Guided Rock Climbing Adventures with California's Best Guides

Completely personalized.
Perfect for beginners to advanced climbers.

Experience unforgettable rock climbing adventures at California's premier destinations. Whether it's your first time touching rock or you're pursuing multi-pitch classics, we customize every climb to match your goals, pace, and ability level.

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

Why Choose Guided Climbing?

Guided climbing isn't just about safety, it's about maximizing your experience, learning faster, and accessing incredible terrain with complete confidence.

  • 100% Personalized to You

    Every climb designed around YOUR goals. No cookie-cutter itineraries.

  • Book Anytime, Climb Your Way

    Available 7 days a week. Choose dates that work for YOU.

  • Perfect for Families

    Patient instruction, kid-friendly routes (ages 5+), stress-free fun.

  • Beginners Welcome

    Never climbed? No problem. Most of our clients start with zero experience.

  • Learn Real Skills

    Not just guided, taught. Master techniques you'll use forever.

  • Access to Hidden Gems

    Discover routes and crags you'd never find on your own. Local knowledge matters.

Your Adventure, Your Way

Completely customized climbing experiences tailored to your specific goals, available seven days a week.

  • Maximum personal attention with dedicated guide focus. Rapid skill development and confidence building.

    Best for: Nervous beginners, skill-focused learning, personalized pace

  • Create lasting memories together. Our guides excel at keeping families engaged, safe, and having the time of their lives.

    Best for: Families with kids 5+, multi-generational groups, quality time outdoors

  • Transform your team through shared vertical challenges. Build trust, communication, and problem-solving skills that translate to work.

    Best for: Companies, executive teams, remote team bonding

  • Focus on exactly what YOU want to master. Lead climbing, anchor building, multi-pitch systems—your choice.

    Best for: Climbers with specific goals, technique refinement, progression plann

Book on your schedule.
All gear included.
All skill levels welcome.

This Is For You

Our guided climbs welcome everyon, from complete beginners to seasoned climbers seeking local expertise.

First-Time Climbers

"I've never climbed before."

Perfect! Most of our clients start with zero experience. We specialize in introductions.

Couples & Friend Groups

"We want something unique together."

Our most popular format. Shared adventure creates lasting bonds.

Gym Climbers Going Outside

"I climb indoors but not outdoors."

We'll help you transition smoothly. Real rock is a whole new world.

Families & Kids

"We want a memorable family adventure."

We guide families every week. Kids 5+ welcome. Fun for all ages.

Corporate Teams

"We need team building that works."

Climbing naturally builds trust and communication. No cheesy trust falls.

Experienced Climbers

"I want local expertise and great routes."

Let us show you the best climbs. Maximize your time with insider knowledge.

A vintage-style mountain landscape with the text 'Banner' overlayed. The image features minimalistic line art of mountain peaks in the background.

California's Premier Climbing Destinations

Year-Round Adventures

Vertical Adventures offers climbing experiences year-round at California's premier locations. We carefully choose destinations based on seasonal conditions to optimize your climbing experience, ensuring that you get the most out of every climb.

Currently booking Joshua Tree & Tahquitz Rock

A desert landscape at sunset with large rounded rocks and sparse desert vegetation.

CURRENTLY BOOKING

Joshua Tree National Park

World-famous desert climbing on textured golden granite. Over 8,000 routes from beginner-friendly slabs to challenging multi-pitch classics. Perfect winter weather and endless sunny days.

Half Day or Full Day Available
Starting at $315 (half day) | $425 (full day)

Season: October – May

Explore Joshue Tree Climbing
A large granite mountain with a clear sky background, with the moon visible near the top left, surrounded by trees at the base.

CURRENTLY BOOKING

Tahquitz Rock, Idyllwild

Legendary 1,000-foot alpine wall with pristine white granite. Classic traditional multi-pitch routes that defined American climbing. Stunning mountain setting.


Full Day Only
Starting at $495

Season: Spring & Fall

Explore Tahquitz Climbing
A large lake surrounded by dense pine forests and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

BOOKING SUMMER 2026

North Lake Tahoe

High-altitude granite climbing at 7,000+ feet with spectacular alpine views. Technical routes with cool summer temperatures and breathtaking Sierra Nevada scenery.

