Big River Climbing Guides

06/09/2026

Two new offerings this month! First, we are offering a brand new clinic, SPI+, focused to help those gain skills not taught in SPI courses that are really helpful to both those working as SPIs and those just climbing in that terrain. We see a lot of instructors hitting sort of a wall when designing their days out and this is focused to give new tools and techniques to be able to offer more comprehensive days out! To register go to: https://www.bigriverclimbingguides.com/register/p/spi-

The other one is Muti-pitch Self Rescue. Learn how to descend and manage complex self rescue situations in this awesome full day course. Register at: https://www.bigriverclimbingguides.com/register/p/rock-rescue

Also, if planning to take both we are psyched to offer a 10% discount off each one for a radical two-days of learning! Email or message us for details!

06/05/2026

We have 2 spots left in our July 10th-12th AMGA SPI Course at Devils Lake State Park. The AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course is the gold standard and most widely accepted in the United States for training at this level. AMGA course providers go through over 30 days of courses, exams, and trainings(many more in most cases) in the mountain guide program creating the highest level of instruction offered when compared to other SPI type trainings in the country. We are also psyched to be offering this training at a reduced rate to help remove some of the financial roadblocks associated with these essential trainings. Payment plans are also available! We are proud to offer these courses in the Midwest and support our climbing community beyond theses courses. To register go to: https://www.bigriverclimbingguides.com/register/p/amga-spi-course-july-10th-12th-devils-lake-state-park

06/04/2026

Another successful spring guiding season at Devils Tower and the Needles in Custer State Park. We are always honored and humbled that folks trust us with their goals, dreams, and skills development. Thank you to everyone who we shared ropes with to amazing summits and as always lots of laughs!!!

05/15/2026

We are psyched to be offering another AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and Exam at Devils Lake this July ( SPI Course: July 10th-12th/ SPI Exam: July 13th & 14th). Both of these opportunities are being offered at reduced rates to help remove some of the financial roadblocks associated with climbing training and certifications. We also are always open to offer payment plans for help assist climbers!
To register go to:

This AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Exam will be held at Devils Lake State Park, Wi July 13th & 14th.. The SPI Exam is a minimum of 16 hours run over a two-day period and is being offered at a discounted rate to help remove some of the financial roadblocks associated with obtaining AMGA certif

05/07/2026

Some say there are two climbing seasons. Ice climbing season and waiting to ice climb season!

04/27/2026

New AMGA SPI Exam being offered up in Duluth May 16/17 and being offered at a reduced cost to help offset the expense of obtaining AMGA certification. 3 spots left!
To register go to: https://www.bigriverclimbingguides.com/register/p/amga-spi-exam-duluth-may-16-17th

04/19/2026

We are proud to be offering an reduced rate AMGA SPI Exam at Devils Lake May 2/3( lowest cost in the country currently!) in an effort to help those looking to get the SPI certification or to re-certify a little bit easier. We also offer payment plans to help ease the burden as well. We have a couple spots open, if interested shoot us a message! To get your spot go to:

The SPI Exam is a minimum of 16 hours run over a two-day period. There is no minimum time frame between successful completion of the SPI Course and when you can participate in the SPI Exam, as long as the candidate meets the prerequisites for the SPI Exam. Most successful candidates practice their s

04/15/2026

Looking to learn multi pitch skills or simply climb some amazing world class spires and towers???
We have openings for guided summit climbs of Devils Tower, WY and Cathedral Spires, SD May 19th- 25th! Message or email us to lock in your dates. Our classic Devils Tower 2 day course begins climbing the amazing Cathedral Spires in Custer State Park followed by summiting Devils Tower the next day! Book a trip of a lifetime today! https://www.bigriverclimbingguides.com/

04/14/2026

We are super excited to begin offering our spring courses to help climbers get outside, learn new skills, and make connections is this amazing community! Check out our first clinic at the Sugarloaf in Winona May2nd!

Women's Trans Femme Climbing Clinic – May 2 at Sugar Loaf (Winona, MN) Join us for a full day of outdoor climbing at our Women’s Climbing Clinic on Saturday, May 2 at Sugar Loaf in Winona, MN! This clinic is open to all experience levels and is designed to create a supportive, empowering space f

04/14/2026

We are psyched to be offering our first AMGA SPI exam of the season at Devils Lake State Park May 2-3 at a discounted rate to help participants access the exam and certification a little easier. We currently have 2 spots left so if you are thinking of taking the exam this spring here's your chance! This course is also taught by a midwestern AMGA provider which means that you will have a local resource for professional development and access to coaching and feedback after the course and throughout your guiding journey. To register go to:

The SPI Exam is a minimum of 16 hours run over a two-day period. There is no minimum time frame between successful completion of the SPI Course and when you can participate in the SPI Exam, as long as the candidate meets the prerequisites for the SPI Exam. Most successful candidates practice their s