Topographic map with contour lines in white on a black background.
A woman rock climbing on a steep outdoor cliff with desert landscape in the background.

California's Premier Rock Climbing School

Ranked #1 Climbing School in America by Outside Magazine

Whether you're new to climbing or refining your skills on multi-pitch routes, our AMGA-certified guides offer outstanding experiences at California's most iconic climbing destinations. We provide instruction tailored to all levels, from introductory lessons to advanced technical training.

Learn More →

Vertical Adventures is your trusted partner for rock climbing courses, guiding, and outdoor education.

Line art illustration of mountain peaks against a black background.
  • Award ribbon with a star in the center and two hanging ribbons

    AMGA-Certified Guides

    With decades of expertise and top industry certifications, our guides prioritize your safety and enhance your climbing experience.

  • Illustration of a person standing with arms raised on a mountain peak, with a flag at the top of the mountain.

    Trusted Instruction Since 1983

    California's premier climbing school for 40 years, we have consistently set the standard for professional climbing education.

  • Simple line drawing of two mountains with peaks

    Tailored Climbing Experiences

    Every session is customized to match your unique skill level and aspirations, ensuring an experience that meets your specific needs.

  • Line drawing of a person climbing a rock wall.

    Small Groups

    Our low student-to-instructor ratios allow for personalized guidance, ensuring you receive the support necessary to enhance your climbing skills effectively.

Retro style line graph showing a decreasing trend, with mountains in the background.

Two Ways to Climb with Vertical Adventures

Choose between a personalized climbing adventure or a structured skills course, both led by our AMGA-certified guides. Experience expert instruction as you explore some of California's finest climbing destinations.

Two people rock climbing outdoors, wearing helmets and smiling at the camera, with a rocky desert landscape in the background.

Guided Rock Climbing 

Book Anytime, Climb on Your Schedule

Available 7 days a week | Full Day or Half Day Available

Embark on a unique climbing experience in the stunning landscapes of Joshua Tree and Idyllwild. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced climber, our AMGA-certified guides are dedicated to helping you reach your climbing goals.

Enjoy personalized instruction tailored to your skill level and aspirations. Select your preferred location, set your dates, and climb at your own pace with the full support of your dedicated guide. We provide all necessary technical gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience

Perfect for: Beginners, families, couples, gym climbers, seasoned climbers

Half Day Price:
1 climber: $315 | 2 climbers: $190 each | 3 climbers: $175 each | 4 climbers: $155 each | 5 climbers: $135 each

Idyllwild (Tahquitz Rock):
Full day only - Starting at $495 each
1-3 climbers per group.

Full Day Price:
1 climber: $425 | 2 climbers: $265 each | 3 climbers: $240 each | 4 climbers: $215 each | 5 climbers: $200 each

6 or More Climbers? We also accommodate larger groups for corporate team building, family reunions, celebrations, and outdoor club outings, up to 40 people.

Rock Climbing Courses

Scheduled Group Training in Joshua Tree

Join us for skill-building courses scheduled throughout the year. Under the guidance of our expert AMGA-certified instructors in the stunning Joshua Tree National Park, you'll gain hands-on experience that translates into real climbing skills.

Our courses feature small group sizes, allowing for personalized attention that fosters your growth as a climber. Consider enrolling in multiple consecutive courses to accelerate your journey from a beginner climber to confident independent leader.

Dates: November 15, 2025 through May 3, 2026

Pricing:
1 Day Course:$250/person
2 Day Course:$450/person

  • Four people, three women and one young girl, are standing on a rock face outdoors with clear blue sky in the background. They are wearing climbing helmets and harnesses, and are dressed in casual outdoor clothing. Two women are shading their eyes, and one woman is pointing upwards while the young girl looks at the camera.

    Intro to Climbing

    1-Day Course

    New to climbing? Start here.
    Safe, fun introduction to rock climbing fundamentals on beginner-friendly terrain.

