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Climber with helmet and gear ascends a steep rock face Yosemite National Park Lodging and Activities - California - United States
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Go Climb a Rock!

Since 1969, Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service has been the trusted leader in climbing Yosemite's iconic granite walls. With expert, certified guides and a passion for adventure, they ensure your climb is as secure as it is thrilling. Whether you're a first-time climber or a seasoned pro, Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide service is here to help you achieve your climbing goals.

Reservations

Reservations are required. Call the Mountaineering School to reserve your place 209.372.8344 or email us at yms@aramark.com.

Explore Yosemite's granite walls with our rock-climbing lesson series. Beginners can start with "Welcome to the Rock," while intermediate climbers move onto Crack Climbing, and Anchoring techniques. Advanced climbers can take on Leading/Multi-pitch Climbing, Self-rescue, or pursue the ultimate challenge with our Big Wall Climbing Seminar. Our lessons provide the skills, safety, and the education needed for outdoor climbing adventures.

Rock Climbing In Yosemite

Beginner - Welcome to the Rock: $225

Go Climb a Rock! with Yosemite Mountaineering School. This introductory course is designed to be everyone's first rock climbing class, or to introduce them outdoor climbing, and rappelling techniques to gym climbers who have never climbed outside. Learn, or review basic rope work, how to belay, rappelling, and do a bunch of climbing on granite.

Group Class Rate
$225 per person (This is a group rate that requires at least two in the class, and the average class length is 7 hours. The maximum ratio for this class is 6 students per instructor.)

Intermediate - Crack Climbing

Intermediate - Crack Climbing: $230

This is our second class, and it is a great way to bridge the outdoor gap for climbers who learned in a climbing gym. Learn to crack climb and improve face climbing skills. Review the basics of trad protection placements combined with simple anchors while doing a bunch of climbing and rappelling. This class requires that you already know how to tie the rope into your harness, already know how to belay, and have a basic understanding of climbing related command signals. We do review these skills in this class before moving on to new curriculum. 

Group Class Rate
$230 per person (This is a group rate that requires at least two in the class, and the average class length is 7 hours. The maximum ratio for this class is 6 students per instructor.)

Intermediate/Advanced - Anchoring

Intermediate / Advanced - Anchoring: $230

The third class in our series should be required for all climbers, especially anyone aspiring to someday climb on their own. This is an intensive anchoring class covering top-rope and multipitch anchors, trad gear placements, and fixed anchor inspection. This class also helps you evaluate your partner's anchors and technical abilities. Mix it up with advanced climbing techniques to become a well-rounded trad climber. Strong anchoring skills are fundamental to climbing safety. The maximum ratio for this class is 6 students per instructor.

Group Class Rate
$230 per person (This is a group rate that requires at least two in the class, and the average class length is 7 hours)

Advanced - Leading/Multi-Pitch Climbing

Advanced - Leading/Multi-Pitch Climbing: $225

Improve upon your technical rope systems while focusing on advanced lead climbing strategies, trad protection placements, and multi-pitch efficiency. Review a variety of techniques for single pitch and multipitch climbing plus rappelling. This is an essential class for anyone starting to climb on their own. Prerequisite: Anchoring Class or equivalent. The maximum ratio for this class is 4 students per instructor.

 

1 Person

2 People

3 People

4 People

Class Rate 

 

$455 for self

$285 per person

$255 per person

$225 per person

Advanced - Self-Rescue

Advanced - Self-Rescue: $225

All rock climbers should take a self-rescue class and know how to perform a partner rescue. These techniques are essential for climbing outside responsibly, and they are necessary to help keep you and your partner safer if things go wrong. The instructor will also teach ways to help prevent accidents with a focus and goal of avoiding bad days in the mountains.  Maximum class size is four students per instructor. 

Prerequisite: Anchoring Class

 

1 Person

2 People

3 People

4 People

Class Rate 

 

$455 for self 

$285 per person

$255 per person

$225 per person

Big Wall Climbing Seminar

Big Wall Climbing Seminar: $450

2-DAY BIG WALL CLIMBING SEMINAR

This seminar covers the techniques of state-of-the-art Big Wall Climbing. Instruction covers the use of camming devices, chocks, and other non-destructive placements, pitons, hooks, copperheads, and bolt inspection. We also teach aid climbing, ascending ropes, Big Wall anchor organization, and hauling with pulley systems. Other Big Wall techniques include leading and cleaning pendulums, how to function on hanging belays, and bivouacs. Lodging and meals are not included. The maximum number of students per instructor is four. This seminar can also be done as a one-day seminar.

Prerequisite:  Anchoring Class

 

1 Person

2 People

3 People

4 People

Class Rate 

 

$910 for self 

$570 per person

$510 per person

$450 per person

Group Class Rates

Beginning & Intermediate: Classes are based on 2 participants. We will combine individuals to form groups. Private rates apply if there are less than two participants on a given day.

Advanced: Classes are based on 3 participants. We will combine individuals to form groups. Private rates apply if there are less than three participants on a given day.

Take your climbing to new heights with a private guided climb from Yosemite Mountaineering School! Perfect for all skill levels, our expert guides provide personalized instruction and Yosemite-specific techniques for a safe, unforgettable experience. Call 209.372.8344 to reserve your climb today!

Guided Climb Rates

Climb Duration (hours) Price (1 person) Price each (2 people) Price each (3 people)
3/4 Day (standard) 6 $430 $295 $225
Full Day 8 $490 $325 $265
Extreme Day 10+ $630 $450 N/A
Grade V 3 days $2,300* N/A N/A
Half Dome 5 days $5,300* N/A N/A
El Capitan 6 days $7,000* N/A N/A

*Big Wall rates may fluctuate depending on route.

Guides

Take a guided tour with our spectacular rock-climbing guides!

The Yosemite Mountaineering School rents camping gear, climbing gear, and backpacking equipment on a first-come first-served basis. No reservations are accepted. Call 209.372.8344 for more information.

Equipment Rentals
Sleeping Pad $8.00 per day
Overnight Pack $20.00 per day
Day Pack $5.00 per day
Alpine Ice Axe $10.00 per day
Crampons $12.00 per day

Climbing Helmets: Climbing helmet rentals are free with Yosemite Mountaineering School climbing program reservations.

ADA Features:

With advance notice, any visitors with special needs who want to experience climbing in Yosemite can be paired with a specially trained instructor who can accommodate most needs.

Full payment is required to book, except for Big Wall Climbs, which require a 50% deposit. Cancellations made 14+ days in advance receive a full refund; cancellations within 14 days forfeit the deposit. No-shows with no warning also forfeit the deposit. If Yosemite Mountaineering School cancels, you'll receive a full refund, but no refunds are given for weather or snow conditions. Once a climb begins, refunds are capped at 50% of that day's fees. Reservations can only be made up to one year and one day in advance.
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