meet our guides
Jarad Stiles
Co-Owner
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JARAD STILES is from Lake Tahoe California. Jarad’s guiding career started in 2009 by gaining his Single Pitch Instructor certification. After climbing and guiding for a decade, and 26 days of rigorous training and examination, he earned his AMGA Rock Guide certification in 2019. His rock climbing foundation started in the Lake Tahoe area and quickly progressed to the big walls of Yosemite. Multiple ascents of El Capitan, Half Dome, Washington Column and The Leaning Tower taught Jarad the skills needed to move efficiently through difficult terrain. His passion for alpine rock climbing led him to the High Sierra classics, Clyde Minaret, the Incredible Hulk, Merriam Peak, Mt. Whitney, Mt. Russell and Bear Creek Spire. Jarad’s love for wild places inspires his passion for teaching others. He’s known for his patience, understanding, and compassion, giving aspiring rock climbers the confidence to explore their limits.
CHRIS BAUMANN
Co-Owner
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CHRIS BAUMANN began rock climbing in 1985 in Lake Tahoe California. Chris has been an AMGA-Certified Single Pitch Instructor since 2006. Known for his patient teaching style, Chris especially enjoys introducing novices young and old to the sport of rock climbing. Chris’ kind demeanor and wealth of knowledge are the perfect combination for an amazing instructor. Known for his mastery of crack climbing techniques, his rock climbs in Yosemite include Astroman, a 13-pitch, 5.11c that is the goal for many crack climbing aficionados, and a one-day ascent of the Nose Route on El Capitan.
TONY STARTIN
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TONY SARTIN’s background includes exotic locales, from sea cliffs in Thailand to the huge sandstone spires of Monument Valley, AZ, and Moab, UT. His big wall climbs include Mexico’s infamous Trono Blanco and a first ascent on Rainbow Wall at Red Rocks, NV. Tony is regarded as one of Southern California’s strongest and most talented sport climbers, with 5.13 ascents to his credit. Tony has been guiding professionally since 1997.
BOB GAINES
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BOB GAINES is the former Director of Vertical Adventures ROCK CLIMBING SCHOOL, which he founded in 1983. Bob is an AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association)-Certified Rock Instructor (since 1995). Bob is the co-author of Rock Climbing: The AMGA Single Pitch Manual, the textbook for the AMGA’s Single Pitch Instructor program. Bob is also the author of the rock climbing instructional textbooks Rock Climbing for the Outdoor Beginner, Rappelling, and Advanced Rock Climbing. He is one of the country’s leading experts on rock climbing anchors and rigging and the co-author of Climbing Anchors, How to Rock Climb, and Rock Climbing: The Art of Safe Ascent.
Bob’s latest rock climbing guidebooks are Best Climbs Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks and Best Climbs Joshua Tree National Park.
Bob began rock climbing at Joshua Tree in the 1970s. Since then, he has pioneered over 500 new routes at Joshua Tree National Park and over 130 first ascents at Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks, Idyllwild. A former member of Yosemite’s search and rescue team, Bob is a veteran of Yosemite’s big walls.
Come climb with Bob today and learn from a living legend.
GRATUITY
Many clients ask us if it is appropriate to tip their guide. Absolutely! As you will see, your guide will be working very hard to provide you with an enjoyable climbing experience. If you feel they did a good job, please feel free to tip your guide.
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ROCK CLIMBING courses
Experience the thrill of rock climbing with Vertical Adventures! Choose from 1 or multi-day courses. We offer basic, intermediate, and advanced rock climbing instruction to suit every climber's needs. Our expert guides ensure personalized and comprehensive training for all skill levels.
ONE - DAY COURSES
Our one-day rock climbing courses cover essential techniques, safety, and equipment use for all levels. Beginners learn fundamentals, while intermediate climbers advance skills like edging and crack climbing. Courses offered include Basic Rock Climbing, Intermediate Rock Climbing, Climbing Anchors, Lead Climbing, Crack Climbing Technique, Climbing Self-Rescue, and Big Wall Skills. Personalized coaching ensures safe progression.
multi - DAY COURSES
Our multi-day rock climbing courses cover a range of skills for all levels. From Basic & Intermediate climbing to Anchoring, Leading, Self Rescue, Crack Climbing Technique, and Big Wall Seminar, each course provides in-depth instruction and hands-on practice. Perfect for mastering traditional climbing, lead climbing, and advanced aid techniques.
advance COURSES
Our advanced rock climbing courses, led by AMGA-certified Rock Guide Jarad Stiles, cover goal setting, gear selection, belaying strategies, advanced anchor rigging, rope management, rappelling efficiency, and self-rescue techniques. These customizable courses are designed to meet your experience and climbing goals, providing comprehensive preparation for challenging climbs and enhancing your climbing skills.