Learn How To Crack Climb Efficiently

A rock climber leads a hands crack in Escalante Canyon during a crack climbing course.

A Crack Climbing Course For Rock Climbers

Skyward Mountaineering has been helping rock climbers break through climbing barriers and improve their movement techniques since our founding in 1996. The Crack Climbing clinic is a two-day intensive course based in Grand Junction in the heart of Colorado’s stunning red rock desert. Unlike the crowded crags in Moab, this unique course takes place in the secluded sandstone and granite crack climbing haven of the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Rock climbing is a multi-faceted sport with different techniques required for different rock types and features. Unlike face climbing where climbers grasp holds that protrude from the wall, similarly to how a child would climb a tree or how we grab objects in daily life, crack climbing requires climbers to fill the void and create holds inside the cliff in their absence. Skyward Mountaineering’s Crack Climbing course is specifically developed to teach climbers the incremental steps to successfully and efficiently rock climbing cracks of all sizes, from fingers to splitter hands to off-width and chimneys.

A climber ascends a hand crack in the back of a chimney during a crack climbing course in Escalante Canyon. He is wearing a blue helmet and orange harness with a yellow toprope above.

April 12 - 13, 2025
October 4 - 5, 2025
October 25 - 26, 2025

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Prior outdoor rock climbing experience is necessary. Climbers should be familiar with top rope and lead belaying and able to comfortably follow pitches up to at least 5.9 in difficulty.

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Grand Junction Regional Airport offers convenient daily flights and is central to the base of operations for this program. A personal or rental car is necessary as this program is based in a remote area.

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There are multiple hotels in Grand Junction for varying price ranges. There are also free camping options in Escalante and Unaweep Canyon, where this clinic will occur.

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Climbers are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment. Skyward Mountaineering may assist in supplying technical equipment with advanced notice. Please see recommended equipment list below:

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Includes:

  • 2 days of instructional rock climbing

  • Group climbing equipment (ropes, rock protection and anchor material)

Does Not Include:

  • Additional expenses associated with a change in the itinerary

  • Transportation

  • Lodging

  • Meals

  • Guide gratuity