Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School is the only locally based guide service. We contract with local guides who take pride in the work they do, and it shows in the way they approach each trip. More importantly, the guides are skilled rock climbers and instructors, and they'll make your safety their prime concern.

We feel the success of any rock climbing trip is its people, both the guests and the guides.

The American Mountain Guides Association, (AMGA), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining high standards of professionalism in mountain guiding in the United States. The AMGA meets that goal through two programs: a Certification Program for individual guides and a voluntary Accreditation Program for rock climbing schools.

Nine different seminars are offered, and each climb will vary in level to accomodate your personal needs. Each participant will receive individual attention and coaching and you will be able to progress at your own pace.

For the newcomer or the rusty

Curriculum begins with "ground school", in which we go bouldering (climbing low to the ground) to concentrate on balance, weight distribution, energy conservation and choreographing individual moves. This confidence-building exercise in footwork, balance and trust are key to your individual progress and enjoyment.

An introduction is followed by explanations on equipment and its proper use and care, knots, belaying (a climber's safety system), communication signals and terminology. Much of the day you are on top-rope protected climbs up to 80 feet and rappeling on low angle rock faces. Superior climbing and instruction make for a quality experience.

Combine the Basic Rock Climbing I with our Basic Rock Climbing II for our most popular class the Basic Rock Climbing Weekend.

Sign up early to secure your spot.
Cost: $80 (includes free shoe rental)

After some stretching, bouldering and a review of the Basic Rock I fundamentals, it's back to the ropes for some top-rope protected free climbing and rappeling.

As you continue to refine the basics, you'll encounter new and varied rock climbing opportunities and be exposed to more challenging terrain. We'll focus on an assortment of face, crack, layback and stemming techniques.

We'll cover the basic anchoring system concepts, and you'll begin to make your own anchor placments using modern camming devices and various types of nuts.

Cost: $80 (includes free shoe rental)

Combines Basic Rock Climbing I (Saturday) & II (Sunday)

Cost: $155 (includes free shoe rental)

This two-day seminar is for logical followup to the Basic Rock Climbing Weekend or for the motivated beginner, indoor gym and/or sport climber who wants to further develop traditional-style rock climbing skills. The focus of this weekend is to provide a delicate balance of anchoring skills and to improve your rock climbing techniques. You will learn to bypass inappropriate and time-consuming anchor setups and to create quick, efficient setups, minimizing risk and maximizing rock climbing time. This also helps you assess someone else's anchors you may be climbing on.

Day 1... Begins with understanding concepts of protection (ie, spring-loaded camming devices, stoppers, tri-cams, hexes) and what makes a good protection placement. The second half of the day will be spent on the rocks improving your climbing skills.

Day 2... Will focus on anchor systems: equalizing with slings and cordelettes; incorporating redundancy in anchors; prevention of shock loading. The remainder of the day will again be spent on the rocks, doing top-roped climbs up to 5.10. All trips are tailored to the guide's discretion.

Cost: $155 (includes free shoe rental)

1999 Dates:

Feb. 13-14, 15-16, 27-28 Mar. 13-14, 22-23, 27-28, 29-30 Apr. 8-9, 10-11, 24-25, 26-27 May 8-9, 17-18, 29-30, 31-Jun. 1 Jun. 12-13, 21-22, 26-27

Aug. 7-8, 16-17, 21-22 Sep. 4-5, 6-7, 18-19 Oct. 9-10, 11-12, 23-24, 25- 26 Nov. 13-14, 22-23, 27-28 Dec. 18-19, 22-23, 27-28, 29- 30

2000 Dates:

Jan. 1-2, 3-4, 29-30 Feb. 12-13, 14-15, 26-27 Mar. 11-12, 20-21, 25-26, 27-28 Apr. 3-4, 8-9, 22-23, 24-25 May 13-14, 15-16, 27-28, 29-30 Jun. 10-11, 19-20, 24-25

Aug. 12-13, 21-22, 26-27 Sep. 4-5, 9-10, 23-24 Oct. 9-10, 14-15, 23-24, 28-29 Nov. 11-12, 13-14, 25-26 Dec. 9-10, 23-24, 28-29 Jan. '01: 1-2

This weekend is devoted to learning and practicing the nuances of moving over seemingly blank spaces of rock. Face climbing is foundational to all other techniques. Learn to increase confidence in footwork, identify subtle features and weaknesses, refine balance, and choreograph sequences.

