Rock skills courses
Hands-on training designed to help you gain confidence and master essential techniques under the guidance of certified instructors.
Our Rock Skills classes are designed to help you take your climbing to the next level. Whether you’re transitioning from the gym to outdoor routes, mastering anchor building, or building confidence in lead climbing, each course offers practical, hands-on training. The beautiful granite walls of the Sierra National Forest, just outside Yosemite’s southern entrance, serve as our classroom. Led by certified guides, these sessions focus on essential techniques and safety, equipping you with the skills to climb confidently and competently.
Pricing
$185 per person
2025 dates
Intro to Outdoor Climbing
Anchor Building
Learn to Lead
-
Meet your guide at 7:30 AM at Cloud’s Rest Coffee in Oakhurst, CA. We’ll fuel up for the day, go over a brief orientation, then drive up to the climbing area.
Follow your guide in your own vehicle to the climbing location. The forest roads are well-maintained, and the crags we visit are accessible with a 2WD vehicle. The drive takes about 40 minutes, mostly on paved roads, with a short section of dirt road near the parking area. While a high-clearance vehicle isn’t necessary, it can make for a more comfortable ride.
The wall is about a 15-minute hike from the cars. You'll spend the day climbing, learning new skills, and meeting new climbing partners before finishing up around 5 PM.
-
Travel & Logistics
Your adventure begins in Oakhurst, CA at Cloud’s Rest Coffee where you’ll meet your guide at 7:30AM. Detailed directions will be provided after booking.
Booking
Full payment is required at the time of booking, which includes a $50 deposit per scheduled guide. Please review our cancellation policy before making your reservation.
What to Bring
Sunscreen & Sunglasses
Lunch and Snacks
2-3 liters of water per person.
Warm layer or wind shell
Dress in comfortable, athletic clothing. Sturdy hiking or running shoes are ideal for getting around when you’re not climbing. Check the weather forecast before your trip to make sure you’re prepared. The forcast we use can be found here: Sierra National Forest Weather.
-
Gear
We will provide all necessary climbing gear including a harness, helmet, and climbing shoes. If you have your own, you are welcome to bring it!
Professional WSA Guide
We love to climb, enjoy teaching others, and look forward to sharing time on the rock with you!
-
Water
Please bring at least 2-3 liters of water per person.
Transportation
Personal clothing and footwear
Please bring a pair of shoes suitable to hike in for the approach to the climbing area. Check the local forecast here: Sierra National Forest Weather and bring appropriate clothing. If it's hot, wear comfortable athletic clothing. If there's a breeze, bring an extra layer or a wind shell. The crag sits at around 6,000 feet, where even a slight drop in temperature can feel a bit chilly.
Gratuity for guides
Trip Insurance
Interested in a 1-on-1 or private group class?
No problem! Book a Private Rock Day and let us know which course you’re interested in. We’d be glad to customize the experience to fit your needs.
Sierra Juniper
photos by Jess Cooper, doodles by Keegan Pfeiffer