Small group sizes | All technical gear included | Scheduled for back-to-back progression | Joshua Tree National Park
Rock Climbing Courses in Joshua Tree
Open Enrollment Group Training for Progressive Skill Development
Build real climbing skills through hands-on practice with expert AMGA-certified instructors. Our comprehensive rock climbing courses are scheduled throughout the year in Joshua Tree National Park and designed for progressive skill development from beginner to independent leader.
Scheduled Group Training in Joshua Tree
Join us for skill-building courses scheduled throughout the year in Joshua Tree National Park. Whether you're a beginner starting your climbing journey or an experienced climber refining advanced techniques, our AMGA-certified instructors provide expert instruction in a fun, supportive, and structured learning environment.
Our courses feature small group sizes for personalized attention that fosters real growth. Enroll in multiple consecutive courses to accelerate your progression from beginner to confident independent leader.
***Minimum of 2 participants required to run each course. If only one person signs up, we'll offer an option to reschedule or switch to a half-day private session at the same price.
Course Details:
Small group sizes – Maximum 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio
Full-day instruction – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
All technical gear included
Taught by professional AMGA-certified guides
Dates: November 15, 2025 through May 3, 2026
Course Investment:
1-Day Courses: $250 per person
(Basic Rock Climbing, Intermediate Rock Climbing)
2-Day Courses: $450 per person
(Climbing Anchors, Learn to Lead, Self-Rescue, Advanced Multi-Pitch
Intro to Climbing – 1 Day
Dates: November 15, 2025, March 14, 2026
Price: $250 per person
Perfect for: Complete beginners, never climbed before, need a refresher
Course Description: New to climbing or need a refresher? This introduction emphasizes safety and fun while covering the essentials: equipment, knots, anchoring, belaying, communication signals, rating systems, climbing techniques, and rappelling. Classes are taught on low-angle, moderate rock perfect for beginners and anyone pursuing mountaineering.
What You'll Learn:
Basic climbing equipment and its uses
Essential knots (figure-8, clove hitch, double fisherman's)
Anchor systems and belay techniques
Climbing communication signals
Rating system understanding
Basic climbing movement techniques
Rappelling fundamentals
Intermediate Rock Climbing – 1 Day
Dates: November 16, 2025, March 15, 2026
Price: $250 per person
Perfect for: Climbers with basic skills, gym climbers going outdoors, those who've taken Basic course
Course Description: Progress through increasingly challenging climbs introducing advanced techniques—edging and smearing in face climbing, jamming and laybacking in cracks. Protected by toprope, each student receives personalized coaching and climbs to the limit of their ability. Includes an introduction to anchoring with trad gear.
Prerequisites: Basic climbing knowledge (Basic Rock Climbing course or equivalent experience)
What You'll Learn:
Advanced face climbing techniques (edging, smearing)
Crack climbing fundamentals (jamming, laybacking)
Efficient movement and energy conservation
Route reading on natural rock
Introduction to traditional gear placements
Building on fundamental anchor skills
Personalized technique coaching
Climbing Anchors – 2 Days
Dates: December 13–14, 2025, April 11–12, 2026
Price: $450 per person
What You'll Learn:
Equipment characteristics and specifications
Detailed placement criteria for nuts and camming devices
Anchor evaluation using SERENE principle (Strong, Efficient, Redundant, Equalized, No-Extension)
Equalization methods using slings and cordelettes
Single-pitch and multi-pitch anchor systems
Static rope rigging for toprope extensions
Placement assessment based on sound principles
Perfect for: Climbers ready to build their own anchors, those wanting to climb independently
Course Description: Learn to safely build and evaluate anchors with bolts and trad gear. Master equipment specs, placement criteria for nuts and cams, the SERENE principle, equalization methods, and toprope rigging. This hands-on course gives you the skills to quickly assess placements and build bombproof anchors on single and multi-pitch climbs.
