Learn several different ways that you can start rock climbing, along with the associated costs. Areas covered include private and group climbing lessons in an indoor climbing gym, private and group climbing lessons in an outdoor environment, and ways to start rock climbing relatively safely without taking a climbing lesson. Also, learn about the cost of essential climbing gear for the beginner rock climber.
The Cost of a Rock Climbing Lesson
Taking a climbing lesson from a well-versed professional is the safest way to begin rock climbing. The price of a rock climbing lesson depends on its format and its location. The lesson price usually includes all of the necessary climbing equipment, but you don't usually get to keep it. Generally speaking, your first-time climbing lesson options include the following:
- An indoor group climbing lesson, in which you’ll be taught the basics such as tying a figure-8 knot, putting on a climbing harness, and belaying others indoors on top rope safely. Many indoor climbing gyms offer these lessons regularly, some even on a drop-in basis. General price range (GPR): Free to $50 per two- to three-hour course.
- An indoor private climbing lesson, in which you’ll learn the same basics listed above, as well as receiving more individual attention and instruction on rock climbing technique as well. GPR: $40-70 per hour.
- An outdoor group climbing lesson with an AMGA-certified guide service, in which you’ll learn the above safety skills, along with coverage of issues that come up with outdoor climbing. For multiday beginner climbing courses, you’ll learn other skills that might include rappelling, setting up top rope anchors, belaying a leader safely, and more, depending on the guide service and length of course. GPR: $100-200 per day.
- An outdoor private climbing lesson with an AMGA-certified guide service, in which you’ll learn all of the above in a one-on-one setting with a guide. GPR: $300+ per day.
Other Ways to Learn How to Rock Climb
If for some reason the above options don’t appeal to you or don’t work into your schedule or budget, other options for checking out rock climbing for the first time include:
- By far the cheapest way to start rock climbing is to simply go to a climbing gym that offers bouldering. You can usually buy a day pass (GPR: $5-25) and rent a pair of shoes for the day (GPR: $2-10) with no prior climbing experience. Just be aware that this is also the least instructive way to learn how to rock climb, as it will teach you none of the safety skills required for roped climbing, indoors or out. Still, if you’re not sure you even want to invest the time and/or money into a climbing lesson, it might be worth heading to the indoor climbing gym for an hour sometime to see if you might like to learn more.
- You could also consider attending a climbing event, such as the Red Rock Rendezvous. This event, held annually in March by Mountain Gear, offers beginner climbing courses – complete with a gear package and two full-day follow up clinics – as part of the festival ($349 for three days of instruction, plus essential rock climbing gear that you get to keep).
- Finally, if you have a trusted friend who is an experienced climber, you might ask him or her to teach you what they know. Just be sure that this person actually knows what they’re doing – start by accompanying them to the indoor climbing gym to make sure they are accredited to belay there before trusting them with your life.
Essential Beginning Rock Climbing Gear
The first climbing equipment you’ll want to purchase will include a climbing harness, belay device and locking carabiner, climbing shoes, and chalk bag (unless you’re only going to be bouldering, in which case your needs will be different). This sets you up for roped climbing in the indoor climbing gym safely, when coupled with an introductory rock climbing lesson. Look for a climbing gear package deal to get you started (GPR: $120 to $200).
The Cost to Start Rock Climbing Depends on You
The cost of learning how to rock climb depends on how you wish to go about it. Numerous beginning rock climbing lesson options are available, and they range in price from free to $300 or more. Other options include bouldering inside on your own, attending a climbing event that offers beginner climbing lessons, or asking a trusted and experienced friend. Once you’re hooked, purchasing basic rock climbing gear can cost as little as $120.
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