This was a surprisingly decent hostel, and one of the only affordable places I found in Estes park in September! I was able to book a bed in a co-ed shared dorm for like $80 that night and it was pretty decent. They have a nice big parking lot and when I arrived one of the staff came from a nearby cabin and helped me move my bags inside. They have clear instructions about everything inside, it was a smooth check in and checkout. I would def stay again - it was perfect as a single night after a long day of hiking in the national park, and an early morning again hiking in the national park the next day. Decently clean too, and very homely :) read more

Just completed my first guided outdoor climbing experience ever with Jason Antin (our guide), and all I can say is 'WOW'. I was completely blown away.. What an experience!! Jason was awesome! He explained everything, providing expert guidance throughout our climb of the 3rd Flatiron. I had never done any technical outdoor climbs before, all indoor, but living in Boulder, I felt this was a must. I was a little nervous at first, but I never felt unsafe, and the more we climbed, the easier it all felt. The summit? Spectacular! I can never look at the Flatirons again the same way. Repelling off the back was just as fun. Again, never done it before, but Jason walked us through it all and made it seem so easy. Yeh, I got the bug, and I can't wait to do it again! If you've been thinking about it.. if it's been on your mind.. don't wait anymore. DO IT! You will thank yourself you did. read more

Colorado Mountain School - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

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would love to vote higher than 5 stars but I'm held back I've been climbing indoor for awhile now and really wanted to push my limits outside, so I decided to request a guide through CMS! I was traveling in the spring, and in CO, sometimes the weather and trail conditions become a huge unknown, which is why I wanted a professional by my side. safe to say I was beyond happy and content with my adventure with bob chase. absolutely amazing person: guided me through gear, trad climbing, keeping up with my physical condition and all around being such a genuine guy. whether it be through his personal stories about climbing or walking me through any anxieties, he extended his kindness to me greatly. our journey through RMNP ended up being one of the best of my life! (though I am still young ;) ) for it being my first time on rock... in the alpine... in the wind and slight snow... and being ten pitches long, I really feel like I have gained a huge understanding of the mountaineering world that I just would not learned from anyone else. furthermore, the staff behind the scenes is incredible and very knowledgable about scheduling and guiding details. i had a huge hiccup in my scheduling process, and I was so grateful that the staff was willing to fix my error and walk me through any other issues. i was incredibly worried about losing this great opportunity, and I am so glad CMS was able to swiftly change the plans! (though please do not make the same mistake as me...) all in all, there is nothing I can say about CMS that is faulty. in my experience, it was absolutely incredible the stuff I was able to do with them, and I will forever be grateful for their guidance and generosity. :,) ty bob and ty sarah for everything read more

Colorado Mountain School - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

Had a fantastic day being taught trad techniques by Clint Locks (he rocks) in El Dorado Canyon. He loves to teach, is a blast to hang with, and just a great dude! Will book him in the future if I need a more advanced technique class like self-rescue, or for a tentative alpine climb with a buddy! read more

I typically do not give 5-star reviews, but my experience with CMS, and more speciifcally with Bob Price - our guide, was superb. I have used guided services for many activiities over the years, and this is experience was head and shoulders above anything else I've experienced. I have an expedition coming up, and Bob put my mind at ease by helping me brush up on my technique, by introducing me to new skills, and by offering me sound advice on gear, fitness, and knowledge. I would recommend Bob Price and this outfit to anyone. Well done, Bob, and thanks again! read more

Awesome full day experience. My first rock climbing with Clint and Bryan - great instructors who taught me and a few other fun fellows how to do safety procedures, tie up yourself and climb, belay and repel. We were at the rock next to the Dome at Boulder Canyon. Debrief with coffee at Neptune was great too. Gear (climbing shoes, harness, etc) was provided and it was comfortable/great. Highly recommend to anyone who want to be introduced to rock climbing with zero prior experience. read more

Colorado Mountain School - first time rock climbing next to the Dome in Boulder Canyon. - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