Learn to Lead Climbing – 2 Days
Dates: January 10–11, 2026, May 2–3, 2026
Price: $450 per person
What You'll Learn:
Leading fundamentals and technique confidence
Placing protection while climbing
Proper carabiner clip-ins and alignment
Using slings to reduce rope drag
Lead belaying techniques and strategies
Rope management on lead
Route-finding and decision-making
Simulated lead climbing with backup
Perfect for: Climbers ready to lead their own routes, those with anchor-building experience
Course Description: Master leading fundamentals: building technique confidence, placing reliable protection, and constructing sound anchors. Practice gear placement and removal, then execute simulated lead climbs under close supervision with toprope backup. Covers protection placement on lead, reducing rope drag, proper carabiner alignment, belaying strategies, rope management, and route-finding.
Climbing Self-Rescue – 2
Dates: February 21–22, 2026
Price: $450 per person
Perfect for: Independent climbers, those climbing in remote areas, advanced skill development
Course Description: Learn essential self-rescue skills for you and your partner. Master friction hitches, improvised rope ascension, auto-block rappel backups, rescuing a fallen climber using auto-locking devices, lowering systems with munter hitches and redirects, tandem rappel systems, and basic 3:1 "Z" raising systems.
What You'll Learn:
Friction hitches for slings and cord
Improvised rope ascension techniques
Backing up rappels with auto-block knots
Rescuing a fallen climber with auto-locking devices
Lowering systems with redirected devices
Munter hitch lowering backed up with auto-block
Tandem rappel system
Basic 3:1 "Z" raising system
Advanced Courses Available
Experienced climbers: Take your skills to the next level with our advanced multi-pitch and big wall courses taught by AMGA-certified Rock Guide Jarad Stiles.
What's Included in Every Course
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Expert Instruction
AMGA-certified instructors with decades of combined experience. We don't just guide—we teach.
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All Technical Gear
Climbing shoes, harnesses, helmets, ropes, and all protection equipment provided and fitted.
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Small Group Ratios
Maximum 5:1 student-to-instructor ratio ensures personalized attention and hands-on practice.
What to Bring
What We Provide:
All technical climbing gear
What You Should Bring:
Water (2-3 liters recommended)
Snacks and lunch
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
Layered clothing for desert conditions
Comfortable approach shoes or hiking boots
Backpack for personal items
Camera (optional)
2025-2026 Course Schedule
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Nov 15: Basic Rock Climbing
Nov 16: Intermediate Rock Climbing
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Dec 13-14: Climbing Anchors
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Jan 10-11: Learn to Lead Climbing
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Feb 21-22: Climbing Self-Rescue
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Mar 14: Basic Rock Climbing
Mar 15: Intermediate Rock Climbing
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Apr 11-12: Climbing Anchors
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May 2-3: Learn to Lead Climbing
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It depends on the course. Basic Rock Climbing requires zero experience—we start from scratch. Intermediate requires basic skills. Advanced courses require demonstrated competency in previous skills. See individual course prerequisites.
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No problem! While we designed the schedule for sequential progression, you can space courses out over multiple seasons. Your skills will be there when you're ready for the next level.
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Absolutely! Intermediate Rock Climbing is perfect for gym climbers transitioning outdoors. Many of our students come from gym backgrounds.
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Maximum 5:1 for all courses. Often lower. Small groups ensure you get hands-on practice and personalized coaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Joshua Tree has over 300 sunny days per year, but if conditions are unsafe, we'll reschedule your course at no additional charge.
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Moderate fitness required. You'll be hiking to crags (15-30 minutes), climbing multiple routes, and on your feet most of the day. Breaks are built in.
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Yes! Contact us for private course instruction tailored to your schedule and specific goals.
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We welcome climbers of all ages; however, parental supervision is required for minors. Please inquire about specific age-related policies when booking.
Ready to Build Real Skills
Join climbers who've progressed from nervous beginners to confident leaders through our systematic curriculum. Small groups, expert instruction, and hands-on practice in Joshua Tree National Park.
Questions about which course is right for you?
Call us at (760) 705-8994 or email connect@verticaladventures.com]