Colorado Rock Climbing Guide

Go Climbing in the rocky mountains with a top-rated colorado rock climbing guide

Alpine to the Max is the only independent certified Colorado rock climbing guide dedicated to providing incredible custom experiences & education instruction to adventurous climbers throughout the front range. Whether you're new to the sport or are an experienced rock climber looking to advance your skills, we'll help you accomplish your goals by putting together a unique day of climbing custom-tailored to you.

Photo of Colorado rock climbing guide Max Lurie leading a climb in Boulder, Colorado

Alpine to the max is a professionally certified rock climbing guide in Colorado

Our mission is to provide hands on guided rock climbing instruction in Colorado that not only offers people an incredible experience in the mountains, but leaves them with a wealth of rock climbing knowledge.

Founded by AMGA certified rock and alpine climbing instructor Max Lurie, every day of climbing with Alpine to the Max is unique.

With over a decade of experience climbing some of the world's most challenging venues, Max is uniquely qualified to offer you a guided rock climbing experience in Colorado whether you have no past climbing experience or are an experienced climber looking to take things to the next level.

How We'll help you have an incredible time rock climbing in colorado

Because of our commitment to providing personalized high-quality instruction, all of our rock climbing outings are customized to you or your groups goals & objectives for the day.

If you've never climbed before and are just looking for an adventurous day in the mountains, we'll recommend a venue & course to ensure a fun & safe outing that gives you a great introduction to rock climbing in Colorado.

Conversely, if you're an experienced climber who is looking for a challenge, we'll help you plan out a custom day of climbing aimed at improving your skillset so you can improve your technique and become self-sufficient.

What makes alpine to the max different from other Colorado rock climbing guides?

All of the climbing instruction offered through Alpine to the Max is uniquely tailored to your individual goals, skill level, and what you are looking to get out of a day of rock climbing in Colorado.

Regardless of your past climbing experience and current skill level, you will not only be able to go on a fun adventure in the mountains, but also get a personal, hands-on educational experience.

The rock climbing skills & techniques you gain through a day of climbing with Alpine to the Max will last a lifetime.

Areas where We Provide Expert guided Climbing Instruction in Colorado

View Rock Climbing Courses
Arrow Icon for Link

Alpine to the Max is an independent AMGA certified Colorado rock climbing guide with more than a decade of experience climbing in a wide variety of terrain. We offer guided rock climbs in the below disciplines that will help you experience the mountains like never before and come away having learned a great deal.

Rock climbing

Take your climbing game up a notch with an unforgettable day of instruction. We offer top roping, sport-climbing and traditional routes as well as multi pitch climbing that will have you reaching new heights.

Learn More

Alpine Climbing

Experience the Rocky Mountains like few every do with an adventurous alpine climb. Many consider climbing an alpine style route to be a pinnacle climbing achievement.

Learn More

Ice Climbing

Continue practicing & refining your climbing skills by going on an ice climb with Alpine to the Max. Ice climbing in Colorado is a great way to climb year round and push your physical limits in harsh conditions.

Learn More

Browse Our Most Popular Rock Climbing Courses

Our independently guided rock climbing courses offer something for everyone regardless of past experience or current skill level. With over 100 five-star reviews, you can't go wrong.

Join Our Community Of Adventurous colorado rock Climbers

View Rock Climbing Courses
Arrow Icon for Link

Max Lurie of Alpine to the Max has been leading guided rock climbs in Colorado and beyond for over a decade. With over 100+ verified 5-star reviews on Google, you can be sure the climbing instruction you receive will be safe, valuable, and an overall worthwhile experience.

star
star
star
star
star

“I climbed with Max last summer on a couple of couloirs in Rocky Mountain National Park. I’m a complete newbie to technical snow and Max was everything that I was hoping for in a guide. Knowledgeable, patient and passionate about educating his clients. It was a fantastic experience and I cannot wait to go back out with him.”