Took the AIARE 1 three-day class with CMS and learned so much. Great balance of classroom and field time. There was 1 guide/6 people which was a great ratio. The four guides were all extremely knowledgeable, open to answer any questions, and happy to give suggestions for gear and future adventures. They were also fun! My group went out with Sarah on the first field day. Sarah did a great job at making sure we practiced all the rescue skills in the curriculum while adjusting the pace of the class to keep us warm on a truly freezing day. Sarah checked in with us often to make sure we were comfortable and still had all our toes. My group went out with Matt on the second day. Matt not only taught us more rescue and avalanche skills but also gave us pointers for efficient backcountry travel/skinning. He dropped in anecdotes throughout the class to give real life, tangible examples. I truly could not recommend this class at CMS more. Or even hiring Sarah or Matt (or Kyle or Chris!) as a personal guide. I feel like I have a solid foundation to keep myself safe this season and have the tools to continue my education. read more

Colorado Mountain School - field day - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

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Just did a Ladies weekend and this place is the absolute best. Fun and accessible.

My husband and I met Clint Locks on top of the Wind Tower in Eldorado Canyon. He was very pleasant and helpful from the start. He mentioned he was a guide and offered to take us out if we wanted. We booked him for a day of multi-pitch climbing in Estes Park and this turned out to be a great decision. Our goal for the day was to learn as much as we could about climbing in and around Boulder and RMNP as well as have a great day out climbing. Clint delivered on both - he has climbed in the area for many years and knows all the best spots. He is also a great teacher. As for the climbing, we did Pear Buttress, a superb climb, and we felt completely safe with Clint leading us up. During our time in Boulder we met a couple of other CMS guides and they were also very pleasant and professional. We would highly recommend CMS guides and Clint in particular. Finally, don't be hesitant to hire a guide during the pandemic. The guides and guests are required to wear masks and the guides give guests hand sanitizer before and after climbing. All guests are also screened before their outing. read more

What an amazing adventure my grandson had with CMS. He took the 1/2 day rock climbing course in Estes Park and we were all amazed by what he was able to do by the end of the morning. Rainbow was an amazing guide and was patient and encouraging throughout the class. The overall experience was so positive, CMS was organized and provided all the necessary equipment. Recommend this classic Colorado experience to everyone! read more

Colorado Mountain School - Climbing in the Rockies! - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

Joey Thompson is a legend. My buddy and I did some mixed climbing and then some skills training with him and he was really the best guide I've ever had the pleasure of climbing with. He is an exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable alpinist, but also a great teacher who pushed us, fun companion, and very reliable and safety-conscious leader. Can't sing his praises enough. At the end of the day the guide makes the trip but the school's equipment and facilities were also top-notch so 5 stars all around. read more

It pains me to write a negative review for a small and local business, but I wish my partner and I had this heads up before we took time off work and wasted $400 on the Mountain Navigation class. We had signed up for the Mountain Navigation class to gain some understanding of how to use a compass, read maps, and navigate in the backcountry. We arrived at the 8:00am class time, and while classrooms were getting organized we were able to have some small talk with the instructor who was very kind. Once a classroom opened up, we were able to move in and our class of 6 got all settled. Some of the class members were in the middle of multi-day instruction, and three of us were there for the single day. The compasses were passed out as well as some laminated maps to share. At this point we were still excited to get this professional instruction, but I can't say that we received that at all. From here, everything took a turn. It did not appear that there was any sort of structure to this class. To be honest, at times we felt like we had been given a substitute teacher who was just "winging it" and desperately trying to fill the classroom time on a subject they knew little about. Though the instructor did seem to have personal backcountry experience, I did not feel like he was an expert on the subject by any means, or even fit to be teaching it. They say that if you truly know and understand a subject, you should be able to explain it in simple terms. This was certainly NOT the case with any of the information here. From the instructor we heard a lot of "it's very confusing" and "we don't have the proper maps or examples". When questions were asked, it never felt like we got a clear answer. The little information we took away from the class was taught by a fellow student trying to explain in better words than the instructor as the student had prior navigational knowledge from the Navy. At this point we were 4 hours in and I still didn't understand the basics. When we were given the opportunity to go get lunch, my partner and I got in the car and immediately expressed how we were both feeling scammed. We decided not to waste our time any further by going back to the remaining half of the class and when we called to let CMS know we would not be returning, there were no questions asked. After the class a survey was sent out to which we left an honest 1 star review with feedback similar to this. Still, no one had anything to say. I did notice that this instructor was not listed as an option on the survey, or as an instructor on their website. I hope this was a fluke for CMS at our great expense, because I would certainly expect more of a school that is teaching serious topics like mountaineering, climbing, and avalanche safety. read more

