Rock Climbing
No gear and no experience are required. Come and let our instructors introduce you to the exciting world of climbing. We aim to be an easy entry point for rock climbing. We provide the basic equipment at no extra charge.
All climbers must fill out a Rock Wall Waiver. Climbers under 18 must have a legal guardian sign their waiver.
For open climbing times on the Apex Center indoor rock wall, please visit the Apex Center page.
Private Lessons
Register for Private Rock Climbing Lessons
Lessons are designed to give you a fun and structured approach to rock climbing. An experienced instructor works with you to create a plan with skill levels and techniques tailored to your individual goals and aspirations. Lessons are available for ages 5+ and all ability levels. For more information or to schedule a session, contact Rock Wall at [email protected], or 303.463.4242. Please allow 72 hours to schedule a session.
We require at least 24 hours advance notice to schedule a private lesson and at least 24 hours advance notice for cancellations.
Rock Climbing Classes
Search and Register for Rock Climbing Classes
We offer four levels of climbing classes. Progression between the classes is based on an assessment of a climber’s skills. If you are new to climbing, then Level 1 Geckos is the starting level to learn the basic skills and techniques. If you already have some climbing experience and can climb easy routes, then Level 2 Goats classes should be your entry point.
Level 1 Geckos
Ages 5+
This class is designed for new climbers, 5 years or older, and is the entry point into the rock wall curriculum. Participants in this class will learn how to properly fit a harness and helmet, along with using the basic hand, foot, and body positions for climbing. These classes focus on developing the self-confidence to climb routes and the foundation of safety skills needed to progress onto more advanced levels.
The learning outcomes for Level 1 are:
- Become familiar with the wall and basic climbing terms
- Put on a helmet and harness
- Use proper position when being lowered on belay
- Safety commands when climbing with belay
- Follows rules and takes turns
- Successfully climbed two routes without any assistance or hanging on top rope
Level 2 Goats
Ages 5+
This class is designed for intermediate climbers who have achieved the skills in the level 1 class. Instructors work with participants to build confidence and teach more advanced climbing techniques for challenging routes. These classes focus on climbing techniques and basic rope safety skills.
The learning outcomes for Level 2 are:
- Plan and follow a route
- Demonstrate the proper use of intermediate climbing techniques
- Successfully fit harness and tie a rethreaded figure-8 knot
- Can properly attach to the auto belay system
- Can participate in stretching and basic conditioning exercises
- Successfully climbed two routes rated 5.9 or higher without any assistance.
Level 3 Lions
Ages 8+
This class is designed for intermediate and advanced climbers. Students will build on techniques learned in the Goats course and learn technical skills for higher-level climbing. They will also learn belay knots and techniques.
The learning outcomes for Level 3 are:
- Demonstrate the use of advanced climbing techniques
- Successfully complete mock lead climb
- Correctly clip quickdraws
- Proper belay technique with ATC and GriGri on top rope
- Proper belay technique with ATC and GriGri on lead
- Construct ground safety anchor
- Successfully tie a variety of climbing knots
- Demonstrate climbing conditioning exercises
- Demonstrate how to conduct a climbing warmup/stretching
Level 4 Eagles Climbing League
Ages 8-18
The Eagles Climbing League is for participants ages 8-18 who have completed or demonstrated all the skills, knowledge, and attitudes from the Geckos, Goats, and Lions classes. It is focused on advancing climbing skills in a semi-competitive environment that will focus on USA Climbing competition rules and events.
Introduction to Climbing Class
Search and Register for Introduction to Climbing
No previous experience or equipment is required. This 90-minute class is designed for anyone aged 12 or older with little or no previous climbing experience. You will learn the basics needed to start your climbing experience. This includes using safety equipment, knot tying, and belay technique. You will gain all the skills required to climb safely in the gym environment on top rope. Certification will be issued after a successful skill demonstration, and you will receive your certification card to climb during our open times.
First Monday of the month, 6-7:30 pm.
Gym to Crag Class
Search and Register for Gym to Crag
This class is for those who wish to take their climbing outside. During this two-session, 90-minute course, you will be taught the technical skills and knowledge needed to set up a single-pitch top rope system outside. You will learn how to prepare your equipment, use a guidebook to find a suitable route, assess the safety of the anchors, and how to construct and clean anchor systems. This class does not teach how to lead belay or lead climb. You must have completed an Introduction to Climbing class or have previous experience climbing and belaying.
Conducted over two consecutive Mondays of the month, 6-7:30 pm.
The Apex Center rock wall is available for private group reservations. Please visit our Parties, Rooms and Field Rentals page for more information.