AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course
AMGA SPI
The American Mountain Guides (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor course is the first in the sequence of climbing instructor and guide training programs. This is a great way to transition from a capable recreational climber to an effective climbing instructor. This Single Pitch Instructor course is intended for recreational climbers who are already proficient in both top-rope and lead climbing. Since 2008 we have constantly provided the very best in Single Pitch Instructor courses to students.
Why Choose Red River for SPI training?
- Red River Adventures has been providing Single Pitch Instructor training longer than any other Utah guide service
- We are local with locations in both Moab and Salt Lake City
- The best lead instructors
AMGA SPI Course offerings
Course Pre-Requisites
- You are at least 18 years old
- You have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single-pitch crags
- You have at least 12 months of prior climbing experience
- You are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience
- Have trad lead climbed a minimum of 15 graded rock climbing routes (any grade)
- Are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope
The prerequisites listed above are absolute minimums and most candidates exceed the requirements. Without having at least this amount of experience you are unlikely to play a constructive part in the course or be able to make the best use of the training. If you are unsure of your skill levels we suggest a day with one of our Certified Single Pitch Instructors to evaluate and enhance your skills and experience prior to SPI Program enrollment.
AMGA SPI Course Salt Lake City, Utah
2025 DATES
May 16th
This courses will be led by Derek DeBruin.
$700
AMGA SPI Exam offerings
Assessment Pre-Requisites
You meet the SPI Assessment Pre-Requisites if:
- You have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course.
- You have trad lead climbed a minimum of 40 rock routes. A large number of these should be at 5.6 grade and on a variety of rock types.
- You are capable of comfortably leading 5.6 traditional routes (leader placing protection).
- You will demonstrate your leading ability on a variety of routes on the assessment.
- You are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.
The SPI Assessment can be taken directly following the SPI Course if the candidate successfully completed the course and meets the Assessment pre-requisites. However, it is highly recommended that the SPI Course candidate takes time practicing and consolidating the skills learned on the course before assessment (6-12 months).
AMGA SPI Exam Salt Lake City, UT
2025 DATES
5/31
$475
Visit these links for more information on the AMGA and complete details on the Single Pitch program.
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Reviews
General FAQ
Why Choose RRA? - 20 years of doing it right!
Since 2003, when rafting operations began, we have gone on to expand our operations into rock and ice climbing, canyoneering, guided ski touring, travel trips and outdoor education. We have hosted over 100,000 guests! We are so proud that this has garnered over 3000, 5-star, reviews across all online review sites. Land or water our clients rave about the quality of our guides, the depth of their knowledge, their ability to teach and most importantly, how incredibly fun each is. We believe our past guest's comments make the decision easy!
Since we started this journey in 2003 we have safely hosted 100,000+ kids and adults on our rafting, climbing, canyoneering and skiing in Utah and around the world. RRA guides are at a minimum state licensed, insured and hold first aid and CPR certifications. Many of our river guides hold additional certifications in swift water rescue and whitewater instruction. Many, though not all, of our rock, ski and canyoneering guides are AMGA certified for the terrain they guide.
When running trips quality equipment is paramount. We are proud to be a 'Preferred Guide Partner" of Black Diamond. RRA replaces its equipment on a regular basis. This ensures all the gear required to keep you safe and having fun is in top-notch shape.
RRA has earned the reputation of a professionally ran, top quality guide service. We are a tight knit family run business. Once you adventure with RRA we guarantee you'll be back for more.
YES! To guarantee space on the trip of your choice, we recommend reservations, especially mid-summer and on holidays and weekends. In order to provide the type of trip the we have become known for we do limit the number of people on our trips and we do fill up. Make a reservation as soon as you have a good idea of when you want to ski or climb with us and you'll avoid disappointment. Feel free to call us about reservations at any time @ 1-877-259-4046 or email.
Age limits are set for each of our trips to be within industry standards and in accordance with our insurance carrier. In some cases the published age is a guideline and people younger may participate. For trips with youth rate pricing we use the following guidelines.
Youth Rate = 15 years and younger!
Adults = 16 years and up!
Some trips are priced on a per person basis regardless of age.
We are thrilled to have the ability to offer such a wide variety or trips. We also realize that this can create confusion. We are a fantastic resource and look forward to helping you choose the trip that is perfect for you and your group. Please feel free to call or email with any questions you might have, we love to help. Often after a brief conversation with one of our staff the the answers become clear.
Red River Adventures tries to make your trip with us as easy as possible!
