Intro to Trad: Learning Traditional Climbing on Kamas’ Crags

KAMAS CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE

Intro to Trad: Learning Traditional Climbing on Kamas’ Crags

A hands-on, AMGA-guided trad-climbing clinic in Kamas that teaches gear placement, anchor building and risk assessment over a focused 4–6 hour session.

Intro to Trad: Learning Traditional Climbing on Kamas’ Crags.

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

Set in the climbing terrain around Kamas, Utah, SLCA Festival’s Intro to Trad is a hands-on clinic led by AMGA-trained guides that compresses core traditional-climbing skills into a focused, supportive session. Expect direct feedback while you learn gear placement, anchor building, and risk assessment using modern equipment.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE GUIDES

AMGA-trained instruction

Guides with AMGA training lead the clinic, offering structured, on-the-rock teaching and immediate coaching as you apply new techniques.

THE SKILLS

Foundations of trad — gear and anchors

Participants focus on essential trad skills: placing protection, building anchors, and practicing the judgment calls that make those systems reliable.

THE FORMAT

A concentrated, hands-on clinic

The clinic runs as a concentrated session that emphasizes hands-on practice and direct feedback in a safe, supportive environment using modern equipment.

What the day feels like

What the clinic feels like

Over a 4–6 hour period you move through a sequence of focused drills and supervised climbs: a concise safety briefing and gear orientation, repeated practice placing protection and building anchors, and guided climbs where instructors provide immediate, practical feedback so you can refine technique and judgment.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most from this clinic — and who might look elsewhere.

1
Beginner trad climbersIdeal for climbers new to traditional gear who want structured, hands-on instruction in placements, anchors, and risk assessment under AMGA-trained guidance.
2
Sport climbers transitioning to tradGood for sport climbers seeking to add trad skills to their repertoire through practical drills and supervised climbs.
3
Festival participantsA focused clinic format that fits festival schedules and offers concentrated skill development within a single multi-hour session.
4
Those seeking advanced technical leadsNot intended as an advanced lead-training course; the emphasis is on foundational trad skills and supervised practice in a clinic setting.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The clinic is delivered as a single session lasting approximately 4–6 hours.

What to Bring

The clinic uses modern equipment in a controlled, instructional environment; participants should expect a hands-on day of practice. Confirm specific personal-gear requirements with the operator before attending.

Location & Operator

This Intro to Trad clinic takes place in Kamas, Utah, and is run by The Backcountry Pros LLC; confirm meeting logistics and exact rendezvous details with the operator.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Intro to Trad clinic?

The session runs approximately 4–6 hours.

Who leads the clinic?

The clinic is led by AMGA-trained guides.

What skills will I learn?

Expect hands-on instruction in gear placement, anchor building, and risk assessment with direct feedback from guides.

Is the clinic conducted with modern gear and safe instruction?

Yes — the clinic emphasizes learning with modern equipment in a safe, supportive environment under guide supervision.

Where does the clinic take place?

The clinic takes place in Kamas, Utah; confirm exact meeting location and logistics with the operator before arrival.