The technical aspects of various crack climbing techniques are also covered, including finger, hand and fist jamming.

Different levels of climbs will be used to accommodate your varying needs. All climbs are top-roped.

Cost: $145 weekend or $75 per day
(includes free shoe rental)

1999 Dates:

For those who want to be on the sharp end of the rope!

This comprehensive weekend encompasses the basics of leading.

Topics include advanced protection placements, use of runners, how to reduce rope drag, leading responsibilities, resting stances, hanging belays, natural hazards, complex anchoring systems, and route finding. Basic self-rescue and retreat techniques also are taught.

All leading is done while top-roped, so you can concentrate on learning the techniques. If you're serious about leading, this is for you!

Cost: $175 (includes free shoe rental)

1999 Dates:

Feb. 15-16, 20-21 Mar. 3-16, 29-30 Apr. 10-11, 24-25, 26-27 May 15-16, 24-25 Jun. 14-15, 19-20

Sep. 6-7, 25-26 Oct. 11-12, 16-17 Nov. 20-21, 29-30 Dec. 11-12, 29-30

2000 Dates:

Feb. 19-20, 28-29 Mar. 18-19, 27-28 Apr. 10-11, 15-16 May 20-21, 29-30 Jun. 17-18, 26-27

Sep. 16-17 Oct. 21-22, 30-31 Nov. 18-19, 27-28 Dec. 16-17, 30-31

Accelerate your learning curve with four consecutive days of rock climbing and technical skills instruction.

Our low student-to-instructor ratio guarantees plenty of hands-on practice. Jump start your rock climbing adventure!For the beginner we have combined our Basic Rock Climbing and Intermediate Rock Climbing Seminars (Sat. through Tues.).

For the intermediate, the 4-Day Intermediate Seminar begins with the Intermediate Rock Climbing Weekend and continues on Monday and Tuesday with multi-pitch rock climbing and beginning leading skills. Trip size is limited, so plan ahead.

Cost:
Beginning Seminar: $295 (includes free shoe rental)
Intermediate Seminar: $295 (includes free shoe rental)

4-Day Beginning Seminar 1999 Dates Feb. 13-16 Mar. 20-23, 27-30 Apr. 6-9, 24-27 May 15-18, 29-Jun. 1 Jun. 19-22 Aug. 14-17 Sep. 4-7 Oct. 9-12, 23-26 Nov. 20-23, 25-28 Dec. 20-23, 25-28, 27-30 2000 Dates Jan. 1-4 Feb. 12-15 Mar. 18-21, 25-28 Apr. 1-4, 6-9, 22-25 May 13-16, 27-30 Jun. 17-20 Aug. 19-22 Sep. 2-5 Oct. 7-10, 21-24 Nov. 11-14, 23-26 Dec. 21-24, 26-29, 30-Jan. 2

4-Day Intermediate Seminar 1999 Dates Feb. 13-14 Mar. 27-30 Apr. 8-11, 24-27 May 29-Jun. 1 Jun. 12-15 Oct. 9-12 Nov. 27-30 Dec. 27-30 2000 Dates Feb. 26-29 Mar. 25-28  Apr. 8-11  May 27-30 Jun. 24-27 Oct. 28-31 Nov. 25-28 Dec. 28-31

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School realizes the importance of having a quality outing at an affordable cost. Keep in mind that we have a prefect safety record. The guides are some of the most competent in the nation, something you really can't put a price on. Your day will consist of a variety of climbs at varying levels of challenge.

Minimum group size is eight participants. Group campsites in Joshua Tree National Park are available by advanced reservations.

Cost: $50 per person (all climbing equipment is included)

Maybe you feel a class might hold you back, or you and your climbing partner want to improve your leading skills. What can you do?

Hire a private, professional guide to accelerate your learning process and increase your confidence on the rock.

Private guiding is available seven days a week to coincide with your busy schedule.

Plus, you determine the curriculum - the day is completely tailored to your needs.