Outdoor Rock Climbing at Mt. Erie: Beginner or Intermediate

Learn to belay and climb outdoors on real rock

An 8-hour outdoor rock climbing class at Mt. Erie in Anacortes, Washington, where beginners and climbers moving from indoor gyms learn belaying, rappelling, rope skills and climbing technique from a professional guide in a small private group. Routes range from easy to challenging, customized to each climber's level. Weather-dependent. Rain cancellations receive a full refund or alternative date.

The experience

If you've never climbed outdoors or want to move beyond an indoor gym, this class teaches the skills you need to climb safely on real rock. You'll learn belaying, rappelling, catching falls, knots and climbing technique, then practice on top ropes set up by your guide. The instruction covers equipment and movement, and as you progress through the day, the class moves toward more advanced forms of climbing. By the end, you'll have the skills to pass an indoor gym's belayer test and feel ready to climb on your own.

Mt. Erie in Anacortes is one of three Washington locations available. You can also choose Little Si or Mt. Washington near Seattle, or the crags near Bellingham. Routes here range from easy climbs that feel like a playground to harder pitches for climbers who want to push their limits. All classes run in small private groups customized to the skills of each person on the rock, so the pace and difficulty adjust to where you are, not to an average.

The class runs 8 hours and includes a professional guide, environmental management tax and local taxes. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to Mt. Erie. Dress in layers for weather changes. The activity is subject to weather: rain cancels the session, and you'll be offered a full refund or an alternative date if that happens.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the class.
• environmental management tax.
• local taxes.
• instruction in belaying, rappelling, knots, climbing technique and equipment use.
• top ropes set up for climbing practice.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by AdventureTerra LLC

Is this one for you?Small private groups mean the guide adjusts the pace and route difficulty to your level, so whether you're climbing for the first time or stepping outside a gym for the first time, you're not waiting for faster climbers or struggling to keep up.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I actually learn in an outdoor climbing class like this?

You learn belaying (managing the rope for a climbing partner), rappelling, how to catch falls safely, climbing technique, knots and how to use climbing equipment. The guide sets up top ropes for you to climb on and introduces more advanced climbing forms as the day progresses, so you move from basics to real climbing.

Is this class for someone who's never climbed before?

Yes, the class is designed for people who've never climbed outdoors or indoors, and it's also a good fit for climbers who've only used indoor gym walls and want to try outdoor rock. Routes range from easy to challenging, and the guide customizes the difficulty to each person in the group.

What's the difference between Mt. Erie, Little Si, Mt. Washington and the Bellingham crags?

Mt. Erie is in Anacortes, Little Si and Mt. Washington are near Seattle, and there are crags near Bellingham. The operator offers all four locations. The choice depends on which is closest to you or which terrain appeals to you most.

Do I need to be in great shape to climb outdoors?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The class is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Minimum age is 7 years.