went on an epic rock climbing trip in estes park and these guys were TOP notch professionals! Wonderful teachers, extremely patient and made me feel empowered to do everything we had planned (climbing, multi pitches and a 150' repel!) cannot recommend them enough!! Thanks rainbow (aka double) -Red (from first descents) read more

I took an off-width crack clinic in Vedauwoo WY with Mia Tucholke of CMS. I am a terrible off-width climber and after many years of avoiding it, I finally decided to do something about it. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher - Mia is positive, patient and a wealth of information. The clinic was organized well, the people in my group were super fun, and I had an amazing day of learning a new skill. Two thumbs up!!! read more

When you get to the end of your life and no longer associate the word "yelp" with anything but an unhappy noise that your dog makes, you'll have more time to try to remember what the hell you did. You'll try to ignore all those times your brother dared you to put something inappropriate in a bodily opening, and focus instead on the things that made you feel alive, or gave you some perspective on what living might mean. Here's one: you climbed a mountain. (Did you? Can you remember?) Well, if you did and you survived, you probably hired a guide. The Colorado Mountain School is a group of well-trained, sturdy mountain guides. A few caveats: I have only hired these guides once, so have met exactly two of their guides; we hired them to guide us climbing, not skiing or hiking; and I have hired guides only twice in my life: once in Squamish, B.C., and once in Colorado. (Plus, the first time I did it -- in Squamish -- I had so little experience that I couldn't tell you what my guide did. He could have flapped his wings to get up seven pitches, or protected himself with bits of paper stuffed in the crack for all I knew. So long as he belayed me, I was oblivious.) My inexperience with guides aside, when my partners and I told the heavies we know that we wanted to go to Colorado, they all said the same thing: hire CMS. And I can see why. These guys are cautious but willing to educate and challenge their students. They are also fun, patient and have exclusive rights to guide at what I think is the most beautiful place I have been outside of Switzerland: Lumpy Ridge. When I look at my photographs from that trip I .. well, I'm filled with longing. I wonder if I'll ever do anything that amazing again. (And I climb at the Red River Gorge all the time, so I'm not just an easily impressed gym rat.) These guides have been taught to be suspicious of what their guests say (or think!) they can do, so they started us on a route that was gorgeous, multiple-pitch and fairly easy. Once we proved ourselves to them a bit, they added to the challenge and before the day was up, we were on the steepest most featureless slab I have ever seen. (That's where I stopped impressing anyone.) I could fill this page with descriptions of the views and the routes, but by way of a summary I'll just give some advice: if you have any interest at all, go and learn from them! Be honest about what you can do; be ready for any weather; and don't think you won't have to carry or coil any ropes. And think of me: I'll be jealous! read more

Colorado Mountain School - CMS Guide Bob Chase on pitch two of White Whale - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

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I did a 2 day intro to mountaineering course with Ian Fowler. There are not enough words to describe how awesome those 2 days were and how amazing Ian has been as a guide to learn from. Ian was super knowledgeable and patient and I learned so much during these 2 days. But most importantly - I was left with a taste for more mountaineering and I am eager to learn more and do more! 5 stars!!! read more

We had an amazing 3 day rock climbing adventure with the Colorado Mountain School. We learned to belay and climb on some great terrain. Bob is the best! Also "Yin" not sure of real name, Bernardo, Megan and Ryan. I love that safety and fun were paramount. Definitely hire them and GET OUT THERE!! read more

