleaning protection, rappelling, and rope management will round out the day’s activities. In the evening we camp at a nearby campground.
Day 2: You’ll get an early start and review any skills you feel you need to work on from Day 1, and then you’ll spend the rest of the day putting your skills to work climbing, including doing a multi-pitch climb which will give you a taste of what is to come. In the evening you have the option to enjoy the Las Vegas nightlife.
Day 3: We take it to the next level and climb one of the great moderate multi-pitch climbs that Red Rocks is famous for. We will get an early start to beat the crowds and the heat and ascend the Cat in the Hat, Frog Land, or Solar Slab.
Day 4: We will practice the fundamental skills of traditional climbing. Other areas covered are anchoring systems, and equalization techniques. Students will get opportunities to practice lead climbing under the protection of a top-rope. Students will have a chance to have their gear placements evaluated and anchors critiqued. In the afternoon, we will continue to apply the skills we have learned throughout the course in the multi-pitch climbing arena. As a beginning lead climber, you will also follow your instructor up increasingly difficult and complex leads to gain an understanding of lead climbing techniques and strategies.
Day 5: We get an early start for the last big route of the trip. This route will be the climber’s choice.
There is a fair amount of flexibility regarding which routes you can climb in Red Rocks. The routes you’ll climb will depend on your skills and interests. Your small group will choose from one of the following: Frog Land, Solar Slab, Tunnel Vision, Olive Oil or others.
NOTE ON ITINERARY: In this course, the guides use their experience and knowledge of the area to match student with routes that will appropriately challenge and reward. Guides may select an alternate climb for these reasons. Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
WEATHER: Warm days and cool nights are the norm for Las Vegas in spring and fall.
QUALIFICATIONS: No previous experience required, however this trip is rated as strenuous and we cannot overemphasize the importance of proper physical conditioning. By getting your heart, lungs, and legs in top physical condition, you can focus on learning while enjoying the beautiful sandstone routes of Red Rocks.
top
|
RED ROCKS CUSTOM CLIMBS
 Tie in with Mountain Madness guides on some of the area’s classic crimp fests and long crack climbs. Warm-up on the areas high quality sport or crack climbs before racking up some miles on the areas famous long routes. Options include ascents of the 2,000' Black Velvet Wall on the steep Dream of Wild Turkeys (5.9), the incredibly varied 18 pitch Epinephrine (5.9) or the airy 11 pitch Rainbow Buttress (5.8) in Oak Creek Canyon. If you are looking for something in the 5.5-5.7 range there are numerous climbs available - enough to keep you occupied for days! Please call our office for other suggestions or let us know what you want to climb.
Private/Custom Guiding and Instruction
Maximize your learning, pick your own route, or custom design an itinerary for yourself or a small group of friends or family. Please call for suggestions.
2011 CUSTOM DATES: Please call our office at 800-328-5925
Prices are determined by number of climbers and days.
Custom Guiding and Instruction Prices
|
Client to Guide Ratio Price/Per Person
|
|
1:1 - $350 /day
2:1 - $275 /day
3:1 - $225 /day
4:1 - $200 /day
1:1 - Supercharged day: $400
Porter - $190 /day |
Mountain Madness provides tents, group climbing equipment, and guide. Transportation and food is not included.
Beginner
Open Book Grade II, 5.7
Cat in the Hat: Grade III, 5.6
Advanced Beginner
Cat in the Hat: Grade III, 5.6
Olive Oil: Grade III, 5.7
Tunnel Vision III, 5.7
Intermediate
Dark Shadows II, 5.8
Frog Land: Grade III, 5.8
Crimson Chrysalis: Grade IV, 5.8
Advanced Intermediate
Rainbow Buttress: Grade IV, 5.9
Refried Brains: Grade III, 5.9
Black Orpheus: Grade IV, 5.9+
Advanced
Epinephrine: Grade V, 5.9
Dream of Wild Turkeys: Grade III, 5.10
Triassic Sands: Grade III, 5.10
Eagle Dance: Grade V, 5.10, A1
|
|
ROCK RESCUE COURSE
This class is designed to accommodate climbers with some rock climbing experience. We begin with belay escapes, and then we move into more complex raising and lowering systems. We cover rappelling and ascending to and with victims. Site management will also be a key topic covered. Participants will learn rescue protocols under the guidance of experienced and supportive instructors. It is our intent to educate you to safely execute high angle rescue. Equipment, belays, anchors, knots, rappelling and lowering are all thoroughly covered. The objective of this class is for students to be able to safely perform self rescue in a high angle rock environment.
2011 Course Information:
Dates: To be announced
Cost: To be announced
Included in Cost: All group climbing equipment and professional instruction.
Not Included in Cost: Personal climbing equipment (rock shoes, climbing harness, large locking carabiner), transportation, gratuities for guides, meals, lodging, and personal items.
Qualifications: Previous climbing experience is required. This class is designed to accommodate climbers with some outdoor experience.
Course Curriculum Includes:
- Anchors and belay systems
- Tools: knots, hitches and ratchets
- Ascending a fixed rope
- Belay escapes
- Transitions through all systems
- Improvised carries
- Leader rescue scenarios
Unassisted Victim Systems:
- Raising
- Lowering
- Pre-rigged rappels
- Passing knots
Assisted Victim Systems
- Raising
- Tandem rappelling
- Counterbalance rappelling
- Lowering with a rescuer
Course Itinerary
 Day 1: We begin by reviewing the equipment necessary for self rescue, anchoring and proper knots. Next we begin the rescue overview with; belay escape using various systems, ascending ropes with friction hitches, long lowering with two ropes tied together passing a knot. We conclude the day with rappelling safety, passing knots in rappels, and descending with an injured person.
Day 2:
We go over haul systems and putting it all together in scenarios.
|
top
|
|
|