    What's Covered:
    • Equipment, knots & anchors
    • Belaying & safety systems
    • Climbing techniques & rappelling
    • Low-angle, beginner-friendly rock
    • Rappelling basics and rating systems

    Perfect for: First-timers, refresher students, and aspiring mountaineers

    Dates: November 15, 2025 | March 14, 2026

  • Two male rock climbers wearing red helmets and backpacks climbing on a steep rocky surface in a desert or mountainous landscape, with large boulders in the background.

    Intermediate Techniques

    1-Day Course

    Ready to level up your skills?
    Progress through challenging climbs with advanced techniques.

    What's Covered:
    • Face climbing: edging & smearing
    • Crack climbing: jamming & laybacking
    • Personalized coaching at your limit
    • Introduction to trad gear anchoring

    Perfect for: Climbers ready to advance beyond basics and push their limits

    Dates: November 16, 2025 | March 15, 2026

  • A person rock climbing on a steep granite wall, using climbing gear and a safety rope.

    Climbing Anchors

    2-Day Course

    Build anchors with confidence.
    Master anchor building and evaluation with both bolts and trad gear.

    What's Covered:
    • Equipment specs & placement criteria
    • Nuts, cams & the SERENE principle
    • Equalization methods & toprope rigging
    • Single and multi-pitch anchor systems

    Perfect for: Climbers ready to build and evaluate their own anchor systems

    Dates: December 13–14, 2025 | April 11–12, 2026

  • A man rock climbing on a vertical rock face, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and climbing gear.

    Learn to Lead

    2-Day Course

    Ready to lead your own climbs?
    Master lead climbing fundamentals with practice and toprope backup for safety.

    What's Covered:
    • Protection placement & gear removal
    • Building reliable anchors on lead
    • Belaying strategies & rope management
    • Reducing rope drag & route-finding
    • Simulated leads with toprope backup

    Perfect for: Climbers ready to transition from toprope to leading their own routes

    Dates: January 10–11, 2026 | May 2–3, 2026

  • A man and a woman rock climbing outdoors with helmets, harnesses, and climbing gear, smiling.

    Self-Rescue

    2-Day Course

    Be prepared when things go wrong.
    Learn essential self-rescue skills to handle emergencies for yourself and your partner.

    What's Covered:
    • Friction hitches & rope ascension
    • Auto-block rappel backups
    • Rescuing fallen climbers
    • Lowering systems & tandem rappels
    • Basic 3:1 raising systems

    Perfect for: Climbers who want to handle emergencies confidently and safely

    Dates: February 21–22, 2026

  • A woman rock climbing on a steep cliff face with a mountain landscape in the background.

    Multi-Pitch Efficiency

    (Advanced) 2-Day Course

    Move faster and climb higher.
    Master technical systems on California's classic multi-pitch routes.

    What's Covered:
    • Route selection & gear organization
    • Belay station management & anchor rigging
    • Efficient rope management & transitions
    • Rappel methods & self-rescue protocols

    Perfect for: Experienced climbers ready to tackle traditional and alpine objectives

    Available daily. Pick dates that work for you.

  • A person in climbing gear, including a red helmet and harness, sitting on a ledge of a rock face, surrounded by ropes and equipment, with a forested landscape below.

    Big Wall Skills

    (Advanced) 2-Day Course

    Ready for multi-day vertical adventures?
    Build the technical skills and systems knowledge for big wall and multi-day ascents.

    What's Covered:
    • Aid climbing techniques & jugging
    • Hauling systems & rope management
    • Anchor construction for big walls
    • Efficient pitch-to-pitch transitions

    Perfect for: Experienced climbers ready to tackle multi-pitch big wall routes

    Available daily. Pick dates that work for you.

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

California 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.

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

Joshua Tree National Park

CURRENTLY BOOKING

Experience world-class desert climbing on
textured golden granite.

Over 8,000 routes available, catering to climbers of all levels. Perfect winter weather for climbing enjoyment.

Beginner-friendly routes alongside more challenging climbs, including classic multi-pitch.

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.

Tahquitz Rock, Idyllwild

CURRENTLY BOOKING

Explore historic 1,000-foot granite walls that are the birthplace of modern American climbing.