Was signed up for the intro to rock climbing course - but wasn't able to attend due to a medical emergency and the company wouldn't transfer me over to another class or refund my money. I was supposed to take the class on Sat Oct 24th; the Sunday before the class I ended up in the ER for a life-threatening abdominal issue. They got me stabilized, but I needed to have surgery late that week. I phoned the company from the hospital to inform them of my status and that I would like to transfer to something else. The guy was rude and said "well... we have a 7 day no-refund cancellation policy". I said that I don't want a refund, I just want to roll it over to something else once I am physically able to get outside again. He said absolutely not and hung-up. The guy on the phone sounded very immature and junior, so I emailed what I thought was the head of the company informing him of my situation. I got instantly got back a nasty-gram saying I talked to you last night and we don't do credits. (which wasn't explained to me on the phone). As a business owner, I get this is their policy - but not being somewhat flexible to somebody almost died and wanted to continue with the company, is just bad business. read more

Signed up for the multipitch course and got linked up with Ben Markhart and 4 other climbers. Ben found a perfect spot out in Boulder canyon and spent the first half of the day going over basics re: safely belaying a follower from above (using a couple different scenarios that are typically non-perfect), common challenges to watch out for and how to deal with them, and safely rappelling using standard techniques with and without an extension. We broke for lunch and then spent the second half of the day caterpillaring up the group through an easy 5.6 route that he broke up into two parts. Overall I felt it was a great educational experience. I learned a lot of new information and got what little I did know reinforced. Would highly recommend even if you have multipitch experience but would like to get some additional tips from a seasoned pro. Ben's depth of experience and ability to communicate was very impressive. read more

Long review comin at ya! First off -- selecting CMS: I did lots of research. CMS was consistently the most expensive & I honestly almost didn't choose them for that reason. But I'm fortunate to have many friends who have previously taken AIARE 1 courses, & they unanimously told me to go through CMS. They said it was far and away the best education and the most informed guides I could get. when it comes to avalanche safety, that's what saves your life. Lodging: there is a hostel in the upper level of the CMS building, which I'm sure is convenient and affordable. I didn't use that as I took the class with a group of 4 friends, so we opted for a nearby vrbo rental. The course/structure itself: we did the 3-day course. Friday was part classroom, part field. Saturday was classroom. Sunday was field. I'd definitely recommend having ski/splitboard gear over snowshoeing but the snowshoers also seemed to have fun. The class was 24 people total and we were broken up into 4 groups of 6. There were 4 instructors to lead each group when we were outdoors. Since there are only 2 field days, you only get 2 of them leading your group but you spend time with and learn from all of them in the classroom. Our weekend's 4 guides were Mia, Jake, Mike and Everett. All of them were so amazing, knowledgeable, patient and supportive-- I wish we could've spent more time with all of them. Our group had Mike and Everett over the 2 days, who were exceptional. They went above and beyond as guides, remaining patient and professional throughout (our group was a rowdy bunch). We had some hiccups along the way as we were learning, and I was so thankful to have spent the extra money and had these guides by our side. I didn't doubt for a second that it was worth it. If you're looking to get your AIARE 1, I'd recommend CMS + our guides in particular again and again. Education aside, we also had a freakin blast. read more

I recently went on a First Descents trip and CMS taught our group to climb. I had only climbed indoors once before my trip and am terribly afraid of heights! Our guides from CMS were top-notch and created lessons and opportunities that kept our group challenged yet safe. Bob Chase and Japhy Dhungana were the two guides from CMS I interacted with the most and they were both extremely personable, passionate, and experienced. I was born with a balance disorder and problems with my joints where they can randomly dislocate under very little force. I never thought I would go rock climbing. And that was before I was diagnosed with cancer! Not only did I get to rock climb and I loved it, I felt safe the entire time under CMS guides, and made it to the top of Lumpy Ridge on our multi-pitch victory climb! Thank you, CMS. The guides at CMS took me and my cancer (while still in treatment and very fatigued!) to the top of the mountain! I cannot express how pleased and thankful I am for CMS and their work! read more

