Basic Outdoor Rock Climbing School (BORC)

Please Note:  The fee for the Outdoor Rock Climbing School will INCREASE to $300 for schools offered next year (2026).

Registration is now open for the October 2025 Basic Outdoor Rock Climbing School.

The Arizona Mountaineering Club is pleased to offer our Basic Outdoor Rock Climbing School. Our goal is to create a safe, fun experience that introduces you to the exciting and challenging world of outdoor climbing. Upon completion, you will be equipped with the basic skills necessary to join top-rope and multi-pitch climbs led by qualified outing leaders (as appropriate to your climbing ability).
This is a comprehensive course in top-rope rock climbing. Topics include equipment selection (harness, shoes, etc.), rope management, common climbing knots and applicability, rope types and construction, carabiner types and proper usage; standard climbing calls; belaying with a tube-style device, assisted-braking device, and Munter hitch; rappelling; self rescue and prusiking; escaping a belay; climbing ethics; and basic climbing techniques.

Is the AMC Outdoor Climbing school for me? People from all walks of life and a wide variety of ages enjoy rock climbing. No prior experience required!  Many that take the AMC course are outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to expand their ways of enjoying the great outdoors; others have been climbing in a gym for a while and want to learn to be “real rock” climbers or have learned to climb from friends and want to “fill in the knowledge gaps”; and still others just looking for a challenge or to overcome their fear of heights. No matter what your reason, we’ll make it a fun and rewarding experience.

The AMC Schools accept anyone age 14 or older in reasonable physical condition. You don’t have to be a super-fit athlete, just capable of hiking and generally getting around in the great outdoors.  Bring a positive mental attitude and you’ll be good to go.
Note: students ages 14-15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

CLASS FEE: $250 for current AMC members. This class fee is fully refundable if you cancel prior to the first class date OR you may apply the payment to a later scheduled class (preferred and encouraged).  

Class schedule for the Fall 2025 Basic Outdoor Rock Climbing School: 

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING FOR THE FIRST CLASS:

Dress casually; the class will be held outside, so bring clothes appropriate to the weather.

WHAT IS PROVIDED BY THE AMC:

• Technical climbing gear that will be used during the classes and is yours to keep: 1 belay/rappel device, 2 non-locking carabiners, 3 locking carabiners, three prusik cords, one 10′ webbing, one 48″ sewn nylon runner (subject to change)
• Free use of a climbing harness, helmet, and PAS for the duration of the school if needed
• Comprehensive rock climbing manual
• Personalized instruction through all phases of the class
• Discounts from local retailers on climbing gear

CLIMBING SHOES:

Climbing shoes are needed for the weekend sessions and must be procured by the individual students.  A limited number of rental shoes are available from the AMC on a first come-first served basis at a cost of $10 for the duration of the school. Rental shoes are also available at the Arizona Hiking Shack or may be purchased at Arizona Hiking Shack or REI. If you buy shoes, do NOT buy too small, as is often encouraged by sales people.  Shoes need to be snug, but your toes should be flat, not curled against the end of the shoe. If the dogs are barking after walking around the store for 15 minutes, try it again with a larger size.

To enroll in this school, you must be a current member. Join the AMC.

Enroll for the Fall 2025 Basic Outdoor Rock Climbing School

If the class is full you can join the waiting list

Waiting List for the Spring 2026 Basic Outdoor Rock Climbing School

Refund policy: The cost of the class is fully refundable if you decide to cancel before the start of class; however, due to the cost of transaction fees, you are strongly encouraged to defer to a later date (or find a substitute) rather than request a refund.  Please note the Membership Fee is non-refundable.