Intro To Multipitch Climbing
Intro To Multipitch Climbing
$249
PER PERSON
4:1
RATIO
Independence in this skill, guaranteed.
upcoming dates
Or call/text us at (916) 299-0711
Learn the skills to put yourself in the wildest positions on Earth!
This course is designed to introduce the skills and concepts required to climb and descend multi-pitch rock climbs. 8 hours of instruction will give you a solid foundation for pursuing this form of climbing and make the next steps clear to you!
Who is this course for?
- You lead climb outdoors and want to learn the next skill set.
- You climb on top rope and want to learn to follow your partners up multi-pitch climbs (note: this course will not teach you lead climbing/belaying skills).
- You climb single-pitch trad and want to take your skills to bigger cliffs.
- You’ve followed some multi-pitch climbs but want to take more ownership of the skills.
- You’ve climbed some multi-pitch with a guide and want to get the skills on your own.
Itinerary
We’ll start off with some discussion about the beauty and challenge of multi-pitch climbing, the added risks, and the importance of careful judgment. We’ll move into some foundational skills such as basic anchor building, belaying a follower, and making a transition. Then we’ll practice these skills with a partner at ground level. Next, we will discuss descending; how to set up rappels, and how to transition between multiple rappels. We’ll wrap up by doing some multi-pitch style scrambles and rappels putting all of the pieces together!
Curriculum
- Additional challenges of multi-pitch climbing
- Basic flow of a multi-pitch climb
- Basic anchor building (two bolts)
- How to belay a follower from above
- Efficient belay transitions
- How to secure yourself to the anchor
- Transitions from climbing up to rappelling down
- Rappelling basics
- Consecutive rappel transitions
- Next steps
What's Included?
- Ropes
- Quickdraws
Any of the following climbing gear if you request it in advance:
- Assisted Braking Belay Devices (GriGri)
- Anchor Material (Slings + Cordelette)
- Harness
- Helmet
- Shoes
What to Bring
- Harness, Helmet, Climbing Shoes
- Quickdraws, locking carabiners, prusik, slings/anchor material, belay device.
- Personal food, water, clothing and backpack for a day outside
*if you don’t have this equipment, just let us know! We got you covered.
Prerequisites
- Climbing for at least 1 year
- Outdoor climbing experience
- Solid top rope belaying skills
Possible Course Locations
SEE DATES & BOOK ↓
$249
PER PERSON
4:1
RATIO
Independence in this skill, guaranteed
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Climbers!
EXCELLENT Based on 58 reviews Posted on Ethan F31 March 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kevin brought me and a buddy out to sport climb for the first time, and it was a great time. He's a great mentor who's friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to answer all your stupid questions. He went above and beyond to be helpful, and offered resources even after our day of climbing. Highly recommend!Posted on Tim Blair30 March 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kevin was an awesome teacher and guide. Classes feel more personal because of the limited number of people. We took the trad class, learned how to place gear effectively, then put it to the test the same day. I felt incredibly safe and confident in my and Kevin’s abilities. Thank you for a great climbing day!Posted on Phoenix Morrow30 March 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome time learning the basics of Trad climbing with Kevin. The small group helped me and my partner feel like we were able to ask all the questions we needed, and we were able to receive constructive feedback. The guides are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.Posted on Melisa Hickman19 March 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vertical Pursuits is AWESOME!! I had a trad lesson with Kevin at Sugarloaf. Kevin was extremely safe, thorough, and encouraging. We had just the right balance of ground school and climbing. Before my day with Kevin I was afraid to try anything harder than a 5.7 crack and he helped me to bust right through that fear with his calm, reassuring guidance. I had the best day with him and I feel totally ready to push through my plateau.Posted on Roseville MTB Dad13 March 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really can't recommend Vertical Pursuits, and Kevin Heinrich in particular as my guide, strongly enough. I'm in my mid-50s, very new to climbing and until quite recently never gave the prospect of entering the vertical world a moment's thought. Not wild about heights, highly risk-averse, etc. I stumbled into it by accident, with my 19-year-old son along for the ride. We found VP via local search and hooked up w/ Kevin for some prelims at Auburn Quarry, School Rock (Donner) and Cosumnes River Gorge. I got my first taste of multipitch at School Rock and was hooked. On relatively short notice, Kevin challenged me to a massive 2-day epic at Red Rock Canyon NV. Without thinking too much about it, I decided to give it a shot not really knowing what I was getting myself into. Day 1 he led me up 5.6 Geronimo in six pitches and we rappelled down (also six pitches) - huge, epic, wildly fun. Day 2 we just went harder and bigger, tackling 5.7 Group Therapy/Tunnel Vision in six pitches with a balls-out walk/scramble off that was almost as hard (and scary) as the climb! Kevin got me up and down safely both days and I had the time of my life. We had a lot of laughs, an epic adventure, and a profoundly positive, life-changing experience for me. Kevin is also a great teacher, coach, and mentor. And an authentic human being (even if he is a vegan!). Engaging, patient, and a good sense of humor. Very good at holding you accountable without being nitpicky or pedantic about it, utterly meticulous with safety procedures but knows when to let things slide a little and when to hold firm with the coaching/corrections. Patience is such a virtue, especially for a guide - working with someone who has vastly inferior skills and knowledge (me), never once did he exhibit the slightest frustration or impatience even at times when it must have been hard not to - particularly during the Tunnel Vision walk-off when I was far slower and more unsure of myself than he. Last but certainly not least - the real deal when it comes to climbing. Exceptionally skilled. I never had a doubt that he knew exactly what he was doing and that I was never at undue risk. It gave me the confidence I needed to keep pushing and do something I never thought I could do. You can't put a price on that. Thanks Kevin - look forward to many more adventures!Posted on Gil Takemori17 February 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fun, educational, nicely curated climbing in one of the premier destinations anywhere. Kevin and Erik are careful guides that ensure that amazing balance of memorable yet comfortable climbs while imparting their decades of experience along the way. You might be able to learn multi pitch techniques from your buddies, but getting trained by these AMGA Certified Guides will make your climbing a whole lot safer and more efficient!Posted on Rebecca Allyn16 February 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I came out from the East Coast not sure what to expect, but knowing I wanted to become a more independent climber and have some fun while my family and friends were stuck in a deep freeze back home. This experience exceeded any expectation I could have had. Kevin is at heart a teacher in addition to being a total adventurer. He's super focused on developing his climbers' competencies versus just hauling them up the mountain. We had the best time I've ever had outdoors - a fabulous mix of long, epic multipitch climbs and shorter routes where we could lead and put all that learning into action. The ground school sessions were invaluable for building real skills. If you're looking to level up your climbing abilities while having an incredible outdoor adventure, I can't recommend this highly enough. Kevin's approach makes you a better, more confident climber - not just someone who got to the top of a mountain.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!