Alpine Rock Camp (4-Day)
Interested in alpine rock routes in the Wasatch, Tetons, Sierras or Wind Rivers? This immersive 4 day camp in UMA’s unparalleled backyard terrain teaches climbers the route-finding, anchor-building, rope management and alpine safety skills necessary for self-guided alpine climbing anywhere. Through a mix of guided climbs and focused instruction in the Wasatch Mountains, you’ll build the awareness, efficiency and decision-making needed for safe and successful alpine adventures. Participants should be fit, possess a desire to learn and have some mountain experience. Alpine climbing proficiency is not a prerequisite; it is an outcome.
Course Dates
- Jul 8-11, 2026 (Wednesday-Saturday)
Over 4 days of outdoor climbing, participants will learn all the skills necessary to climb technical routes in an alpine setting. UMA’s backyard (aka, the Wasatch Mountains) offers unparalleled access to excellent alpine rock. This hands-on, skills-oriented course develops the route-finding, anchor-building, rope management, multi-pitch and alpine safety skills needed for such climbs.
Alpine Rock Camp Curriculum
Day 1: Introduction to Alpine Rock
- Learn climbing knots, communication, belaying and lowering
- Understand how anchors and climbing systems work
- Get coached on rock movement skills
- Learn and practice single-pitch rappels
Day 2: Intro to Running Protection & Multi-Pitch
- Learn to employ running protection and terrain belays for efficient movement on moderate rock
- Clean protection, remove anchors and climb as a team
- Belay a leader and a follower from a ledge
- Manage personal safety and ropes on ledges
- Down-climb with spotting and short-pitch belays
- Descend via pre-rigged, multi-pitch, overhanging rappel
Day 3: Anchors & Protection
- Learn knots and hitches used in anchors
- Evaluate natural features (trees, boulders, flakes, etc.)
- Practice placing stoppers, cams, slings, etc.
- Build and equalize natural-protection anchors
- Learn about improvised anchors and retreating
Day 4: Multi-Pitch Climb
- Put all the skills together on a technical alpine rock route
- Practice unroped up and downhill movement skills
- Learn alpine route-finding and choosing anchor stances
- Increase awareness of alpine climbing hazards and safety
- Route selection will be based on student skills, goals and current conditions
Max Student : Instructor Ratio
3 : 1
Course dates don’t fit your schedule?
Any of our pre-scheduled courses can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.
Course Prerequisites
- Some mountain experience (alpine climbing proficiency is not required) is recommended.
Skill Level
- This is an introductory camp.
This 4-day course takes place in one of Salt Lake City’s local canyons (expect to be in the field for 8 hours each day). Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (2 liters). UMA does not provide transportation.
SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION
The usual meeting time and place are 8 am at the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride lot, but these are subject to change. Exact meeting times and locations will be provided to registered guests before the course date.
GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR
You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Transportation will not be provided.
How To Register
- Register Online
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at [email protected]
UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the course if fewer than 3 participants register.
Alpine Rock Camp EQUIPMENT LIST
- Climbing pants or shorts
- Climbing shirt (collared T-shirt and/or sun hoody recommended)
- Houdini or other windshirt (optional)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket
- Light puffy overcoat or other insulation layer (depending on current weather)
- Sunglasses
- Belay glasses (optional)
- Sunscreen (we recommend putting it on in advance so hands are not greasy)
- 1 to 2 liters of water (water bag recommended for multi-pitch)
- Lunch and quick energy snacks
- Approach shoes (sandals not recommended)
- Rock climbing shoes
- Backpack (25-45 liters)
- Second 15-20 liter hydration pack/backpack for multi-pitch (optional)
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay/rappel device
- Large pear-shaped locking carabiner
- Leather gloves for belay/rappel and climbing on cold days (optional)
- Chalk bag (optional)
- Cleaning tool for multi-pitch traditional climbing (optional)
Please see our Rock Climbing Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.
Recommended Books
Rock Climbing the Wasatch Range by Stuart and Bret Ruckman
A Granite Guide: Ferguson to Lone Peak by Nikki Smith, Andrew Burr and Tyler Philips
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills by The Mountaineers
Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below.
Is this an overnight camp?
The Alpine Rock Camp is a 4-day course without overnight camping.
How tight should my rock shoes fit?
For learning and climbing moderate routes, get a half-size bigger shoe than the sales or rental clerk recommends. Toes do not need to be crushed inside the shoe. Nothing spoils the fun like foot pain!
Should I wear pants or shorts?
Shorts are nicer for warm days, but long pants will protect your legs from abrasive rock. If shorts are preferred, they should be long enough to go under the leg loops of the harness.
Do I need climbing equipment?
UMA provides helmets, harnesses, locking carabiners and belay devices to each participant if they don’t have their own. UMA has a limited selection of rock climbing shoes, but we recommend you rent shoes at a shop to ensure a proper fit. Please sign up for the items you need in your portal. The guides will bring participant equipment as well as all the group climbing gear.
Do I need my own climbing rack?
The guide will have all the necessary gear. If you own a climbing rack (quickdraws, cams and stoppers), personal anchor system or other equipment, we encourage you to bring it so you can learn how to use your gear.
Will I be able to lead?
Yes, but a backup top rope is always included for safety.
How old do I need to be to join Alpine Rock Camp?
Students must be at least 14 years old to join one of our group courses, which are catered to adults. We offer Youth Camps for youth 17 and under, which are split into 3 age groups: Kids Camps (ages 6-8), Tween Camps (ages 9-12) and Teen Camps (ages 13-17).
Where do I meet my guide?
The guide will arrange a specific meeting location and time with you. Most commonly, this location is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot.
