✦✦✦ 40 Years of Teaching Experience ✦✦✦
Premier California Climbing Guides since 1983
Vertical Adventures is a team of AMGA-trained rock climbing guides offering personalized, safety-focused climbing instruction across Joshua Tree, Tahquitz Rock, and Lake Tahoe.
For over 40 years, we’ve helped climbers of every level explore California’s most iconic granite and desert formations through professional guiding, patient instruction, and a deep respect for the sport.
Our Story
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
Experienced California Climbing Guides.
Our guiding team specializes in the top climbing destinations in California:
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October – May: Joshua Tree National Park
Over 9,000 routes on golden granite with perfect desert temperatures.
View Joshua Tree Climbing→ -
Spring & Fall: Tahquitz Rock, Idyllwild
Southern California's legendary 1,000-foot granite wall and premier multi-pitch destination.
View Tahquitz Advanced Climbing → -
June – September: Lake Tahoe
High-elevation summer climbing destination with stunning Sierra Nevada views.
Our California Climbing Guides
Our guiding team has decades of combined experience across California’s top climbing destinations — Joshua Tree National Park, Tahquitz Rock in Idyllwild, and Lake Tahoe. Every guide is AMGA-trained and committed to delivering safe, personalized climbing experiences for both beginners and advanced climbers.
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
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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.
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
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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
AMGA-Certified Guides With Deep California Expertise
Our team has guided thousands of climbers throughout California for over 40 years, specializing in rock climbing instruction, technical skills development, and custom climbing objectives.
Every Vertical Adventures guide is:
AMGA-trained or certified
Highly experienced in technical systems
Trained in wilderness medicine and rescue
Skilled at adapting climbs to different experience levels
Committed to teaching clear, calm, confidence-building instruction
We don’t rush, we don’t cut corners, and we don’t run generic, crowded group classes.
You get private, customized climbing designed around your goals.
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]
