Joshua Tree Intermediate Rock Climbing Course
Desert sun, lots of instruction,and an option for intro to rock rescue
Joshua Tree boasts thousands of routes for all levels. With easy access you can take your skills to the next level on this course, all while enjoying the scenic wonders of Joshua Tree National Park. Instruction includes learning the techniques of multi-pitch climbing, placement of artificial protection, lead climbing concepts, and route finding on longer climbs. After reviewing basic climbing protocols, your guide will introduce lead climbing for both sport and traditional climbs. Placing your own protection and anchors while under the watchful instruction and belay of expert instructors will give you a solid foundation of skills required to begin leading in the vertical world. Finally, you will have the opportunity to do some guided multi-pitch climbing on some of the area’s classic routes, or have a go at harder climbs and have an opportunity to push your technical limits.
Add a day or two with your new skills and tour some area classics with your guide.
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Course Perks
Sun in the fall and winter- ahhhh. And a whole lot of super accessible rock. And if you’re so inclined you can stay in nearby hotels or camp under the stars.
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Description
This is an advanced-beginner course and it is also open for intermediate-advanced climbers who want to learn new techniques or improve upon their skills. Technical ability up to 5.8 is recommended – sport or traditional.
This course involves the following:
- Rock climbing from 5.4 — 5.10+
- Climbers should be in good physical condition and able to operate in an instructional setting for a full day
Course Curriculum Includes:
- Selection and use of passive and active protection
- Anchor construction, equalization, and evaluation of top rope, lead and rappel anchors
- Development of more advanced face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber, lowering, and rappelling techniques
- Leading, route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing techniques in an alpine environment
- Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazard
Transportation to Joshua Tree, as well as food and camping/lodging are your responsibility. If you choose to camp, you will be “car camping” on this course; and need to provide a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and food for your own meals. We recommend arriving the day before to secure a camp spot if you are climbing on a busy weekend.
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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1‑Day Course
from $255 – 1-3 Days
- 1:1 - $490 per person
- 2:1 - $320 per person
- 3-6:1 - $255 per person
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2‑Day Course
from $320 – 2 Days
- 1:1 - $750 per person
- 2:1 - $425 per person
- 3-6:1 - $320 per person
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3‑Day Course Includes Rock Rescue
from $510 – 1-3 Days
- 1:1 - $1,045 per person
- 2:1 - $620 per person
- 3-6:1 - $510 per person
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Price Includes
- All group climbing equipment
- Instruction
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Price Does Not Include
- Personal climbing equipment
- Transportation
- Meals
- Camping or lodging
- Personal items
- Gratuities for guides
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Payment Schedule
- Full payment at time of registration by credit card, which includes $200 non-refundable registration fee
Dates
Course Arranged on a Custom Basis — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include anytype of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, terrorism and so forth.
Domestic Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 91 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 90 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Intermediate Rock Course Day by Day
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Day 1
We begin this course with a review of basic climbing protocols including essential knots, equipment use, belay technique and signals, climbing technique and style, rappelling, top rope anchoring systems, and rope management skills. We will then practice the fundamental skills of traditional climbing. Other areas to be covered are anchoring systems, equalization techniques, and multi-pitch climbing.
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Day 2
Today students get opportunities to practice lead climbing under the protection of a top rope. Students have a chance to have their gear placements evaluated and anchors critiqued. In the afternoon, we will continue to apply the skills we have learned throughout the course in the multi-pitch climbing arena. As a beginning lead climber, you will also follow your instructor up increasingly difficult and complex leads to gain an understanding of lead climbing techniques and strategies. We usually wrap up the course by about 4:00 p.m.
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Day 3
We begin the rescue overview with; belay escape using various systems, ascending ropes with friction hitches, long lowering with two ropes tied together passing a knot. We conclude the day with rappelling safety, passing knots in rappels, and descending with an injured person.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Rock Rescue Extension
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Day 3
Rescue Immersion
We begin the rescue overview with; belay escape using various systems, ascending ropes with friction hitches, long lowering with two ropes tied together passing a knot. We conclude the day with rappelling safety, passing knots in rappels, and descending with an injured person.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Joshua Tree Intermediate Rock Climbing Course
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Carrying Gear
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Backpack (25-35L)
day pack size (25-35L)
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Climbing Gear
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Rock climbing harness
comfortable and padded
Examples:
Petzl Adjama, Black Diamond Momentum
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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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Locking carabiners (2)
Two large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Non-locking carabiners (2)
2 non-locking carabiners. wired straight-gates are recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond HotWire
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Belay device (plaquette)
Tube style
Examples:
Black Diamond ATC Guide, Petzl Reverso
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30’ of perlon accessory cord (7mm)
30 feet of 6mm cord
Examples:
Sterling
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Double length nylon runner (48" or 120cm)
be sure to get nylon not dyneema (18mm width)
Examples:
Black Diamond Nylon Slings
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Chalk bag (optional)
optional but nice for rock climbs when the temps are warm
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Head and Face
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Sunglasses
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics or by the water. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection. Consider bringing a spare pair
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Feet
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Light hiking boots or trail shoes
For acclimatization hikes
Examples:
Salomon X-Ultra 3 Mid, Merrell Moab, La Sportiva Boulder Ex
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Rock Shoes
comfortable enough for all-day use
Examples:
La Sportiva Mythos, Scarpa Helix
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Light weight synthetic jacket
light weight synthetic puffy or fleece
Examples:
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
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Rain jacket
basic rain jacket with a hood in case of any inclement weather
Examples:
Marmot pricip, or Gore-Tex type jacket
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Sun hoody (optional)
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Nylon shorts (optional)
Quick-drying type for July-Sept trips
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Miscellaneous
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Personal first aid kit (NW)
moleskin/blister kit, Band-aids, athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, ect
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Water bottles
two 1 liter wide-mouth water bottles
Examples:
Nalgene
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Hydration bladder (optional)
hydration bladder or water bag with drinking tube (must also have 1 Nalgene Bottle or equivalent)
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
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Book Course
1‑Day Course
from $255
1-3 Days
- 1:1 - $490 per person
- 2:1 - $320 per person
- 3-6:1 - $255 per person
-
Book Course
2‑Day Course
from $320
2 Days
- 1:1 - $750 per person
- 2:1 - $425 per person
- 3-6:1 - $320 per person
-
Book Course
3‑Day Course Includes Rock Rescue
from $510
1-3 Days
- 1:1 - $1,045 per person
- 2:1 - $620 per person
- 3-6:1 - $510 per person
California
Joshua Tree
Difficulty
Intermediate
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