Covid measures in Joshua Tree

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Joshua Tree, CA, please refer to the California All website . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get in this adventure: An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area Three days of rock climbing All technical climbing gear What’s not included: Snacks and meals Transportation Accommodation

How fit do I need to be?

This 3-day Learn to Lead course is perfect for experienced climbers. You will need a good level of fitness to finish this course as you will be moving for a minimum of three hours on the rocks plus some additional hiking. Even though rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength, this rock climbing course in Joshua Tree will test you. Be prepared for a full day of strenuous climbing. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

This three-day learn-to-lead camp is geared for climbers who have completed an Introduction to Rock Climbing Course or have equivalent experience.This course is meant to develop existing skills that will take your trad and crack climbing to the next level. If you’re new to climbing, but want private instruction, Intro to Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree is the way to go.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (a 20-35L bag) Water bottle or hydration pack Food you can eat on-the-go Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need: Helmet Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device and chalk bag Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them) Ropes Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes: For this private adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1 and cost is per person. Costs per person will decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. Climbing days can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 can go climbing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

Getting to Joshua Tree National Park is pretty easy — you simply fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and drive 45 minutes east. It is also located about 2.5 hours away from Los Angeles, 3 hours from San Diego, 3.5 hours from Las Vegas, and just over 4 hours from Phoenix.The most common way to get to the climbing spots is to drive in from the town of Joshua Tree, heading south on Park Blvd towards the park’s entrance. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at the park’s entrance. From there, you’ll head to your course. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on the conditions and the climbing ability of the group.

Joshua Tree National Park | California

Learn to Lead Course in Joshua Tree National Park

From $415 ()

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Duration

3 days

Season

Year-round, but the best seasons are fall and spring

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Things to know

Joshua Tree National Park is a rugged desert landscape encompassing the largest rock climbing venue in the US. With a variety of terrain, from phenomenal bouldering circuits and single-pitch climbing walls, to long multi-pitch climbs leading to exceptional summits, there is something for everyone, making this one of the best climbing areas in the USA! Joshua Tree’s diverse collection of desert flora and fauna and a rich history never cease to amaze its visitors. Is there a better place to spend three days learning how to lead? Join your guides for an amazing adventure in this distinct ecosystem spread over nearly 800,000 acres and master lead climbing in JTree! Read more about rock climbing in the world famous Joshua Tree National Park by Nate Pakula, AMGA-Certified Rock Guide at High Desert Guiding.

Adventure highlights

Storied history, a massive climbing culture and incredible landscapes
High-friction granite, great for mastering footwork
JTree has what every climber loves: dozens of epic routes just a few feet from your campsite

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Learn how to build your own anchors and lead on this amazing three-day adventure in the desert oasis of rock climbing, aka Joshua Tree National Park. Join experienced guides and focus on upgrading your climbing skills on the quartz monzonite that Joshua Tree is famous for. Find out everything about the equipment and techniques used for trad climbing and try out your skills in a safe environment under the watchful eyes of your guide!

This adventure is organized on a private, custom basis, so the cost will be determined depending on the number of participants, dates, and other possible conditions.

Learn to Lead Course in Joshua Tree National Park

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

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Nate Pakula

Nate was born and raised in Rhode Island but found himself at home in the outdoor education community of southern California. Over the past 10 years, Nate has worked full-time as an outdoor educator and climbing guide throughout the state of California and in Washington, New Hampshire, and Maine. During the off-seasons Nate follows his deep passion for climbing all over the world — from Southeast Asia, Patagonia, Mexico, India, Canada, and back to the western mountain ranges of the US.

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Seth Pettit

Seth has been a Joshua Tree resident, enjoying the National Park and it's exceptional rock climbing, since 2013. In 2013, following an intensive training period and subsequent exam, he earned an AMGA Rock Instructor Certification. This certification covers all rock climbing terrain available in Joshua Tree National Park! He has now worked with thousands of clients, through ten different organizations, in seven states.

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High Desert Guiding

The face behind High Desert Guiding is Nate Pakula, owner and guide. Nate has been guiding and teaching for over 15 years, and he has 20 years of climbing under his belt. As a Joshua Tree resident, he has explored Joshua Tree NP extensively and has a vast knowledge of the local environs. Whether you(re looking for a day of single-pitch cragging, a classic multi-pitch climb, or a focused day of instruction, Nate will find the perfect location for your desires!

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Mojave Guides

AMGA Certified Guides

Mojave Guides has been providing exceptional customized rock climbing experiences in Joshua Tree National Park since 2015. The company was founded by Joshua Tree resident and AMGA Certified Rock Instructor Seth Pettit as a means of providing his own clients with a higher quality experience than had been previously available.

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Joshua Tree, CA, please refer to the California All website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
- An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- Three days of rock climbing
- All technical climbing gear
What’s not included:
- Snacks and meals
- Transportation
- Accommodation
This 3-day Learn to Lead course is perfect for experienced climbers. You will need a good level of fitness to finish this course as you will be moving for a minimum of three hours on the rocks plus some additional hiking. Even though rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength, this rock climbing course in Joshua Tree will test you. Be prepared for a full day of strenuous climbing. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
This three-day learn-to-lead camp is geared for climbers who have completed an Introduction to Rock Climbing Course or have equivalent experience.This course is meant to develop existing skills that will take your trad and crack climbing to the next level. If you’re new to climbing, but want private instruction, Intro to Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree is the way to go.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (a 20-35L bag)
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Food you can eat on-the-go
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
- Helmet
- Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device and chalk bag
- Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
- Ropes
- Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
Group sizes:
- For this private adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1 and cost is per person.
- Costs per person will decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
Climbing days can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 can go climbing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Getting to Joshua Tree National Park is pretty easy — you simply fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and drive 45 minutes east. It is also located about 2.5 hours away from Los Angeles, 3 hours from San Diego, 3.5 hours from Las Vegas, and just over 4 hours from Phoenix.The most common way to get to the climbing spots is to drive in from the town of Joshua Tree, heading south on Park Blvd towards the park’s entrance.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at the park’s entrance. From there, you’ll head to your course. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on the conditions and the climbing ability of the group.
A $100 deposit is to secure your place is due upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies and the deposit is non-refundable.

If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to fourteen (14) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a One Hundred Dollar ($100) deposit.

For cancellations seven (7) to thirteen (13) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a credit with that Guide for another identical or substantially similar Booking, or a full refund, minus a One Hundred-Fifty Dollar ($150) reservation fee.

For cancellations one to six calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a full refund, minus a One Hundred-Fifty Dollar ($150) reservation fee. For cancellations anytime less than 25 hours in advance, the Client is not entitled to any refund.