Learn to Climb

Climbing tall trees is an exciting and fulfilling activity that provides enjoyment and adventure!

​Climbing trees opens up a new frontier for your adventurous spirit to explore. You may be the first and possibly only person to experience a particular tree. Tree climbers enjoy an intimate connection with trees that are hundreds of years old.

The Beginning Tree Climbing course is the place to start if you want to learn how to climb on your own. Learn about equipment, climbing systems, tree entry, climbing techniques, and tree inspection...the foundational skills you need to head out on your own with confidence.

For those who are proficient with basic technical tree climbing techniques, the Advanced MRS Climbing course will take you "beyond the Blake's" & Intro to SRS Climbing will round out your tool box and get you at the leading edge of technical tree climbing.

We offer the Intro to the Climbing System course for those who simply want to learn how to tie & operate a climbing system for basic ascent and descent using rope and harness.

With a low student-to-trainer ratio in our classes and 25 years of climber training experience, we tailor instruction to each student according to your level of understanding and ability.
See for yourself, the joy of exploring the canopy above!
Experienced climbers spend 5 days traversing 1KM/82 trees across the forest canopy, using beginning and advanced climbing techniques.  (27:11)​
Courses offered
Learn how to tie and configure a basic climbing system for ascent & descent, as well as an assortment of practical and useful knots
Learn to climb trees using professional systems, techniques, and the foundational knowledge needed to climb on your own with confidence
Expand your climbing skills by learning advanced MRS/DdRT climbing systems & techniques
Expand your climbing skills and expedite your ascent by learning SRS/SRT climbing systems & techniques

2025 Learn-to-Climb Classes

Intro to the Climbing System [1-day class (5hrs), Classroom]
  - MARCH 8 (Sat)
  - AUGUST 24 (Sun)
  - NOVEMBER 1 (Sat)
Beginning Tree Climbing [2-day class (16hrs), Classroom & outside/in-tree]
- MARCH 15-16 (Sat/Sun)
- MARCH 17-18* (Mon/Tue)
- APRIL 5-6 (Sat/Sun)
- MAY 3-4 (Sat/Sun)
- JULY 5-6 (Sat/Sun)
- OCTOBER 4-5 (Sat/Sun)
- OCTOBER 20-21 (Mon/Tue)
Advanced MRS Climbing [1-day class (6hrs), Outside/in-tree]
  - MAY 14 (Wed)
  - SEPTEMBER 10 (Wed)
  - SEPTEMBER 17 (Wed)
Intro to SRS Climbing [1-day class (6hrs), Outside/in-tree]
  - MAY 12 (Mon)
  - MAY 29 (Thu)
  - SEPTEMBER 9 (Tue)
  - SEPTEMBER 15 (Mon)

Additional Info:

- Class sizes limited
- Classes held in Waukesha, WI
- All equipment necessary to participate and complete the course work is provided
- Students are introduced to a variety of equipment to experiment with & help determine your preferences and aid you when deciding to purchase your own gear
​- Students may use their own equipment provided they meet safety standards
- Classes are appropriate for adults, ages 18+
​- Contact us if you are interested in training for younger climbers (minors) - Intro to Climbing System - 14+ w/approval; Beginning Tree Climbing - 16+ w/ approval
- Review each course prior to enrollment to undertsand prerequisites
Private classes/training scheduled year-round

Do you want take people into the treetops?
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Become a Tree Climbing Facilitator or Guide

Climbing yourself is fun. Facilitating the experience for others is rewarding!

Taking responsibility and assuming liability when taking others into trees and the forest canopy warrants proper and comprehensive training in skills related to climbing, facilitation, rescue, and more.
Start an In-house Program!

Recreational Tree Climbing helps participants build self-confidence & develop critical thinking.

RTC is an affordable and practical adventure & experiential activity that can be implemented by most camps & nature centers as it does not require the space or course infrastructure expenditures like other at-height activities.
Start Your Own Facilitation or Guide Company!

Recreational Tree Climbing continues to see significant growth across the U.S. and beyond.

​Guide & Facilitation service providers share their love of trees, forests, and climbing, and have the ability to structure their business as a part-time endeavour or full-time lifestyle or career.
Learn how to take others into a tree under your guidance. Course covers facilitation, rescue techniques, and how to start your own program.
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​Treetop Explorer climber and facilitator training classes comply with the guidelines put forth by the Global Organization of Tree Climbers. Your instructor is a GOTC Recognized Master Instructor.
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​Treetop Explorer climber training classes comply with industry standards and guidelines put forth in the ANSI Z133  and are consistent with the best practice recommendations put forth by the International Society of Arboriculture and the Tree Care Industry Association. Your instructor is an I.S.A. Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) and T.C.I.A. Qualified Trainer & Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP).