Family Rock Climbing Adventure
Celebrating 26 years of trips, tours, and courses in Durango and the San Juans! Learn to rock climb with Durango’s only comprehensive and most experienced professional climbing school and guide service. Rock climbing in Durango is a great option for anyone looking for some high adventure! No experience is necessary, and we have access to exceptional climbing terrain for people of all ages and ability levels.
A Half or Full Day
Rock climbing is a great family adventure and offers easy logistics and breathtaking photo opportunities.  We offer discounts for families and organized groups of 4 or more, so please call ahead to book your rock climbing trip with us while you’re in Durango! No experience necessary!!
Important Details to Remember!
We offer both half-day and full-day rock climbing trips in Durango, CO. Â Here are a few important details to remember about our trips:
Half day AM trips start at 8:oo, and PM trips start at 1:00
Full Day climbing trips start at 8:30 am
All trips will meet at the climbing area parking lot unless otherwise specified.
Rock Climbing gear is included but you are welcome to bring your own if you have it!
2024 Dates
Offered Daily
April through October
Costs
Half Day
4:1: $119 pp
3:1: $149 pp
2:1: $199 pp
1:1: $329
Full Day
4:1: $189 pp
3:1: $199 pp
2:1: $279 pp
1:1: $399 pp
No Hidden Fees
Includes:
- Guiding and instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
- All rock climbing gear (harness, helmet, rock shoes, etc.)
Beginner & Intermediate Climbing & Rappeling
Perfect for those who possess little or no outdoor climbing experience, as well as those who do. This is a great venue to learn the basics of rock climbing and have a lot of fun in the process. Half day climbs start at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. Full day climbs start at 8:30 am.
Intermediate & Advanced Climbing & Rappeling
The climbs are longer and have a wider array of difficulties, and we even have a few multi-pitch climbs to really give you that airy feeling! Half day climbs start at 8:30 am and 1:00 pm. Full day climbs start at 8:30 am.
Rock Climbing Equipment List
| Backpack | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | The Osprey Mutant 38 represents an excellent all around performer for Ice Climbing trips in the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding San Juan backcountry. |
| Water Bottles | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | We recommend wide mouth Nalgene (or similar) water bottles for the majority of our programs. Two 1 liter bottles is the standard for days in the mountains. |
| Personal Food | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | Lunch begins when breakfast ends and ends when dinner begins. Bring what you like to eat and consider the length, relative difficulty, weight, and other factors when deciding what to bring in the mountains with you. A variety is always best. Don't be afraid of Mr. T. |
| Sunscreen | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | Essential for all of our programs. SPF 30 would be our minimum recommendation. Typically a 4 oz. bottle will suffice but consider trip length when deciding how much to pack. |
| Belay Device | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | A belay device is a required item on any of our technical climbing or mountaineering courses. While not necessary to have the Guide ATC specifically, we think owning one of these offers additional versatility as you progress and gain additional knowledge about the various levels of functionality provided by a device of this type. |
| Harness | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | The BD Aspect Harness is a great all around performer for all types of climbing - ice, rock, alpine etc. The adjustable leg loops and integrated ice clipper loops make this a solid investment as your do-all harness. |
| Locking Carabiners | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | We recommend at minimum 2 - 3 personal locking carabiners on our climbing courses and any technical private guided program. We prefer classic screw gate carabiners over other types of locking mechanisms. |
| Climbing Helmet | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | A versatile, hybrid-shell helmet for lightweight protection in any discipline, the Vector features excellent ventilation and a ratcheting adjuster. |
Training & Follow Up Climbs
As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. A good mixture of cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and especially core strength will help you to maximize the potential rewards that are possible on a great climbing trip.
Specific to Rock Climbing – it is a great idea to experience rock climbing in a gym first prior to your first experience outside!
Before Your Trip
Familiarity with basic climbing principles such as knots, belaying, rappelling, and other climbing techniques can be very helpful for our Intro Course participants. Though not required, prior gym climbing experience will help you to acquire and assimilate the information covered in our rock climbing course progression as quickly as possible.
Follow Up Climbs
Durango, Colorado: Getting Here
Durango is located in the SW corner of Colorado, at the intersection of the sandstone towers of the desert, and the jagged, San Juan Mountains. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip.
The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Durango – La Plata County Airport. Multiple airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. The airport is a 20 minute drive from our office. Many hotels offer a free shuttle pickup. Buckhorn Limousine offers a shuttle as well.
 Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Durango.
- Ouray, CO: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Albuquerque, NM:Â 3.5 hours
- Denver, CO: 6Â hours
Durango has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suite you best for this trip! Below are just a few options catering to different lodging styles and preferences.
Program Policies
Registration & Cancellation
Advance Registration is required for this program. You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.
Inclusions
- Guiding and Instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
- All rock climbing gear (harness, helmet, rock shoes, etc.)
Exclusions
- Transportation to Durango, CO
- Hotel costs before, during, or after the program
- Guide gratuity
- Lunch food or snacks
- Personal hiking/climbing clothing
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
- Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides
Book This Trip!
We Offer Online Registration
- Click on Book This Trip
- Select your Program dates
- Enter your Info and Payment
Or, call 800.642.5389 to register
