Learning to Climb by Aid: A Hands‑On Skills Clinic in Cottonwood Heights

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE

Learning to Climb by Aid: A Hands‑On Skills Clinic in Cottonwood Heights

A focused clinic that teaches the essentials of leading and following aid routes and prepares participants to tackle single‑day C1 and C2 lines.

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Learning to Climb by Aid: A Hands‑On Skills Clinic in Cottonwood Heights.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Cottonwood Heights
Operator
The Backcountry Pros LLC
Category
Climbing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Aid Climbing Skills Course trains climbers in the techniques and gear of aid climbing, using both familiar equipment and specialized tools so participants leave with practical skills for single‑day C1 and C2 routes in desert towers and canyon walls.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE GOAL

Build to C1 and C2 proficiency

The clinic is structured so you finish with the skills to lead and follow single‑day C1 and C2 routes—the same grades common on desert towers near Moab and on walls in Zion National Park.

THE GEAR

A mix of familiar and specialized aid equipment

Instruction covers the use of standard trad gear as well as specialized aid tools introduced during the clinic so participants become comfortable with the full kit required for aided ascents.

THE FORMAT

Intensive, full‑day sessions

The training is delivered across multiple full‑day sessions to allow concentrated, hands‑on practice on low‑angle, vertical and overhanging aid techniques.

What the day feels like

What the clinic feels like

Expect focused, practical instruction: instructors demonstrate techniques, students practice leading and following on low‑angle, vertical and overhanging terrain, and the curriculum incorporates both familiar gear and specialized aid equipment so you can apply what you learn on desert towers and sandstone walls.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most out of this clinic, and who should consider other options.

1
Aspiring aid climbersClimbers looking to learn the essentials of leading and following aid routes will find targeted, hands‑on skill development aligned with the clinic goals.
2
Trad climbers expanding skillsTrad climbers who want to add aid techniques and specialized equipment to their toolkit can use this clinic to bridge into C1/C2 single‑day objectives.
3
Day‑trip and desert climbersThose aiming to climb desert towers and canyon walls will benefit from the clinic’s focus on gear and techniques used in places like Moab and Zion National Park.
4
Casual outdoor participantsParticipants seeking a casual half‑day introduction to climbing should note this is an intensive, multi‑session skills clinic rather than a brief overview.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

The course is delivered over multiple full‑day sessions; plan for consecutive, long days of on‑rock training.

What to Bring

Expect to use both familiar trad gear and specialized aid equipment; come prepared for full‑day outdoor instruction and bring personal climbing essentials and water.

Logistics & Location

The clinic is run out of Cottonwood Heights, Utah; confirm meeting details with the operator before arrival.

Cost

Rate is $650 per person for the full clinic.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the course?

The clinic is organized as (3) 8‑hour sessions.

What will I learn?

You’ll learn to lead and follow low‑angle, vertical and overhanging aid routes and become familiar with both standard and specialized aid equipment.

What skill level will I achieve?

At the conclusion of the clinic you’ll have the skills to tackle single‑day C1 and C2 routes.

Where is the clinic based?

The course is offered in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, with the skills taught applicable to areas such as Moab and Zion National Park.

How much does the course cost?

The rate is $650 per person for the clinic.