Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park

Hey there national park adventurer!!  Are you ready to climb?!

Of course, we celebrate Joshua Tree National Park because of the incredibly unique and beautiful trees that grow abundantly in this region.  However, the rocks in the park deserve your attention as well!

If you’re a first-time visitor, you may not realize that the rock climbing in Joshua Tree is WORLD-CLASS — it’s an absolute can’t-miss when you go.

The first time I visited the park, I had no idea that rock climbing was the thing to do there.  Driving through the park, it quickly became obvious that this area must be a rock climbing paradise.  Everybody climbs!

Whether you have zero experience, are a rock climbing ninja, or are somewhere in-between, a day of climbing with Cliffhanger Guides is the best way to be introduced to Joshua Tree’s world-class rock climbing.

What You Need to Know

We had a small family group that was climbing with Cliffhangers for the day.  I love how they keep their groups private.  It was just us and our guide….they don’t combine groups together.  You have the freedom to learn and practice only with people you know — you and your guide will become fast friends!

After meeting at Cliffhanger Guides, you’ll get geared up and follow your guide into the park.  Our guide for the day was Sabra….she owns the company with her husband Seth.

She took us to a spot in the park that was especially picked for the experience level of our group.  I appreciated that, because as a non-rock climber I was feeling a little nervous!

The beginning of our rock climbing adventure started with a safety lesson and basic instruction on how to get started.

Then we started climbing!  The routes we started on were fantastic for practicing and getting used to the unique rocks in Joshua Tree.  It was easy enough that I felt like I could tackle it, but hard enough that it still got my heart pumping.

Sabra was there every step of the way, offering her expertise and advice.

We practiced a technique called friction climbing, learned how to properly rappel, and even got to belay each other.

While learning how to properly rock climb, Sabra also shared fun stories about her life in Joshua Tree {she knows a ton about the area!}, her conviction and dedication to preserving our public lands, and her knowledge about the local flora and fauna.

Even after just an hour or so, I felt like I had a whole new appreciation for the park…..and the awesome views from the top of the rocks definitely fired up my enthusiasm for the area!

After tackling a few practice routes, our group graduated to some more difficult routes nearby.

When it was time to start climbing again, my heart was pounding like crazy.  All morning I had been out of my comfort zone, but it was fun to push my limits.  Now, looking at the huge rocks in front of me, I felt really nervous again.  Can I really do this?  It looks way too advanced for me!

But guess what?!  I did it!!  And it felt awesome!

We continued to climb, learning new ways to tackle the rocks in front of us.  Sabra was incredibly patient and knowledgeable, allowing us to feel like we could conquer something difficult.

The thing I loved most about rock climbing was overcoming my mental doubts and proving to myself that I could do hard things.  It’s empowering to reach inside of yourself and find the strength to keep climbing through the uncertainty.

Dangling from a rock face will help you quickly find your inner strength!

My experience with Cliffhanger Guides absolutely could not have been better.  The park was stunning, the rock climbing was empowering, the gourmet lunch was delicious, and I felt humbled to spend the day with Sabra — a true force of nature!

A Few More Things You Need to Know!

• Your experience level and age doesn’t matter.  They completely customize the day to your needs.  You can learn the basics and just climb for fun like I did.  Or you can also use your time as a private class, requesting to learn specific skills.  Sabra has helped a 2 year old learn to climb as well as an 86 year old!  Her next goal?  Someone in their 90’s!!  If that’s you, be sure to reach out!
• You can choose a half-day or full-day adventure.  The half-day is 5 hours, which was plenty of climbing for me as a newbie.  I’ll probably go for the full-day next time I’m there.  There is no time limit with that one….they climb with you until you’re done!
• The guides are crazy-good!  You are in the best hands during your climbing adventure.  And you will feel like you’ve made a friend for life.
• Cliffhanger Guides doesn’t overbook.  Unlike other companies in the area, it doesn’t matter whether you have half-day or full-day tour reserved, your guide doesn’t have anywhere else to be that day!  They give you their full attention.
• You will LOVE Joshua Tree after such a fantastic day on the rocks.  Climbing really is a must-do….you’ll be sad if you miss it!  There’s no better experience in the park, and Cliffhangers is a bargain for the fun you’ll have and the memories you’ll make.

 

For everything you need to know about your Joshua Tree climbing adventure, check out the Cliffhanger Guides website.

Climb on!

Click NEXT to see the 8 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Joshua Tree!

Disclaimer:  We reached out to Cliffhanger Guides when we knew we would be visiting Joshua Tree again.  They were kind enough to offer to take us climbing for the day at their expense in exchange for this review.  I extensively researched the company I wanted to climb with and knew it had to be them!  I only recommend companies that I feel completely confident in — my rock climbing adventure seriously could not have been any better.  You will have the time of your life!