I spent four days of predominantly trad climbing with a remarkable Cliffhanger Guide, Roddy McCalley. First, Roddy evaluated my skill set. Recognizing that I had only been climbing for 3 years, he taught me the basics of "crack," "slab" and "chimney" climbing. Having an encyclopedic knowledge of the climbing in Joshua Tree, Roddy thoughtfully selected as many of the single and classic multi-pitch routes as we could fit into full days on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday..... a total of 32 pitches! The climbing experience presented me with new challenges, built my confidence, and expanded my range of techniques. It was an exhilarating experience.

Cliffhanger Guides prepared a wonderful lunch every day. Roddy, a Yale graduate in environmental studies, proved to be a font of engrossing details the about the flora and fauna of the magnificent desert and the geological origins of the area. He shared fascinating lore about how Joshua Tree served as one of the most important staging areas for the earliest climbers. This was the setting where their craft was honed before tackling the epic big walls of Yosemite.

If Cliffhanger Guides had only connected me with Roddy, the week would have been perfect but I felt especially welcome into the culture of climbing that Seth and Sabra Zaharias have created. A culture that stirs a joy of climbing that is grounded in safety; a culture that strives for the perfect fit of climber and guide. On my day of rest, Seth not only suggested a place for me to visit but also got into his car and guided me though the park to my point of departure for seeing the legendary Samuelson's Rocks.

If you love climbing, Joshua Tree is an exceptional destination..... and Cliffhanger Guides has the most exceptional resources to make your visit a success.... as they did for me.