Arizona Mountaineering Club - Since 1964

NOTE: RSVPing here does NOT register you in this class. For all class details, registration, and payment, go to http://arizonamountaineeringclub.net/schools/outdoor-rock-climbing-school/

The full class spans two weeks with four weeknight sessions (two in-person and two online) and three full weekend days out on the rock at various crags. You will learn fundamental top-rope climbing skills including: equipment selection and usage, rope handling, climbing knots, climbing calls and partner communication, belaying, rappelling, climbing techniques, and basic self-rescue.

On Day 1, we will meet in person at the North Mountain Visitor Center to get oriented, distribute gear, and begin learning some climbing fundamentals, including gear and knots.

Who is it for?
This course is for anyone who wants to learn to climb safely outdoors by using current best practices in rock climbing. Whether you've never climbed before at all, or want to transition from the gym to real rock, or if you’ve climbed with friends but want to fill those learning gaps, this class is for you. It is also a prerequisite for other AMC classes, including Anchors, Lead, and Canyoneering.

What do I need?
All required gear is provided by the club, including a comprehensive reference manual. Every student gets a gear pack that includes: five carabiners (one parabiner, two lockers, and two non-lockers), a belay/rappel device, four prusiks, a sewn sling, and webbing, all of which are yours to keep. We loan helmets and harnesses if needed, and may have shoes for rent depending on availability. However, if you have your own climbing harness, helmet, and/or shoes, please bring them.

About AMC:
AMC is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1964 to teach climbing and other outdoor skills. These classes are provided through the generous donation of time from our members. Class fees cover only operational expenses and gear.

COVID-19 Guidelines: AMC follows CDC guidelines for public health. Specific guidance will be provided as appropriate prior to this event.

Climbing weather is upon us who live in the Phoenix area and here are some ideas to tick off this year. During this event Erik Filsinger will be giving an overview of some of the lesser known rock climbing crags in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It will highlight materials in McDowell Rock: A Climber’s Guide.
You will need to have or sign-up ahead of time for a free Zoom account of your own to participate. https://www.zoom.us/ .
One of the neat features of living in the Phoenix metroplex is having high quality granite rock climbing within the Valley of the Sun. Many climbers have visited the McDowells, but there are quite a few lesser known rock crags located there. Erik and Cheryl Beaver authored McDowell Rock: A Climber’s Guide. It is the best single source of a comprehensive listing of the McDowell’s rock climbing adventures.
However, only a smaller subset of rock climbers have ventured beyond the better known crags and visited crags such as:
• Rock Knob
• Rosetta Stone
• Sven Towers I
• Hog Heaven
• Hand Some
• Goat Hill
• Cross Roads
• Fort McDowell
• Half and Half
• Lost Wall
Wednesday October 15, 2025 at 06:00 – 7:00 PM Arizona. Please be on time.
The virtual outing will be limited to 12 individuals

NOTE: Signing up here does not register you in this class. For class details, registration, and payment, go to http://arizonamountaineeringclub.net/schools/outdoor-rock-climbing-school/

The full class spans two weeks with four weeknight sessions and three full weekend days out on the rock at various crags. You will learn fundamental top-rope climbing skills including: equipment selection and usage, rope handling, climbing knots, climbing calls and partner communication, belaying, rappelling, climbing techniques, and basic self-rescue.

On Day 2, we will be discussing climbing history, and ethics, as well as climbing calls and communication. We will also present basic techniques for belaying and rappelling, in preparation for the weekend practice sessions. This session will be conducted on-line via Zoom. The link will be sent to registered participants.

About AMC:
AMC is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1964 to teach climbing and other outdoor skills. These classes are provided through the generous donation of time from our members. Class fees cover only operational expenses and gear.

COVID-19 Guidelines: AMC follows CDC guidelines for public health. Specific guidance will be provided as appropriate prior to this event.

NOTE: Signing up here does not register you in this class. For class details, registration, and payment, go to http://arizonamountaineeringclub.net/schools/outdoor-rock-climbing-school/

The full class spans two weeks with four weeknight sessions and three full weekend days out on the rock at various crags. You will learn fundamental top-rope climbing skills including: equipment selection and usage, rope handling, climbing knots, climbing calls and partner communication, belaying, rappelling, climbing techniques, and basic self-rescue.

Let's go climbing! On Day 3, we'll spend the entire day out on the rock gaining practical experience with rock climbing techniques and belaying. In addition to climbing, we'll learn more about being good stewards of public lands and climbing areas.

Location is TBD depending on weather and other factors.

What do I need to bring?
You will need climbing gear including: harness, helmet, climbing shoes, personal anchor, several carabiners (locking and non-locking), belay/rappel device, webbing, and your prusik cords. Also bring: water, food, and layers to stay hydrated, fed, and comfortable all day, as well as a pack big enough to carry everything.

About AMC:
AMC is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1964 to teach climbing and other outdoor skills. These classes are provided through the generous donation of time from our members. Class fees cover only operational expenses and gear.

COVID-19 Guidelines: AMC follows CDC guidelines for public health. Specific guidance will be provided as appropriate prior to this event.