Do I need previous climbing experience to participate?

No, we welcome climbers of all experience levels, including complete beginners. Our AMGA-certified guides will ensure you receive the necessary instruction and support.

What should I wear for a rock climbing session?

We recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows for ease of movement. Climbing shoes, harnesses, and other gear are provided by us.

Is rock climbing safe?

Yes, safety is our top priority. Our guides are highly trained and experienced in rock climbing safety protocols. All necessary safety equipment is provided for your experience.

What if the weather isn't ideal on the day of my climb?

Safety is paramount, and we monitor weather conditions closely. If it's deemed unsafe to climb, we will either reschedule your session or provide alternative options based on the situation.

Can children participate in rock climbing sessions?

Yes, we encourage families to join. We can accommodate younger climbers, but parental supervision is required for minors, and safety guidelines must be followed.

What equipment do you provide for rock climbing?

We supply all necessary climbing gear, including shoes, ropes, helmets, and harnesses. Just bring water, snacks, and a sense of adventure!

LAKE TAHOE · JOSHUA TREE · IDYLLWILD · CALIFORNIA

Two climbers ascending a steep granite rock face above a forested mountain valley

About Vertical
Adventures

California Climbing Guides and Outdoor Instruction Since 1983

Vertical Adventures is a California rock climbing guide service and outdoor climbing school founded by climber and author Bob Gaines in 1983.

The company provides private guided climbs and outdoor rock climbing courses in Joshua Tree National Park, Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks near Idyllwild, and the Lake Tahoe–Donner Summit area.

Vertical Adventures is currently owned by Jarad Stiles and Chris Baumann. Its team includes AMGA-certified and trained climbing guides who work with beginners, families, gym climbers and experienced climbers.

LAKE TAHOE · JOSHUA TREE · IDYLLWILD · CALIFORNIA

California's Premier Rock Climbing School Since 1983

Vertical Adventures is California's longest-running AMGA-accredited climbing school, guiding climbers of every level across Joshua Tree National Park, Tahquitz Rock in Idyllwild, and Lake Tahoe. Founded in 1983 and recognized by Outside Magazine as the #1 Climbing School in America, we've spent four decades building a reputation on safety, small group instruction, and guides who are as passionate about teaching as they are about climbing.

5.0 ★ Rating • 136+ Reviews | All Gear Included | Available 7 Days a Week | 40+ Years Guiding Experience

Rock climber wearing a red helmet and climbing harness ascends a sunlit granite wall.

Our Story

Vertical Adventures was founded in Joshua Tree in 1983 by climber, guide and author Bob Gaines. The National Park Service documents Gaines’s role in Joshua Tree climbing history and the founding of Vertical Adventures.

From the beginning, the school focused on professional instruction, small groups and helping climbers develop lasting outdoor skills—not simply taking clients climbing.

Today, Vertical Adventures continues under the ownership of Jarad Stiles and Chris Baumann. They carry forward the company’s teaching tradition while offering private guided climbs and structured outdoor climbing courses across California.

READ THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S INTERVIEW WITH BOB GAINES →

✔ Ranked #1 Rock Climbing School in America — Outside Magazine
✔ Featured in Joshua Tree National Park: The Complete Guide (James Kaiser, 2023)
✔ Featured in Moon Southern California Road Trips (Ian Anderson, 2023)
✔ 136+ five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google
✔ AMGA-certified guides at every level

Where Vertical Adventures Guides

Joshua Tree National Park

October through May

Joshua Tree is Vertical Adventures’ primary fall, winter and spring destination. The park offers granite climbing for beginners, families and experienced climbers, including top-rope, crack, traditional and multi-pitch routes.

View Joshua Tree Climbing →
Tahquitz Rock, Idyllwild

Spring and Fall
Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks are historic Southern California climbing destinations known for traditional climbing and classic multi-pitch granite routes.

View Tahquitz Climbing →
Donner Summit, Lake Tahoe

June through September
Donner Summit offers high-elevation Sierra granite and cooler summer climbing conditions near North Lake Tahoe. Options range from introductory climbing to advanced traditional and multi-pitch routes.

View Lake Tahoe Climbing →

40 YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Meet the Owners and Climbing Guides

Vertical Adventures is owned by Jarad Stiles and Chris Baumann. Both bring decades of climbing, guiding and instructional experience to the company.

Smiling man wearing a black baseball cap and puffy jacket outdoors

Jarad Stiles

Co-Owner | AMGA-Certified Rock Guide

Jarad Stiles is an AMGA-Certified Rock Guide and co-owner of Vertical Adventures. He earned his AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification in 2009 and his Rock Guide certification in 2019.

Jarad specializes in multi-pitch efficiency, big wall systems, self-rescue and technical outdoor climbing instruction. His teaching style focuses on explaining complex systems clearly and helping climbers build repeatable skills..

- The Nose, El Capitan — Yosemite Valley
- Salathé Wall, El Capitan — Yosemite Valley
- Lurking Fear, El Capitan — Yosemite Valley
- Regular Northwest Face, Half Dome — Yosemite Valley
- The Prow, Washington's Column — Yosemite Valley
- Skull Queen, Washington's Column (in a day)
- Wet Denim Daydream, Leaning Tower — Yosemite Valley
- The Red Dihedral and Positive Vibrations, The Incredible Hulk — Sierra Nevada
- Fishhook Arête, Mt. Russell — Sierra Nevada
- Direct North Buttress and Flying Buttress, Merriam Peak — Sierra Nevada
- East Buttress, Mt. Whitney — Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada
Venusian Blind - Temple Crag, Southeast Face - Clyde Minaret, South Face - Charlotte Dome, North Ridge - Mt. Connes, Regular Route - Third Pillar of Dana
Red Rock
Epinephrine - Black Velvet Wall, Dream of Wild Turkeys - Black Velvet Wall, Dark Shadows - Mescalito, Crimson Chrysalis - Cloud Tower
Multi-pitch efficiency, big wall systems, self-rescue, alpine rock climbing

Chris Baumann

Co-Owner | AMGA-Certified Single Pitch Instructor

Chris Baumann is an AMGA-Certified Single Pitch Instructor and co-owner of Vertical Adventures. He has climbed since 1985 and guided professionally since 2006.

Chris specializes in climbing technique, beginner instruction, family climbing and personalized outdoor courses. His calm teaching style helps climbers of different ages and experience levels develop confidence on real rock.

- The Rostrum, Grade IV 5.11c — Yosemite Valley
- The Nose, El Capitan (in a day) — Yosemite Valley
- Numerous first ascents at Joshua Tree National Park
- Numerous first ascents at Donner Summit
Climbing technique, family and youth programs, personalized coaching, structured courses

Rock climber wearing a helmet and harness ascends a granite cliff above a desert landscape.

Why Climb With Vertical Adventures

Every guide at Vertical Adventures is AMGA-trained or certified — the gold standard for professional climbing instruction in the United States. We run small groups, provide private and customized experiences, and teach every climber the skills to progress safely and confidently.

We don't rush. We don't cut corners. And we don't run generic, crowded group sessions.