Multipitch Climb
quick details
- 1-3 People
- Typically 8 Hours
- Moderate to Difficult
- Starting at $250/Person
Or call/text us at (916) 299-0711
Get way off "the deck" on an epic adventure
If you’ve already experienced climbing in a single-pitch setting, you are ready to take things to new heights, literally!
You can follow us up awesome cliffs and get into some truly epic positions. Let’s climb a mega-classic or get off the beaten path on a hidden gem!
Vertical Pursuits offers multipitch climbing trips at many of our locations; including Lover’s Leap, Donner Summit, Calaveras Dome, Pine Creek Canyon, Cosumnes River Gorge, El Potrero Chico Mexico, and Moab, Utah.
Lover's Leap
Lover’s Leap is a climber’s paradise with towering granite walls reaching up to 600 feet, crisscrossed with cracks and horizontal dikes that make for moderate yet thrilling multi-pitch routes. With over 250 routes ranging from easy traverses to challenging four-pitch climbs, there’s something for every climber. Though popular, Lover’s Leap has hidden gems that ensure you’ll find solitude if you venture off the beaten path. Just a short and easy hike from the parking lot, it’s one of California’s most accessible and diverse climbing spots.
Classic Routes:
- Bears Reach (5.7), East Wall
- East Cracks (5.7), East Wall
- Corrugation Corner (5.7), Main Wall
- Surrealistic Pillar (5.7), Lower Buttress
- Haystack (5.8), East Wall
- The Line (5.9), East Wall
- Traveler Buttress (5.9), Main Wall
- Hospital Corner (5.10a), Main Wall
Sample Itinerary:
8:00-8:15 Meet your guide at the Lover’s Leap Campground, discuss the day’s plan, and do a gear check.
8:15-8:30 Hike to the wall.
8:30-9:00 Get an introduction to the new skills you will need to multipitch climb.
9:00-3:30 Climb your heart out! You will likely do multiple routes or perhaps some single-pitch climbing or instruction after your multipitch.
3:30-4:00 Pack up shop and head back to the vehicles.
(Half-Day trips will be similar but you’ll probably only climb one multipitch.)
Pricing:
Half Day
1 Person | $250
2 People | $175/person
3 People | $135/person
Full Day
1 Person | $400
2 People | $250/person
3 People | $200/person
Calaveras Dome
Calaveras Dome is a hidden gem in the Sierra backcountry, offering climbers an unforgettable experience on nearly 2,000 feet of perfect granite. With routes ranging from single-pitch challenges to classic multipitch adventures to epic big wall aid climbs, there’s something for every climber. The area boasts striking splitter cracks, smooth slabs with ample knobs, and dikes that stretch for hundreds of feet. Despite its grandeur, Calaveras Dome remains off the beaten path, with secluded camping nearby, providing a serene escape reminiscent of Yosemite in the 1960s.
Classic Routes:
- Wings and Stings (5.7), Hammer Dome
- Gemini Cracks (5.8), Hammer Dome
- Sands of Time (5.9), Calaveras Dome
- Wall of the Worlds (5.10c), Calaveras Dome
Sample Itinerary:
8:00-8:15 Meet your guide at the trailhead, discuss the day’s plan, and do a gear check.
8:15-8:45 Hike to the wall.
8:45-9:00 Get an introduction to the new skills you will need to multipitch climb.
9:00-3:30 Climb your heart out! You will likely do multiple routes or perhaps some single-pitch climbing or instruction after your multipitch.
3:30-4:00 Pack up shop and head back to the vehicles.
Pricing:
Full Day Only
1 Person | $450
2 People | $275/person
El Potrero Chico, Mexico
El Potrero Chico is a sport-climbing haven, featuring limestone routes that stretch up to 20 pitches. Just a short walk from local accommodations, this destination offers an incredible variety of bolted climbs in a stunning Chihuahuan desert setting. With classic routes that can fill a week or more of climbing, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking adventure and beautiful scenery. After your climb, the nearby town of Hidalgo offers a local market and cozy cafes to unwind in, adding to the charm of this unique climbing destination.
Classic Routes:
- Will the Wolf Survive? (5.10a)
- Treasure of the Sierra Madre (5.10c)
- Snott Girlz (5.10+)
- Space Boys (5.10d)
- Pitch Black (5.10d)
- Off the Couch (5.10d)
Sample Itinerary:
Most folks will want to book multiple days of climbing over a longer trip down to Mexico. Reach out to us and we’ll be able to give you the skinny on getting down there, finding lodging, etc.
Other Locations
We’ve got a bunch of other awesome locations to multipitch climb! Everything from massive overnight Big Wall climbs to perfect routes for a first time climber. Hit us up and we can pick the right place to adventure for the time of year, your experience level, and what you’re looking for.
Locations:
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is multi-pitch climbing?
Unlike single-pitch climbing which takes place on the ground, multipitch climbing ascends a large cliff face in multiple segments or “pitches”. Your guide will climb first and then belay you up to them, rinse and repeat and you can climb huge cliffs! To descend, you either hike off the top of the cliff or rappel. This is such a fulfilling experience and we hope you’ll join us!
Who is this multi-pitch climbing experience ideal for?
Anyone with some climbing experience and a thirst for adventure will have a great time on a multi-pitch climb. We usually do not recommend that first-time climbers begin on a multi-pitch but with our variety of locations and expert guides we can accommodate an adventurous first-timer! Unsure if it’s right for you? Just reach out!
What safety standards do you have?
Our guides are trained and certified by the internationally recognized American Mountain Guides Association and operate within their industry-recommended Scope of Practice. They hold wilderness medical certifications and emergency communication devices.
That’s a lot of jargon. The bottom line is that our guides have been working professionally for over a decade each, have done thousands of days on the rock with people like you without incident, and have all the applicable industry training.
Climbing is inherently dangerous.
I do not have a harness or helmet. Do you have this available to rent?
No worries, we have everything for you! Be sure to let us know as soon as you book what equipment you will want to borrow from us so that we are sure we have it for your trip. We currently lend equipment at no charge!
Do I need to bring a lunch?
Yes! You will want to bring a simple sack lunch and water for your day. Easily packable items like a sandwich, energy bars, trail mix, etc. are recommended.
How does cancellation or rescheduling work?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for details.
Quick Details
- 1-3 People
- Typically 8 Hours
- Moderate to Difficult
- Starting at $250/Person
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