All necessary climbing gear is included. We will provide climbing shoes, harness and helmet at no additional charge. Let us know your gear needs upon reservation. You are welcome to bring your personal climbing gear if you prefer.
We welcome all experience levels at our rock climbing school. No previous climbing experience or special training is required to enjoy a fun, rock climbing experience. Rock climbing is more balance, footwork, leg strength and less emphasis on upper body strength. If it is your first time rock climbing, you need only a general level of fitness similar for any outdoor activity:
- Comfortable, confident hiking on trails and uneven terrain
- Comfortable in high desert climate outside for 4-8 hrs
- We will choose appropriate climbs to suit your needs and ability.
We do not have set start times. With the half day you choose your 4 hour window. For the full day you decide on a start time with a full day of climbing in mind. Our days start as early as 7:00 am and we can climb until sunset.
You will meet your guide within Joshua Tree National Park. Your guide will contact you the day before your climbing trip to coordinate where you will meet up. Your guide will give you the name of the parking area and share a pin on your cell phone. Joshua Tree entrance fee $30 for 7 days.
Your guide will contact you by cell phone the day prior to your climbing date to go over details; confirm meet up location and time, review your climbing goals, get gear needs or any information specific to your trip.
Joshua Tree has poor cell service, if you plan to be camping, please let us know to be in touch a few days before to set up coordination.
- Bring water (2 liters minimum each person for hot summer days). Water bottles can be filled at the parking area of Smith Rock State Park.
- A hearty sack lunch and packable snacks.
Sunscreen, sunglasses and perhaps a sun hat. - A backpack; large enough to include, water, lunch, snacks, as well as personal climbing gear (shoes, harness, helmet). If you do not have a suitable backpack, we can provide one. Let your guide know ahead of time.
- Extra clothing in case of colder weather. (see below for details).
Dress for the season and forecasted weather. Joshua Tree National Park is at a higher elevation than the town of Joshua Tree and can be much cooler.
It is best to be prepared with layers. You may experience a range of temperatures in one day; there can be a big difference from being in the shade to the sun. Dress in a t-shirt, followed by a long sleeve and fleece. Having a warm jacket and warm hat along is important too. You may want to belay in a warm jacket and then shed a layer to climb. You might not need all your layers in the end but it's best to be prepared.
- A 7 day pass is $30 per vehicle
- $80 for an annual National Park pass
- The entrance fee is not included in the price of the guiding
