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Why Choose us?
Seriously good climbers giving seriously good instruction.
Become an Independent Climber
We prioritize empowering climbers to become self-sufficient. Through personalized instruction and direct experience, we equip you with the skills and confidence needed to climb without guides. Make every adventure your own.
Local California Crags & Worldwide Destinations
We offer guiding and instruction at your convenient local crag, your awesome weekend getaways, and the world class destinations on every climbers list. Near home or abroad, we've got you covered.
Certified, Passionate, & Accomplished
Our guides and instructors are trained and certified by the American Mountain Guides Association. Perhaps more importantly we are hardcore climbers dedicated to rock craft with impressive personal resumes. We walk the walk so you can too.
Stoked
Climbers!
EXCELLENT Based on 29 reviews Aaron31 March 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I initially signed up for the Trad Beyond the Basics class with Kevin but decided to switch to a private 1-on-1 session instead. Kevin really focused on my specific challenges in trad climbing, helping me build my confidence with placements and falling. His teaching comes from real-world experience, and it was amazing to have the chance to practice and fall on actual routes. I had an excellent experience, and the instruction was super helpful in boosting both my skills and confidence, making me feel ready to tackle harder routes. Big thanks to Kevin! Nick DeRosa17 March 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A private day out climbing w/ Kevin @ Vertical Pursuits is exactly what you need. He's detailed, personable, funny, & one hell of a climber/teacher If you're looking for a "guide service", then you're in good hands - but, in reality, Vertical Pursuits is more than just a guide service—they are mentors and teachers who give you the knowledge and skills to climb independently and be successful (& safe)! Isaiah Poritz15 February 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic private instructional day with Kevin in El Potrero Chico! He did a wonderful job explaining the multipitch climbing process and identifying the reasons why it all works and is safe. We spent the first half of the day going over the ropes on the ground, and we spent the second half climbing. He was very thoughtful in trying to craft a day that would help me achieve my climbing goals! Louie Chen19 January 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took a self-rescue clinic with Kevin as I was wanting to feel more confident with multi-pitch trips, and it definitely delivered. The clinic was originally a 2-day class, but since I was the only one that signed up, it turned into more of a 1-day private lesson, which I didn't mind at all. Kevin was very knowledgeable and encouraging on all the skills, and always had answers to all my questions. I got to practice everything to make sure I really understood it and though I don't expect to use most of the skills I learned anytime soon, I definitely got tons out of the experience and had a great time! Felipe Heidrich4 December 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter and I had a fantastic time learning Trad Climbing with Vertical Pursuits! Our instructor, Kevin, was incredible – knowledgeable and clearly passionate about climbing. He went above and beyond, climbing alongside us and providing hands-on guidance to ensure we placed our protection correctly. He patiently taught us how to evaluate our placements and improve our technique for a safer and more confident climb. Highly recommended! Sara Pittman2 December 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our group hired Erik and Haley (plus they were joined by another guide, Etel, who was also awesome) to teach a 3 day course in bishop focused on sport, trad, multipitch, and self rescue. I loved every single day and feel like I got 1:1 training despite being in a big group. They both have such amazing, patient energy that made learning from them so easy! They met you where you were at skills and knowledge-wise and helped me navigate when it was time to sit back and practice more on the ground versus just trust my skills and knowledge and jump in and get climbing. Safety was a clear priority and Erik and Haley supervised at every step. I felt really safe while being pushed to try new things. Thanks guys, had an awesome weekend with you!!! Rebecca Frager15 November 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would recommend Vertical Pursuits. Kevin was knowledgeable, professional, and had a style that was easy to learn from. I would easily choose Vertical Pursuits again in the future. Elias Iristree24 October 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Man oh man, five stars is too low a score! 6/5 I took the Crack Clinic near Moab, and hot damn was it worthwhile. Expectations and hopes were sky high and they were absolutely exceeded. I learned a crap ton, saw incredible sights, and met a super varied and interesting group of folks. Kevin's teaching, knowledge, and stoke were a joy and a privilege to be around. I really couldn't recommend them more!! Fantastic experience A++ The only caveat to be mentioned is that an addiction to crack is no way discouraged. Take that as you will. Adrienne Levoy11 October 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I learned about Erik’s guiding services through the pipeworks gym community and hired him as a guide to take my mom and I on a mother-daughter multi pitch adventure at lovers leap for my mom‘s first multi pitch experience. It was a fantastic day of climbing, we had fun and felt very safe with Erik, as well as learning some new skills. In addition to providing safe belaying and videos and photos to commemorate our trip, Erik taught me some techniques for advancing my skills, gear placement techniques, and just generally provided a fun atmosphere for the day! My mom and I had a blast and I would recommend his services to anyone, beginner through advanced. He’s a very skilled guide and we felt safe in his hands. Brian Kaufman30 September 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently completed the two-day Intro to Big Wall course with Vertical Pursuits, and I couldn’t be more impressed. Our instructor, Kevin, went above and beyond by scouting out locations prior to the class to ensure the best possible experience for everyone. The setting was beautiful, and the course was exceptionally well planned and executed. Kevin taught the skills in a clear, understandable way while always prioritizing safety, which made me feel confident throughout the entire experience. If you're looking to learn big wall climbing, I highly recommend Vertical Pursuit.
Private Trips are customized experiences for you and your group.
Multipitch Adventures
Let’s climb a classic together! Or get off the beaten path on a hidden gem. We offer multipitch trips at many locations depending on the season and experience you are looking for.
- Lover’s Leap
- Calaveras Dome
- Donner Summit
- El Potrero Chico, Mexico
- Cosumnes River Gorge
- Pine Creek Canyon
- Moab, Utah
- Red Rock, Nevada
Family or Group Outing
Enjoy climbing with family or friends at our convenient climbing destinations! Whether your group is new to climbing or includes experienced members, we can tailor a rewarding experience for everyone.
Personalized Instruction
Make the most of your time by getting 1-on-1 instruction from our truly experienced and accomplished instructors. From basic skills to big wall solos, we teach it all.
- Top Rope Anchor Building
- Gym to Crag
- Intro to Outdoor Sport Climbing
- Intro to Trad Climbing
- Self Rescue
- Big Wall Climbing
- Multipitch Instruction
Public Trips are community experiences open to everyone but still limited to small groups.
Small Group Classes
Our group courses are a great way to get high quality instruction and meet other climbers at a low price! We pride ourselves on keeping participant numbers low to ensure you get the attention you need to feel confident in your new skills.
- Top Rope Anchor Building
- Gym to Crag
- Intro to Outdoor Sport Climbing
- Intro to Trad Climbing
- Self Rescue
- Big Wall Climbing
- Multipitch Instruction
- AMGA SPI Course
All-Inclusive Retreats
We’ll take care of everything! Accommodations, food, local transport, top-tier instruction in climbing AND yoga. Our Retreats balance relaxing vacations with epic climbing trips in gorgeous locations. Join us for an unforgettable getaway!
- Yoga & Climbing Retreats with Britany Paradis
- Multipitch Climbing Retreat in El Potrero Chico, Mexico
- Crack Climbing Retreats in Moab, Utah