Rock 1 - Intro to Rock Climbing
Rock 1 is designed for those new to technical climbing or those wanting a review. We teach participants how to tie knots, identify handholds and footholds, move comfortably on rock, belay, coil a rope and understand climbing signals. This course will give you a solid foundation to build on for future outdoor rock climbing adventures.
Course Dates
- Apr 18, 2026 (Saturday)
- May 16, 2026 (Saturday)
- Jun 20, 2026 (Saturday)
- Jul 18, 2026 (Saturday)
- Aug 22, 2026 (Saturday)
- Sep 19, 2026 (Saturday)
This is the course to get you started! Instructors will teach you the basics of outdoor rock climbing, from how the gear works to moving on rock. You’ll learn how to fit a harness and helmet, tie in and safely belay, what a top rope system is, clear and safe communication between climber and belayer, the basics of climbing protection, fundamental movement on rock and crag etiquette. In Rock 1, you’ll have the opportunity to practice on multiple climbs of different grades.
Rock 1 Course Objectives
- Learn about rock climbing gear
- Practice tying in with a figure 8 knot
- Understand a top rope system
- Master belaying and lowering a climber
- Practice fundamental efficient movement on real rock
- Practice clear and safe communication between climber and belayer
- Understand crag etiquette
Next Steps in Outdoor Rock Climbing Progression
Once you have completed this course and would like to continue your progression to become an independent climber, consider Rock 2. Learn to build anchors for your own top ropes, place and remove quick draws, practice independent rappelling and the basics of leading outdoors in Rock 2.
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.
This is the course to get you started! Instructors will teach you the basics of outdoor rock climbing, from how the gear works to moving on rock. You’ll learn how to fit a harness and helmet, tie in and safely belay, what a top rope system is, clear and safe communication between climber and belayer, the basics of climbing protection, fundamental movement on rock and crag etiquette. In Rock 1, you’ll have the opportunity to practice on multiple climbs of different grades.
Rock 1 Course Objectives
- Learn about rock climbing gear
- Practice tying in with a figure 8 knot
- Understand a top rope system
- Master belaying and lowering a climber
- Practice fundamental efficient movement on real rock
- Practice clear and safe communication between climber and belayer
- Understand crag etiquette
Next Steps in Outdoor Rock Climbing Progression
Once you have completed this course and would like to continue your progression to become an independent climber, consider Rock 2. Learn to build anchors for your own top ropes, place and remove quick draws, practice independent rappelling and the basics of leading outdoors in Rock 2.
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
- No experience necessary.
Skill Level
- This is an introductory course for beginners or those wanting a review of the basics.
This full-day course takes place in one of Salt Lake City’s local canyons (expect to be in the field for 8 hours). Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters). UMA does not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling to help mitigate traffic in the canyons and crowded parking areas.
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 directly to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.
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 2 participants register.
Rock 1 COURSE EQUIPMENT LIST
- Comfortable and flexible pants or shorts, and a shirt
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket
- Light puffy overcoat and or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- 1 to 2 liters of water (water bag recommended for multi-pitch)
- Lunch and quick energy snacks
- Approach shoes (no sandals)
- Day pack (~25-45 liters)
- Harness
- Belay device
- Helmet
- Rock climbing shoes
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 Guidebooks
Rock Climbing the Wasatch Range by Stuart and Bret Ruckman
Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below.
How tight should my rock shoes fit?
For learning and climbing introductory multi-pitch routes, get a half-size or full-size bigger shoe than the sales or rental clerk recommends. Toes do not need to be bent 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.
Does the course include 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.
How old do I need to be to climb?
Students must be at least 14 years of age to join a group course. For private guiding and instruction, there is no age restriction; even five and six-year-olds seem to enjoy rock climbs with short approaches and lots of holds. Longer approaches and multi-pitch climbing are typically not appropriate for kids under 11.
Where do I meet my guide?
Before the start of the course, your guide/instructor will confirm by email the meeting time and location. Most commonly, this location is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot.
