Cliffhanger Guides - Joshua Tree Rock Climbing Adventures — Attraction in Joshua Tree

From my perspective as a totally novice rock climb a rating of 5 is too low for the team at Cliffhanger Guides. From booking to the final farewell for the day to my Guide Jeremy. The service, hospitality and adventure was second to none. To illustrate this point, during the booking, the team asked what were my goals and want from this adventure. I stated that I was a novice climber with limited experience and had a goal of being able to climb at the 5.6 - 5.7 level in a year. With an enthusiastic reply from Seth, that goal is achievable. The meet up with the Jeremy was warm, friendly and totally put me at ease. As I was gathering my gear for the day, I had a chance to meet Sabra, she was warm, courteous and promised me I will have a great time.

I knew the day would be long, maybe hard but the end was nothing i was prepared for. Jeremy took me through all the basic intro to climbing information that include safety, knots, climbing techniques (which he seemed so at ease with), belaying techniques and commands. Through demonstration, in a matter of short period of time, i was on my first 5.3 climb at Indian Cove. After each climb, Jeremy boosted my confidence, by guiding me through four other climbs each proving most complex and difficult. I knew that somewhere between the 3rd or 5th climb of the day i was hooked to the sport like so many. But the final testament of the class of service provided was a simple question from Jeremy. How would you like to attempt a 2 pitch climb (what's a pitch)? I said sure and off we went for the final climb of the day. The climb was called tranquility (5.6). Let me say, WOW!!!!! though it took me to my limit, Jeremy was calm, collective, and gave the support to make it to the summit. The view of Joshua Tree and surrounding area was spectacular and it gave me piece that choosing Cliffhanger Guides was the best choice for this introduction to a sport i look conquering in the years to come. My best wishes to the team at Cliffhanger Guides, thanks for the time and will see you shortly as I bring my son with me in a few weeks to experience this first class service, friendship and tall stories as promised. Oh that do good with their gourmet meal. Truly ravenous after a great day climbing...

December 2012 Review

This was the second time we have climbed with Seth and it was even more amazing than the first time. We planned a four day trip with Seth and my fiancee, with one day to be spent climbing with Seth and Sabra to work on our individual technique as we climb at very different levels. Seth and Sabra also helped my fiancee conspire to plan his proposal. Seth was extremely patient with me as I still find rock climbing with actual rock a little nerve racking, We have very high hopes for this trip and it did not disappoint at all Seth was able to help us with our technique, teach us about leading climbing, tying notes, placing gear and all the other techniques necessary to be able to lead climb on our own. The personalized attention was the best part of the experience Seth was able to find climbs that I found challenging while still making it also challenging and fun for my fiancee, I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to get into outdoor climbing, work on their outdoor technique or brush up on rock climbing at all they are amazing!

December 2011 Review

Cliffhanger Guides are Amazing! Rob and I booked a full one day with Seth and had an amazing day. Rob and I had very different climbing skill sets and Seth was able to pick climbs that I was able to do and that were able to challenge Rob which is exactly what we wanted. It was our first time outdoor rock climbing and we can't wait to go back, we have both done some indoor rock climbing, but it is completely different, and the climbing at Joshua Tree was amazing! The day was more than I could have imagined, we were able to friction climb, crack climb, repel, and down climb (most of which I could not do before the day started). Seth was able to plan a great day for us and teach us about lead climbing techniques, friction climbing techniques, crack climbing and general climbing tips which was amazing, he is a great teacher, the only thing I could have asked for was the sun to stay out longer so we could keep climbing. What an amazing day we can't wait...

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...