Crack Climbing Clinic
Crack Climbing Clinic
- Not Scheduled
- $599 per Person
- 5 Climbers per Instructor
Or call/text us at (916) 299-0711
Take your crack climbing to the next level!
This weekend will be jam-packed with crack climbing of all different sizes and configurations. With a 5:1 ratio limit, you will get tons of personalized coaching with plenty of flexibility to meet your individual needs!
We will be camping together, immersing ourselves in the landscape while sharing stories around the fire. Tents, dinner, and refreshments are provided.
While this will be a weekend focused on jamming and trad climbing skills we hope that the beauty of the scenery and time shared with new friends will leave a lasting impression that goes beyond climbing.
Who is this clinic for?
Anyone who wants to improve their crack climbing skills!
Itinerary
Day 0: We highly recommend that you arrive this evening so that you can get a good night’s sleep. You’re welcome to come to join us out at the campsite this night to save yourself the morning drive and get straight into the dirt 🙂
Day 1: We will meet at the crag or leave together from camp with bags already packed for a day of climbing. We’ll head to the wall and discuss some basic jams while setting up a variety of routes. You’ll climb your heart out and be coached on your technique from a nearby fixed-line. As we get tired we’ll discuss some trad gear placements and anchoring considerations. We’ll head to camp before sunset so you’ll have time to settle in before eating dinner and chatting around the fire.
Day 2: We’ll have breakfast in camp before heading to the crag for the day. Those needing to head out that night will need to pack up their belongings. We’ll go to a new crag based on what YOU want to focus on. On this day we will emphasize body positioning while moving up the cracks. There will also be potential for some mock leading and lead climbing at our discretion. As our energy for climbing wanes, we’ll do an introduction to self-rescue and answer any questions you may have. At the end of the day, we’ll exchange contact info before folks head home.
Extra Day!: This is optional and would incur an additional cost but if you’re free after the clinic why not stick around and climb a multi-pitch or get some mentorship on your trad climbing? Contact us after booking to secure this day.
What's Included?
- Campsite and tents to sleep in (including the night before and after clinic days)
- All ropes, cams, and technical equipment
- Non-stop stoke and instruction
- Simple Breakfast of oatmeal, bagels, and coffee
- “Burrito Bar” dinner between clinic dates (usually Saturday night)
- Cooking Supplies if you’d like to make your own breakfast
- Refrigerated Storage for your breakfast and lunch foods
- All photos taken during the trip! Including top-down photos from a fixed line.
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Local travel/car rental
- Lunch food or snacks
- Travel/Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
- Anything on the What to Bring tab
What to Bring
Climbing Gear:
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crack Climbing Shoes (an aggressive shoe will be really painful, contact us with questions!)
- Assisted Braking Belay Device (GriGri, Jul, etc)
- Crack Gloves (or Tape)
- Chalk Bag
- Belay Gloves (optional)
- Backpack (>30 liters)
Camp:
- Sleeping Bag and Pad
- Headlamp
- Toiletries + Medications
- Water Bottle
- Mug/Thermos for Coffee/Tea
Clothes:
- Warm Hat
- Sun Glasses
- Sun Shirt
- Sun Hat
- Thin Pants for climbing
- Solid Shoes for approaches
- Warm Puffy Jacket
- Long Underwear (nights can be cold!)
- Rain Coat
Food:
- Dinner on Saturday will be provided. If you are coming out Friday night or staying Sunday night please bring food.
- Oats, bagels, and coffee will be available but if you’d like to cook yourself something else you’re welcome to use our stoves and cooking supplies.
- Please bring your own lunch food.
Prerequisites
This clinic is for beginner and experienced outdoor crack climbers (up to 5.11) but is not recommended for brand-new climbers.
Here are some prerequisites:
- Top-Roping 5.9 outside or 5.10 in the gym.
- Competent top rope belay skills.
- Fitness for some steep approaches and long days at the crag.
Possible Course Locations
Next Course Details
- Not Scheduled
- $599 per Person
- 4 Students per Instructor
Or call/text us at (916) 299-0711
stoked
Climbers!
EXCELLENT Based on 52 reviews Posted on Jessica Rose4 February 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a rock climbing and yoga retreat in EPC with Erik and it was INCREDIBLE. Great instruction, great climbs, great vibes. I was one of the relatively newer-to-outdoor-climbing folks on the trip, and Erik was both patient and thorough in answering any and all of my questions. He helped build my confidence with lead climbing and lead belaying and I always felt super supported. Can't wait to play rocks with Erik again!Posted on Michael Westbrook2 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Took the SPI course and exam with Kevin. We learned all of the required AMGA stuff and also got a lot of practical insights into the business.Posted on J. C.8 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vertical Pursuits is THE BEST rock climbing guiding service I’ve ever experienced. Erik has been our guide for years and he is reliable, prepared, knowledgeable, ready-for-anything, positive and downright fun. I always feel safe, supported, yet gently challenged with Erik. I always have the best time with Vertical Pursuits. If you’re looking to bridge into outdoor rock climbing or even up your climbing game, then Vertical Pursuits is the choice for you!! I Highly recommend!Posted on Vicky Wyatt3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been on a few climbing trips with Eric between 2023 and 2024 - such an amazing rock climbing guide and all round good human being. I went on a couple of organised group climbs (intro to sport climbing clinic and outdoor climbing day) and a couple of solo guided trips to Moab and Lovers' Leap - these are some of the best things I've ever done! So grateful to Eric and to Vertical pursuits making these climbs accessible for a relative beginner and so encouraging as well as being confident safety is a top priority. Highly, highly recommend and so sad I moved from the US so haven't got climb with Eric for a while.Posted on Andrea Willett3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Taking clinics with Vertical Pursuits was an absolute blast. Erik knows how to get on your level and make the material palpable. He and the staff at Vertical Pursuits are incredibly knowledgeable and hard working people, highly recommend if you are looking to learn more about safely rock climbing or a guiding service.Posted on Zain Memon3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Erik and Kev are unmatched!Posted on Meagen Doucette3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took my spi instructor course with Kevin and couldn’t have asked for more. He was so tuned into what each of us needed and was sure we left with what AMGA curriculum listed AND MORE. He made sure we had enough energy to actually retain the info we learned and left plenty of time to practice real time. As the only female in the group, Kevin made me feel very comfortable and welcome. I would recommend Kevin and vertical pursuits to anyone looking to get SPI certified or guided up something.Posted on Eric R3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took a big wall and aid climbing course with Erik and it was absolutely EXCELLENT! Never thought I could obtain the skills to big wall in the span of two days but the instruction was clear, efficient, and actually practiced during the course. I feel confident enough to get started and can definitely vouch for the instructors. They are extremely good at what they do and it is evident that it comes from a place of passion and love for climbing. Highly recommend anything with Vertical Pursuits!Posted on Justin Nguyen3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kevin is an incredibly knowledgeable instructor, guide, and rock climber. He's so passionate about teaching and helping climbers be safe that he's even been recording webinars and youtube videos for free!! The content on videos is top tier and some of the best on the webPosted on Kyle Moorman3 September 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went from learning trad with them to a year later confidently leading 5.11 on gear - highly recommend