William Rosenberg
star
star
star
star
star

“Max is easily one of the best guides I have ever taken a course with. Max's knowledge paired with his experience and skill set is unparalleled. I learned so much and I am so grateful to have taken a course with him! Max provided the education and knowledge I needed to continue recreating safely in the mountains.”

Nichola Krieg
star
star
star
star
star

“Max was an amazing guide and instructor for our 2-day AIARE 1 course. Funny, affable, deeply knowledgeable, with an excellent approach to instruction and learning. We saw several other AIARE courses out there in the same locations, and in comparison, we were VERY glad we were spending our weekend learning from Max!

Dylan Cate
star
star
star
star
star

Max is awesome! My climbing partner and I booked a day with Max to learn how to ice climb. Between making the meetup spot an easy to find location, to providing in-depth instruction throughout the day, I can't recommend Max enough. Max's instruction was clear, safe, and easy to follow. He's personable and easy to learn from.

star
star
star
star
star

What an awesome experience. My friend and I spent four days with Max going through a variety of topics and we couldn't have been happier with the instruction. Max is SO well versed in a multitude of areas. And he's an awesome person to be around and it makes the guiding experience that much better. I would 100% do another session with Max!

star
star
star
star
star

We strongly recommend Max as a guide and instructor. Having climbed with Max several times over the past decade, we always come away with a great experience and a smile. His enthusiasm and knowledge, plus a wry sense of humor, make for instructive and fun days of climbing. We hope to get out to CO to climb someday with Max again.

star
star
star
star
star

It was awesome. We covered a ton of material in such a short window and I was able to apply everything I learned. I had pretty minimal experience at the start but he delivered everything in a super easy to understand manner that made it a ton of fun and extremely informative. I’ll definitely be coming back for future sessions.

star
star
star
star
star

Max was incredibly helpful for our intro to trad course. He not only teaches the information, but makes sure to go over alternative techniques and general climbing philosophy. We were able to customize the class that day to go over things that interested us rather than a set curriculum, which I really enjoyed. I couldn’t recommend Max enough.

star
star
star
star
star

I had very limited climbing experience coming into this guided rock climbing experience. Max takes me out and we literally jump right into my introduction to climbing. Max literally inspired me to get out of my comfort zone immediately and go beyond what I thought I was capable of. Thank you Max for an awesome experience in the mountains.

star
star
star
star
star

Max is an outstanding guide! I couldn’t have asked for a better day of climbing and learning. I joined Max in hopes of setting a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in my own climbing endeavors to come, and I was beyond satisfied with the day he had prepared for us. An incredible instructor and ideal climbing partner!

star
star
star
star
star

Max is adept, knowledgeable, and great to work with all around! He breaks down skills and explains them thoroughly, taking the time to make sure you understand a concept before moving on to something more complex. If you want to up your technical climbing skills and have a darn good time doing it then Max is your guy!

star
star
star
star
star

Max was extremely knowledge and encouraging while we were learning and practicing building anchors and hauling for crevasse rescue. He also had a great sense of humor and kept the mood light while we were suffering through brutally cold temperatures during the practice. 10/10 would recommend!

star
star
star
star
star

My partner and I hired Max for a day of self rescue skills and we had an absolute blast. Max is super knowledgeable and was more than patient answering all of our questions. We never felt rushed and had time to go through different scenarios and skills. I really enjoyed learning from a professional and would recommend to anyone!

star
star
star
star
star

Max was a terrific mountain guide. We did a split-board tour of the Hidden Valley area of Rock Mtn National Park and I couldn’t have had asked for a better guide. He answered all of my questions and expressed great knowledge in snow science as well as mountain geology and avalanche safety. Highly recommend!

star
star
star
star
star

I spent a day learning trad/multipitch climbing with Max in a "classroom setting". The dollars I spent on that session have been more valuable than any climbing trip or equipment. The techniques he taught me have stuck with me throughout my climbing career and set me up for success in the mountains.