Andy was awesome! We went out to Boulder for a day of learning and rock climbing. Cant wait to use my skills with my friends out on the mountain. Thank ! read more

Did my AIARE Level 1 course here as well. Stayed for 3 nights. Speaking of the hostel, it's very clean, functional. Has a great vibe - useful for someone about to do something bad a** and ill advised in the mountains, or for that classroom dork. Speaking as a world traveler, this is one of the better hostels I've stayed in. ;) If you're passing through, especially on a mtn adventure, definitely stop here. Who knows who you'll run into! read more

Colorado Mountain School - Ensures that the front door closes... - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

Bar none! Look for Andy and Buster to guide you. Patient, skilled and very personable. We felt safe and had loads of fun! Whatever your skill level is, they will accommodate. Definitely coming back for a day climb!! read more

Colorado Mountain School - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

Ahhhhhmazing! I went with a group of about 20 people from First Descents and spent a week learning the ropes! Literally! Hi A lot of the participants had absolutely no experience climbing. A few had a fear of heights and a couple were recovering from recent chemo and radiation. The guides were incredible and patient with everyone. They took time to teach us and encourage us. The picked a variety of climbs that were challenging for everyone in the group, including some regular climbers. Most importantly, the guides were very considerate of everyone's safety and respectful. They were incredibly positive, caring, and funny too! read more

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We did the half day family adventure and had a great time! We have a six year old and seven year old and Brian our instructor was very patient and kind with them! All four of us did climbs we never thought we could! Highly recommended! read more

This team was incredible - all around 5 stars for the 3 days we climbed with them (all different locations). Professional and supportive throughout. Bonus: they were also super knowledgeable about both the geology and weather. -JS read more

Can't recommend this any higher. We climbed with Tyler yesterday and it was outstanding. We hired him for a half day session for my family including our kids. We all had a ton of fun my husband and I each did several climbs, the kids each did over a dozen climbs continuously challenging themselves with tougher routes. Tyler kept it fun and safe. Scheduling was easy, office staff answered all my questions and communication was clear. read more

My husband and I just completed the AIARE Level I Course through CMS. We recently got into backcountry skiing, and have experience with climbing and mountaineering. We had 4 instructors for a 3 day course and they provided us with a great base knowledge of information and the skills and resources to plan a manageable and reasonably safe backcountry ski trip. They do an excellent job of differentiating the groups and instruction based on skill levels. Pair the classroom lesson time with time spent in the field at RMNP, and you will leave feeling challenged, educated, and informed all in the ambiance of a beautiful park. Please know and expect, that you are not leaving the Level I course without the recognition that you will need to continue to develop your personal skills, practice terrain assessments, and apply what you learned. In other words, this Level I course is only the beginning of what you need to safely travel in the backcountry. As an educator and someone whom has completed a master's degree of course work and several hours of post-grad studies, I was thoroughly impressed at the level of engagement, questioning, participation, and incorporation of technology that each instructor applied within their presentations. The classroom time was informative and the application of what we learned in the classroom, to our field studies, was beneficial. I would recommend a course with the CMS instructors an guides to anyone seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in any backcountry experience. read more

I went on the half day fun climb and had an amazing experience! I'm a more experienced climber and our awesome guide Bernardo was able to set up a great range of routes and difficulty. Bernardo was super friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and fun and would highly recommend all levels for this climbing experience! read more

Normally, it's difficult to give a review of a mountaineering business as a whole since when using them, you're only really dealing with one person...your guide. But since CMS was so accommodating and flexible with my schedule, I feel confident in giving them the four stars that I feel they'd most definitely earned. My friend and I flew into Boulder, CO for the annual "MuddyBuddy" adventure race and were staying with some of his family members near Estes Park. Since we're both climbers, we thought we'd take advantage of the locale and hire a guide to bring us to some challenging and visually exciting ascents. We didn't have much time, given our tight schedule, but they seemed to really appreciate our business and selected a guide for us who was willing to give up his plans for the day and spend it with two city slickers from Chicago. A young guy in his early twenties, Paul (our guide) was very competent in instruction and was actually pretty funny, too! All the runs we took that day were pretty tough, but the rewards when reaching the summit were out of this world. Climbing in the Colorado Rockies is a must for any enthusiast, and if you happen to find yourself in Estes Park while doing so, give CMS a call. If you need a little (or even a lot of) instruction, they're reasonably priced and very knowledgeable in the RIGHT way traverse those crags! Oh, and our guide, Paul? Turns out he was originally from Naperville. Small world. read more