Enjoy pristine white granite with exceptional friction, perfect for climbers seeking clean cracks and classic multi-pitch routes.

Offers the big wall experience combined with the convenience of single-pitch options.

Season: Spring & Fall

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

North Lake Tahoe

Experience high-altitude alpine climbing amidst breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada.

Enjoy technical granite routes set at elevations of 7,000+ feet, offering unique and scenic climbing.

Revel in panoramic views of Lake Tahoe while enjoying cool summer temperatures in a solid rock setting.

Season: June – September

Explore Lake Tahoe Climbing
A line graph showing a decreasing trend, with a retro color gradient of red, orange, and yellow in the V-shaped lines, and a stylized mountain range outline in the background.

With over 40 years of guiding experience, our team is dedicated to providing safe, professional, and unforgettable climbing adventures. We strive to make climbing accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or skill level.

More than just guides, we are passionate climbers who thrive on sharing the joy of vertical movement.

Whether you’re new to climbing or honing advanced multi-pitch techniques, we are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

Trusted Rock Climbing Guides in California Since 1983

FAQ’s

Rock Climbing for Every Experience Level

  • No, we welcome climbers of all experience levels, including complete beginners. Our AMGA-certified guides will ensure you receive the necessary instruction and support.

  • We recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows for ease of movement. Climbing shoes, harnesses, and other gear are provided by us.

  • Yes, safety is our top priority. Our guides are highly trained and experienced in rock climbing safety protocols. All necessary safety equipment is provided for your experience.

  • Safety is paramount, and we monitor weather conditions closely. If it's deemed unsafe to climb, we will either reschedule your session or provide alternative options based on the situation.

  • Yes, we encourage families to join. We can accommodate younger climbers, but parental supervision is required for minors, and safety guidelines must be followed.

  • We supply all necessary climbing gear, including shoes, ropes, helmets, and harnesses. Just bring water, snacks, and a sense of adventure!

A man and a young girl wearing white helmets, smiling outdoors among trees and rocks during a rock climbing adventure.
Two men in hiking gear standing on a large rock in a desert landscape with mountains and sparse vegetation, one making a rock sign with his hand.
A young girl smiling while rock climbing outdoors in a desert landscape, wearing a colorful jacket, helmet, and climbing gear.
A woman rock climbing outdoors on a steep, light-colored granite surface with a man assisting her, both wearing helmets and climbing gear under a clear blue sky.
A man rock climbing on a steep granite face in a desert landscape, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and harness with climbing gear.
Two climbers or hikers, wearing helmets and outdoor gear, standing between large rock formations in a canyon or narrow rocky passage, smiling at the camera.
A person is climbing a steep, narrow rock face in a canyon with a safety harness and rope, surrounded by high, colorful rock walls and a blue sky with clouds.
A man rock climbing on a steep granite cliff, wearing a helmet and harness, hanging upside down.
A man rock climbing on a steep cliff in an outdoor desert setting, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and climbing gear.
A person rock climbing on a steep granite face with a tree and forest in the background.
A woman rock climbing on a vertical rock face, wearing an orange helmet, black tank top, green pants, and climbing gear, with other climbers visible on the rocks below.
Two people in helmets rock climbing on a steep granite surface with a forested mountain landscape in the background.
Two climbers standing between large rock formations, smiling and wearing climbing gear, helmets, and harnesses.
Two men dressed in climbing gear standing on a large rock formation outdoors with a mountainous desert landscape in the background. One man is making a hand gesture, and both are smiling.
A man and a young girl wearing climbing helmets outdoors, smiling. The man has a beard and sunglasses, and the girl is holding onto the man's arm. They are on a rocky trail surrounded by trees.
Climber ascending a steep rock face in a canyon with vibrant orange and yellow sandstone walls, under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
A woman is rock climbing on an outdoor cliff, wearing a helmet, climbing shoes, and climbing gear, smiling at the camera.
Two women wearing climbing helmets and sunglasses smiling on a rocky mountain ledge with desert landscape in the background.
A man rock climbing on a steep outdoor rock face, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and climbing gear, smiling and holding onto the rock.
A young girl rock climbing outdoors on a large rock formation, wearing a colorful jacket, a helmet, and a harness, smiling at the camera.
A woman rock climbing on a sloped granite surface with a man providing belay support. Both are wearing helmets and climbing gear under a clear blue sky.
A male rock climber wearing sunglasses, a teal jacket, and a backpack, ascending a steep granite rock face with safety gear in a mountainous area with a forest below.
A man rock climbing on a vertical rock face in a desert landscape, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, a long sleeve shirt, climbing harness, and holding a rope.
Two children wearing helmets, climbing on a rocky mountain surface during a rock climbing adventure with a forested landscape in the background.
A man in climbing gear, including a helmet and harness, is ascending a vertical rock face high above the ground, with a scenic view of the landscape below.
A woman rock climbing wearing a helmet and climbing gear, smiling while ascending a steep rock face outdoors.
A woman rock climbing on a vertical rock face with a climbing harness and helmet, reaching for holds. Other climbers are visible at the bottom of the rock wall.
Graph showing the performance of Nestlé and Horlicks brands from 2017 to 2022, with Nestlé increasing and Horlicks decreasing.

