✦✦✦ 40 Years of Teaching Experience ✦✦✦

Two rock climbers, wearing helmets and harnesses, on a steep rock face outdoors with a mountain and forest in the background.

California's #1 Rock Climbing School Since 1983

About Vertical Adventures

For over 40 years, we've been guiding climbers on California's most iconic rock—from Joshua Tree's desert granite to Lake Tahoe's alpine walls. What started as a passion for sharing the climbing experience has grown into the state's most trusted climbing school, ranked #1 in America by Outside Magazine.

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Two rock climbers wearing helmets and safety gear, one reaching up on the rock face and the other preparing the climbing ropes.

Leading Rock Climbing Education Since 1983

Since 1983, Vertical Adventures has set the standard for professional rock climbing instruction in California. We've built our reputation on small student-to-instructor ratios, comprehensive curriculum, an exceptional safety record, and guides who are as passionate about teaching as they are about climbing.

We don't just take you climbing, we teach you to become a climber. Our systematic approach has helped thousands progress from nervous first-timers to confident leaders on California's classic routes.

Ranked #1 Rock Climbing School in America by Outside Magazine

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Three Seasons, Three Legendary Destinations

We follow California's perfect climbing weather year-round, moving between three world-class destinations.

  • Simplified line drawing of two mountain peaks

    October – May: Joshua Tree National Park

     Over 9,000 routes on golden granite with perfect desert temperatures.

  • Spring & Fall: Tahquitz Rock, Idyllwild

    Southern California's legendary 1,000-foot granite wall and premier multi-pitch destination.

  • June – September: Lake Tahoe

    High-elevation summer climbing destination with stunning Sierra Nevada views.

40 YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Our Guides

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Jarad Stiles

Co-Owner | AMGA-Certified Rock Guide

Jarad has been a certified AMGA single pitch instructor since 2009 and Certified Rock Guide since 2019. His climbing foundation started in Lake Tahoe before progressing to Yosemite's big walls and the alpine routes of the High Sierra

  • Known for his patience, understanding, and compassion for new climbers, Jarad breaks down complex techniques into understandable systems that build genuine confidence.

    Specialties: Multi-pitch efficiency, big wall skills, self rescue.

A smiling man wearing a beige and gray baseball cap, a black jacket with a Mountain Hardwear logo, and a brown shirt, standing in front of a light-colored rocky background.

Chris Baumann

Co-Owner | AMGA-Certified Single Pitch Instructor

Chris has been climbing since 1985 and guiding professionally since 2006. With over 40 years of climbing experience his kind demeanor and prolific knowledge of intricate climbing techniques make him an excellent instructor

  • Chris specializes in introducing climbers of all ages to the sport. His wealth of knowledge creates a supportive environment where learning feels natural.

    Specialties: Climbing technique, family programs, structured courses

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Start Your Adventure

Whether you're booking your first climb or your fiftieth, we're here to guide you in California's best climbing destinations

Have questions about which climbing experience is right for you?
Call us at (760) 705-8994 or email connect@verticaladventures.com]