My boyfriend and I had an AMAZING time in the intro to backcountry skiing and splitboarding course with Jason! We learned so much and felt comfortable the entire time. CMS is awesome and we will definitely be taking another class with them soon! read more

This is my best thing that I've ever done in the USA. I participated in a 5 day climbing course called ROCK CLIMBING DEVELOPMENT SERIES: LEVEL 1 and it was amazing being with them. They taught me rock climbing from zero till I became an independent climber. I can build anchors, tie different kinds of knots, belay perfectly, smear for proper footing at any climbing positon and trust my feet (they always hold and grip). I spent 4 days with my guide, Jake Gaventa, who is well-rounded, experienced, so professional, easygoing, humorous, patient and friendly. He is always ready to help, listen from me and answer my questions clearly and perfectly! I'll be definitely glad if I can make it to Boulder again that I join more classes with him. It's worth every dime I spend! Thank you Jake. Guys, don't ever hesitate or be reluctant to join any course with CMS, they're the best you can get in rock climbing! Thanks, read more

Highlight of my vacation. For going into this only ever climbing indoors this was an amazing first look at the outdoor climbing world. Everything went smoothly, the people here know there stuff. Thank you for having me read more

My wife and I were guided by Mike Soucy of CMS on an epic climb up Sharkstooth (12,630 ft) in RMNP. We hiked out the first day to bivouac overnight near the base of Sharkstooth, so we could make our ascent first thing in the morning. Mike was an amazing instructor. Throughout the entire trip he was constantly teaching us new things and answering any questions we had. Mike made my wife and I feel safe the entire trip. We definitely put in our own work getting to the top but without a doubt Mike's calm and encouraging demeanor was the reason I personally felt we smashed our first alpine multi-pitch climb! My wife and I look forward to our next adventure with Mike and CMS! read more

Colorado Mountain School - Left, sharkstooth. Right, standing on sharkstooth. - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

Did my AIARE Level 1 course here. Stayed at their comfy lodge for 4 nights and had a blast out in the field. All the instructors had a good vibe and enjoyed their work. Sign up for the course was easy, and the phone staff was helpful. read more

If you are a novice or an experienced climber, climb with Jake. He's an expert guide; passionate, inspiring, optimistic, comical, relatable, and still is excited by the climb. Take my advice, call him and tell him what kind of climbing you like and let him pick the route. You can't go wrong and will have an experience that will check a bucket list item, make you feel indomitable, connect you with the beauty and expanse of nature, and leave you exhausted, exhilarated and grateful. Thanks Jake for your teaching, coaching, and for making my work-life balance, balanced. Thanks too for keeping us safe. read more

Colorado Mountain School - Rock Climbing Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

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Excellent guide service, and Joey "Magic Man" Thompson is a wonderful, solid and fun guide. He showed us a great couple of days at Lumpy Ridge and adapted the days to our considerably different skill levels. booking & follow up was prompt, professional and thorough and the guiding was smooth start to finish. Total pros. read more

I stayed at CMS and climbed with them for a week via a program called First Descents, which is an outdoor adventure camp for young adult cancer survivors. The guides and staff were FREAKIN AWESOME! I would climb with them again any day. In fact, I'm wearing my CMS t-shirt right now. :) read more

Colorado mountain school has some of the most trained and experienced mountain guides in the area. I loved learning climbing skills from skilled, ambitious woman. I now feel safe and well prepared to go outside and set up my own climbing anchoring systems. Thanks Colorado climbing school for a fun and well informed weekend! read more