Colorado rock climbing venues where we offer Guided instruction

View Rock Climbing Courses
Arrow Icon for Link

The beautiful state of Colorado offers incredible rock climbing experiences that attracts visitors from all over the world. Alpine to the Max offers expert-level instruction in all of the state's top venues can recommend the best route within each for you based on your goals.

Boulder Flatirons

Visible from along the Front Range, the Flatirons are an icon synonymous with Colorado. For any climber visiting the Boulder area a trip wouldn’t be complete without an ascent of either the First or Third Flatirons. Deeply featured and textured slab climbing make for moderate climbing on these tall formations.

Learn More

Eldorado Canyon

Unlike any other venue in the world, Eldorado Canyon State Park has incredibly dense sandstone climbing that offers special movement and a wonderful climbing experience. With cliffs up to 700 feet tall there is enough terrain to last a lifetime.  

Learn More

Clear Creek Canyon

From steep sport routes to your first lead climb, Clear Creek Canyon has it all. Well protected sport climbs densely packed into dozens of amazing crags, with easy access it is no wonder that everyone wants to climb here.

Learn More

Rocky Mountain National Park

With features like the Diamond on Longs Peak, the Petit Grepon, Hallett Peak and Sharkstooth Rocky Mountain National Park is stacked with ultra classic routes. From alpine rock to steep spring snow climbing, there are endless adventures to be had.

Learn More

Questions & Answers About climbing with a colorado rock climbing guide

Rock climbing is an exciting sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, before heading out to the mountains, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some common questions climbers have along with answers that will help you get ready for your adventure with us.

What Rock Climbing Outing In Colorado is right for me?
expand_more
When you hire Colorado rock climbing guide Max Lurie, you can be sure that the day of instruction/guiding provided will be completely customized to help you achieve your goals. As such, we will talk on the phone and ask you some questions to get an idea of what your goals are. From there we can make some suggestions about how to get there together.
How do I pick a Colorado Rock Climbing Guide?
expand_more
This is actually a scary topic because there is no oversight or regulation in the mountain guiding industry. This means that anyone with a rope can call themselves a Colorado rock climbing guide. Furthermore, guide services will often use language like “Professional Mountain Guides” while hiring young and/or inexperienced guides while paying them a fraction of what you pay for their services.

Always ask if your guide is certified by the American Mountain Guides Association. This will ensure that your guide/instructor has been peer reviewed and has passed their examinations. By hiring an independent certified guide, such as Alpine to the Max, you are ensuring the quality of instruction or experience that you will receive.
What is the Cost To Hire a Colorado Rock Climbing GUide?
expand_more
A guided rock climbing day in the mountains can range from $250-$900/day depending on the ratio and the complexity of the objective.The upper end of that scale would be a 12-16 hour day in the mountains climbing a strenuous and technical route.

Generally speaking, courses are cheapest because they occur at the highest participant-to-guide ratio.

Private instruction can range from $450-500/day and semi-private instruction is $300/pp/day. Semi-private guiding (for two participants) is often the best of both worlds. It allows you to have a customized experience while keeping the cost as low as possible.
Is COlorado Rock Climbing Hard for Beginners?
expand_more
Yes, and also maybe no. 

It really depends on what your previous level of athletic ability is and what you are attempting to climb. There is climbing for everyone and everybody. Hiring a Colorado rock climbing guide is an excellent way to find your baseline abilities as a climber. They will give you some pointers and you’ll be amazed at how fast you can pick up the basics.
What Venues In Colorado Are Best For Rock Climbing? 
expand_more
Different venues or areas offer different things, so it really depends on what your goals and objectives are. 

For top roping or sport climbing, Clear Creek Canyon and Boulder Canyon are excellent options. They both have dozens of crags that offer a lifetime of adventure and discovery. 

As for traditional or trad climbing, specifically multi-pitch trad climbing, there is no place like Eldorado Canyon State Park. Eldo is such a special place with unique rock formations and very engaging climbing. It offers everything from beginner first-time terrain to the most advanced technical climbing at the forefront of the sport.