Why Choose Vertical Adventures ?

  • Red award ribbon with a star in the center

    Local Expertise

    Our guides don’t just work in these amazing locations; we live and climb here. This local knowledge of Joshua Tree, Tahquitz, and Tahoe allows us to select the ideal routes tailored to your climbing goals.

  • A simple illustration of a pickaxe with a brown handle and black head.

    All Gear Included

    We supply everything you need for your climbing experience, including shoes, ropes, helmets, and harnesses. All you have to bring is yourself, some water, and your sense of adventure.

  • A person with arms raised standing on a mountain peak beside a flag.

    Proven Track Record

    With a systematic teaching approach, we have successfully helped thousands of climbers advance from nervous beginners to confident leaders, ensuring a transformative climbing experience.

Follow our journey

Climbing season in Tahoe is in full swing! If you would like to experience the amazing climbing on Donner Summit we can help. With classes and private instruction for beginners and experienced climbers we can take your climbing to new heights. #verti
Vertical Adventures is now serving the Lake Tahoe area with guided climbing on Donner Summit. We are so excited to be fully operational during the summer in the Truckee area. Check out our new website at www.verticaladventures.com to book your reserv
Still out here get’n it with @daynecurrington 🔥🇯🇲🎶 It wasn’t 96 degrees but the Joshua Tree season is wrapping up fast. These last days are bitter sweet but the mountains are calling…🌄 #verticaladventures #joshuatreenationalpa
The season is winding down here in Joshua Tree but the temps are still nice in the shade! Come get it before it’s too hot! #verticaladventures #joshuatreenationalpark #climbingseason #springhassprung #timeisnow #climbing #joshuatree #madeinthes
Logo for Vertical Adventures Climbing School with stylized letter V in black, red, yellow, and tan, and text in white and tan.

Your Next Great Adventure Starts Here

Join 1,000+ climbers who've reached new heights with Vertical Adventures since 1983.

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

Our Partners

We're proud to collaborate with organizations that share our passion for climbing, adventure, and community. Together, our partners enhance the climbing experiences we offer in Joshua Tree.

Fixe Hardware climbing anchors and bolts used for safe outdoor rock climbing."
Fixe Hardware logo with black and red text on a white background.

Providing high-quality climbing anchors and bolts, ensuring safe outdoor rock climbing.

Valley Shoe Repair logo – expert in climbing shoe resoling and repairs.
Valley Shoe Repair logo with blue diamond shape, white border, and white text

Specializing in climbing shoe resoling and repairs to keep your gear in optimal condition.

Climber securely tied in with an Edelrid rope and harness on an advanced route.
Edelrid logo in black and green

A climber securely tied in with an Edelrid rope and harness, tackling an advanced route with confidence and safety.