Booking again soon

Half Day or Full Day Available
Starting at $315 (half day) | $425 (full day)

Season: June – September

Explore Lake Tahoe Climbing
A vintage-style mountain landscape with the text 'Banner' overlayed. The image features minimalistic line art of mountain peaks in the background.

Your Climbing Day, Start to Finish

Here's what a typical guided climbing experience looks like with Vertical Adventures..

Before Your Climb

Planning: We'll discuss your goals, experience, and what you want from your day.
Preparation: Detailed email with meeting location, what to bring, and what to expect.

Your Climbing Day

Meet & Gear Up: Meet your AMGA-certified guide. All gear provided—harness, helmet, shoes, ropes.
Safety First: Comprehensive briefing on systems, signals, and safety protocols.
On the Rock: Personalized instruction throughout the day. Move at YOUR pace.
Learn & Climb: Technical skills, movement coaching, confidence building.

After Your Climb

Debrief: Discuss what you learned and next steps in your climbing journey.
Stay Connected: Join our community, get recommendations for continued progression

Clear Pricing, No Surprises

All pricing includes AMGA-certified guide, all technical gear, personalized instruction, and route selection

Joshua Tree Pricing

Half Day (4-5 hours):

1 climber: $315
2 climbers: $190
each
3 climbers: $175
each
4 climbers: $155
each
5 climbers: $135
each

Popular

Joshua Tree Pricing

Full Day (6-8 hours):

1 climber: $425
2 climbers: $265
each
3 climbers: $240
each
4 climbers: $215
each
5 climbers: $200
each

Advanced

Tahquitz Rock Pricing

Full Day (6-8 hours):

1 climber: $495
2 climbers: $295
each
3 climbers: $265
each

Maximum 3 climbers per guide on Tahquitz

✓ AMGA-certified professional guide ✓ All technical climbing equipment
✓ Personalized instruction and route selection ✓ Safety systems and supervision

Groups of 6+?

We accommodate larger groups up to 40 people.

  • Yes, Joshua Tree offers climbing options for all skill levels, including beginners. Our experienced guides will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, no matter your background.

  • While a good level of fitness can enhance your experience, you don’t need to be in peak physical condition. Our guided climbs cater to all abilities, and our instructors will guide you through suitable routes.

  • It's completely natural to feel nervous about heights. Our guides are skilled at helping climbers overcome their fears, focusing on safety and comfort throughout your adventure.

  • Yes, our climbing experiences can accommodate children, making it a great family activity. We encourage families to join us for a fun, adventurous day out.

Common Questions About Guided Climbing

  • We provide all necessary climbing gear, but we recommend bringing personal items such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket, depending on the weather.

  • You can easily book a guided climb or course by visiting our booking page or contacting us directly via phone or email.

  • October through May is generally considered the best season for rock climbing in Joshua Tree due to mild weather and fewer crowds.

  • We welcome climbers of all ages; however, parental supervision is required for minors. Please inquire about specific age-related policies when booking.

Your Safety, Our Priority

  • Simplified line drawing of two mountain peaks

    AMGA Certified Professionals

    All guides hold certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association—the highest standard in the climbing industry.

  • Icon of a person climbing a mountain or steep incline

    Premium Equipment

    All gear is professionally maintained, regularly inspected, and meets or exceeds industry safety standards.

  • Perfect Safety Record

    Small Groups

    40+ years of professional guiding with an impeccable safety record. We never compromise on protocols.

  • An award or badge with a star in the center and ribbon-like tails at the bottom.

    Fully Insured & Permitted

    Comprehensive insurance and proper permits for all areas where we guide.

1. Choose Joshua Tree or Tahquitz

2. Pick your perfect date

3. Book online, instant confirmation

Your Climbing Adventure Awaits

Join over 1,000 climbers who have discovered California's best rock climbing with Vertical Adventures. Whether it's your first time or your hundredth climb, we'll create an unforgettable experience tailored just for you.

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

Giving as a as a gift? Purchase gift certificate ➔