We will clearly outline what we will provide and let you know what you need to bring. Generally all necessary group equipment for you to take part in our trips is included. RRA does provide avalanche safety equipment, skis, split-boards, poles, ice climbing boots. We will provide trip specific lists to assist you in bringing the right things.
Red River Adventures has an unblemished safety record. We personally screen and train our employees vigorously each year. Our climbing, skiing and canyoneering guides are highly trained and many, though not all, are AMGA trained or certified for the terrain they guide. Our trips take place in rugged, remote "wilderness" settings. You should be in good general health to participate.
Red River Adventures offers a group rate discount of 10% to groups of 10 or more. Additional rates reductions are available for school, club, church, or special-interest groups on some trips. We are happy to, when ever possible, customized trip lengths and itineraries. Please contact us for help in arranging your charter trip or for group rate information.
What To Pack
SPI required gear
- Climbing equipment:
- UIAA/CE approved Climbing Helmet
- UIAA/CE approved Climbing Harness with belay loop
- Climbing shoes or approach shoes in which you can climb up to 5.7
- Standard “lead climbing rack” such as, stoppers/nuts, SLCD’s, tri-cams, etc.
- Assorted 24” and 48” runners (must have one 48” runner)
- 10 or more non-locking carabiners
- 3 or more “HMS/Pearbiners”
- 6 or more locking carabiners, (the more, the better)
- Belay/rappel device, such as the “Reverso”, “ATC”, etc.
- Releasable locking belay device, such as the Petzl “GriGri” or Trango “Cinch” belay devices
- 2 Prussic loops (1m of 5mm Nylon Accessory Cord)
- 2 cordelettes (5m of 7mm Nylon Accessory Cord)
- One 60m “single” rope (9.5-10.5mm) suitable for leading and top roping
- One static or “semi static” (gym line) rope 10-11mm, 30m+, for setting up anchors and fixed lines
Additional equipment is the responsibility of the participant. The course will be run regardless of weather. Be prepared for full days in the field and variable weather conditions.
Red River Adventures does not provided camping or climbing equipment.
Reservations are HIGHLY recommended! Many dates sell out far in advance!
A refundable payment is due to guarantee your reservation.
We accept:
Full Day & Half Day Trips
Payments- A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
- 7 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 8 days or more prior to departure: Full refund!
- 7 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled.
Large Groups (14 or more)
Payments- A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
- 14 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 15 days or more prior to departure: Full refund.
- 14 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
Clinics, Courses, and Exams
Payments- A deposit of 50% of the total is due at the time of reservation.
- 30 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 31 or more days prior to start: Full refund.
- 30 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
International Trips
Payments- A deposit of 50% is due at the time of reservation.
- 120 days prior: 100% of the trip total is due and will be charged to the card on file.
- 120+ days prior to departure: 10% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
- 119 - 60 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
- 59 days or less to departure: 100% of the trip total is nonrefundable.
Trip Insurance
Insure Your Trip
We highly recommend using a credit card with trip protection or purchasing travel insurance. Popular credit cards with trip coverage include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred / Reserve
- Capital One Venture X
- Amex Platinum
- BOA Premium Rewards
If your credit card doesn’t cover trip protection, consider these travel insurance providers:
- Allianz
- World Nomads
- Travel Guard
- Tin Leg
Travel insurance can cover your activity, course, clinic, or your entire trip — often at a reasonable cost. Regardless of your trip’s length or size, it’s smart to protect yourself from unforeseen changes.
⚠️ Note: Cancellations or changes for ANY reason are subject to our cancellation policy and will only be refunded as outlined. Please protect your investment by insuring your trip!
Weather Policy
Weather is part of the dynamic environment we operate in. Conditions may not always be ideal.
- If RRA determines conditions are suitable: No refunds if you choose to cancel/discontinue.
- If RRA deems conditions unsafe: We may shorten the route, change the venue, or cancel the remainder of your trip.
Refund Breakdown for RRA-Ended Trips
- Less than halfway complete: 50% of the trip fee is charged.
- Halfway or more complete: Full trip fee is charged.
General Policies
Red River Adventures (RRA) reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather, insufficient bookings, or other circumstances beyond our control. We will make every effort to reschedule. If a reschedule isn’t possible, bookings canceled by RRA will receive a full refund.
Alcohol
Full and Half Day Raft Trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips. No refund will be given to those drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to a scheduled trip.
Climbing/Canyoneering trips: Alcohol or drugs are not to be consumed before or during trips.
