Learn TRAD from an AMGA Certified Rock Guide with over 30 years of experience climbing all over the world. Check out our Google reviews.
We are taking reservations for FALL 2025 at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. This trad class is a 2-day course.
The dates I will be At Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Arkansas are from October 28th to November 11th, 2025. Contact us today to reserve your spot, they fill up fast.
We are also taking reservations for these 2-day Trad class at Enchanted Rock State Park. Booking from the last two weeks in November to mid-February.
If you are thinking of taking your SPI this is a great course to get the 15 climbs you need to take the SPI course.
ALL TRAD GEAR IS PROVIDED AT THE COST SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT YOU LIKE AND WHAT YOU DON’T BEFORE YOU BUY.
Contact us: https://austinascents.com/contact-us/
Meet the guides
Click the link for rates https://austinascents.com/rates/
Nature sets the best routes! Do you love leading or top-roping in the gym or outside? Have you wondered what it would be like to climb cracks? Do you have your own gear? It’s easier and safer to make the transition by being led by a Professional AMGA Certified Rock Guide. This course will have you do traditional climbing outdoors. Having previous outdoor climbing for this course is helpful. For most people with little to no experience placing gear or building anchors, we suggest the full three days to learn trad-leading and multi-pitch techniques. (see our testimonials about the course)
Trey S. 2023
Austin Ascents is an amazing resource for all levels of climbers. I am somewhat new to the sport and have taken two courses with Randy, the owner. Learn to Lead Sport & Learn to Lead Trad were both great courses that helped me gain confidence while doing so safely. Having completed these two courses, it has opened up SO MUCH climbing ability in the US and abroad. I feel confident and competent. It is great to learn from a qualified guide, like Randy, so I can help get more friends into the sport and have confidence that I am passing down correct and safe practices to them.
Randy is a great guide with tons of experience and all the certifications that make a newcomer feel confident in their instructor. A perfect mixture of teacher, mentor, storyteller, and someone who will help you push your limits (if that is what you want).
I will continue to use Austin Ascents to build upon my Rock Climbing knowledge and look forward to completing more courses. Next up, Multi-pitch climbing!
Sean Greenwalt April 2021
Highly recommend Randy with Austin Ascents as a climbing guide/instructor.
I have been climbing for over 7 years. Started in the gym, top rope outside, and then to sport climbing. So naturally, my next progression would be to trad climb. I have done a handful of cleaning multi-pitches but never learned to set pro. This is where Randy has educated me.
My partner and I decided to take the leap into trad climbing and signed up for Austin Ascents 3 day Learn to Lead TRAD course at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. I cannot express the value this course has supplied. Not only did Randy teach us how to set pro, but through the course, he instilled the confidence and mental aspect of trad climbing. He taught us additional knots to know, to rock features that can be used for protection, chicken heads!! He even took us to another nearby climbing area in Arkansas to get additional climbs.
By the end of the three days, my partner and I were confident enough to lead trad on our own.
What you will learn for TRAD:
- Placement of cams, tricams, and passive gear AKA: stoppers
- Building traditional anchors
- Descending from a route
- Using different techniques to belay a climber.
- Be prepared for success or a retreat
- Learn how to clean a route
- Risk Management
- Refund Policy:
- If you cancel 2 weeks before your trip date 50% of the amount is refunded.
- If you cancel 1 week before your trip there will be NO refund and you forfeit the full amount.
- If we cancel you receive your refund minus a credit card service fee of $15.00.