Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderland of rocks and high desert scenery. This is one of the most famous rock climbing areas in the United States with over 4500 climbing routes to choose from. Our time will be focused on learning and practicing the sport of rock climbing while enjoying the pleasures of desert camping. This Joshua Tree Rock Climbing trip is specifically geared towards the first time outdoor climber. We will start off with the basics and by the end of the weekend you will be amazed at what you have learned and accomplished.
Joshua Tree National Park is a classic winter retreat for climbers of all levels. The colors, the plant-life, the animals and the rock in the high Mohave Desert culminate to create an absolutely breathtaking experience. The timeless desert beauty of Joshua Tree is unparalleled. This 4000 foot-high desert plateau is a rock climber’s playground. The combination of the Southern Californian weather, pleasant camping and the countless boulders, cliff-faces and rock outcroppings come together to create one of the most sought-after climbing destinations in America.
Climbers are deeply engaged by the somewhat unique rock that the area offers. The crystalline quartz monzonite that makes up most of the features in the area provides some of the highest quality of rock for climbing, with sharp edges, abundant cracks, and a very high friction factor. Whether your interest is low-to-the-ground bouldering or multi-pitch lead climbing, the abundance of rock throughout the park is overwhelming, and not surprisingly, many lines remain unclimbed.
Yet for all the attraction of its rock, the big draw of Joshua Tree is the pleasant climate. From October through May, Joshua Tree is a rock climber’s paradise, with convenient and pleasant car camping located right next to many of the climbing areas. Located less than a three hour drive from Los Angeles and less than an hour from Palm Springs, a few days of instruction and climbing in Joshua Tree is a great mid-winter break from the snow and frigid winds found in most of the rest of the country.
Joshua Tree National Park at a Glance
- Courses and guided ascents available from October through May
- Easy access from many major metropolitan areas throughout the Southwest
- Sign-up for a course or for private instruction/guiding
- Absolutely beautiful camping available
- Easy access from hotels and motels in Twentynine Palms and the town of Joshua Tree
- Courses and private instruction available at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels