Join Backcountry Adventure Guides for an immersive two-day Big Wall Clinic designed to introduce climbers to the wonders and techniques of big wall climbing. On day one, you’ll dive into essential skills like leading and cleaning aid pitches, hauling, jugging, managing traverses, and navigating pendulums. Day two puts your skills to the test on a classic Grade III-IV route such as Town Crier or Green Dragon on the iconic Upper Wall of Index. Whether you’re dreaming of Yosemite or looking to expand your climbing repertoire, this clinic offers a hands-on path into the vertical world of big walls.

Vertical World Climbing Gym
Vertical World Climbing Gym
  • Dates: Custom, call or email for availability
  • Duration: 2 Day
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Client Ratio: 2:1
  • Cost:–$550 (2 person minimum)
  • Included: Park fees, group climbing equipment, and guide services.
  • Not Included:Ground transportation airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, meals while on the mountain, and all personal items

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 What You’ll Learn in Our Two-Day Big Wall Clinic:

  • How to lead and follow basic aid pitches (using ladders and daisy chains)

  • Strategies for efficient gear placement and cleaning

  • Hauling systems: setup, mechanics, and tips for smooth hauling

  • How to jumar (ascend a fixed rope) safely and efficiently

  • Techniques for cleaning traverses and overhangs

  • How to lead and clean pendulums

  • Belay station organization and transitions

  • Rope management for multi-pitch aid climbing

  • Understanding and managing exposure and vertical systems

  • Big wall strategy and preparation: gear selection, packing, food/water, and time management

  • Real-world application on a Grade III-IV big wall climb (e.g., Town Crier or Green Dragon at Index)

Day One

Begins with ground-based instruction focused on essential big wall systems and techniques. Participants will learn how to lead and follow aid pitches using ladders and daisies, set up and operate hauling systems, jumar efficiently, and manage traverses and pendulums. The day also includes hands-on practice with belay transitions, rope management, and gear organization—all critical components for smooth and safe big wall climbing.

Day Two

We put it all into practice with an ascent of a Grade III-IV big wall route such as Town Crier or Green Dragon on the Upper Wall of Index. Climbers will rotate through the roles of leader and follower, applying skills like aid climbing, hauling, cleaning gear, and jugging in a real-world setting. Throughout the climb, instructors will offer guidance and coaching on pacing, communication, and efficiency. By the end of the clinic, participants will walk away with the skills and confidence to start planning their own big wall objectives.

  • Climbing harness with 4+ gear loops and haul loop

  • Climbing helmet

  • Belay device (GriGri recommended)

  • 2 daisy chains or adjustable daisy systems (Metolius Easy Daisy or Yates Adjustable Daisy recommended)

  • Fifi Hook

  • 2 cordelettes (7mm or 6mm, 5–6m length each)

  • 2 etriers or aid ladders (Metolius, Yates, or BD)

  • Ascenders (left and right-hand)

  • Gloves (leather belay gloves for jugging/hauling)

WHO WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?

We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with the AMGA in the rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?

Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $20-30 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?

No, for these trips we strongly suggest to buy your equipment due to obscenely large rental costs for trip of this length.

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?

Day trips will keep your pack between 10-15 pounds max.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?

For Scheduled Domestic Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due 60 days from trip departure. Payable by check, Credit Card with service charge or Venmo.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:

90 to 31 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost

30 days or less – 100% of trip cost

WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress, we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.