3-Day Learn to Lead Course in Joshua Tree

Things to know

• Covid measures in Joshua Tree

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Joshua Tree, CA, please refer to the California All website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get in this adventure:

  • An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Three days of rock climbing
  • All technical climbing gear

  What’s not included:

  • Snacks and meals
  • Transportation
  • Accommodation
• How fit do I need to be?

  This 3-day Learn to Lead course is perfect for experienced climbers. You will need a good level of fitness to finish this course as you will be moving for a minimum of three hours on the rocks plus some additional hiking. Even though rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength, this rock climbing course in Joshua Tree will test you. Be prepared for a full day of strenuous climbing. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  This three-day learn-to-lead camp is geared for climbers who have completed an Introduction to Rock Climbing Course or have equivalent experience.This course is meant to develop existing skills that will take your trad and crack climbing to the next level. If you’re new to climbing, but want private instruction, Intro to Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree is the way to go.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (a 20-35L bag)
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Food you can eat on-the-go
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Technical gear list

  All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • Helmet
  • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device and chalk bag
  • Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
  • Ropes
  • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
• Why should I book with 57hours?

  With us, it’s all play and no work for you! 57hours is an open platform that connects you with trained and certified outdoor adventure professionals all over the world. Using our tech-savvy, we make it super easy to find and book adventures worth tackling, with guides worth booking, all gathered from the first-hand experiences of the locals who adventure in these amazing locations.

• What about group sizes and pricing?

  For this private adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1 and cost is per person.

  Costs per person will decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.

  Climbing days can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

• What is the minimum age requirement?
  • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 can go climbing on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• What about bad weather?

  As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad preparation.” You can expect your guides to be fully prepared for anything. Inclement weather can always get in the way of climbing, but your guide will know the best spots to move to if the weather takes a turn.

  On the rare occasion of truly bad weather, your guide will present you with suitable alternatives. The most common practice is to move to a nearby location if it exists, or to reschedule your climbing to a more favorable day.

  If climbing is not possible on your scheduled day and no options presented are viable, you will be issued a full refund.

• Do I need an insurance policy?

  We highly recommended that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

  As we’ve recently seen, travel plans can be abruptly halted, so it’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance that covers cancelled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. For peace of mind, we suggest you consider both options of insurance.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Getting there and meeting location

  Getting to Joshua Tree National Park is pretty easy — you simply fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and drive 45 minutes east. It is also located about 2.5 hours away from Los Angeles, 3 hours from San Diego, 3.5 hours from Las Vegas, and just over 4 hours from Phoenix.The most common way to get to the climbing spots is to drive in from the town of Joshua Tree, heading south on Park Blvd towards the park’s entrance.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at the park’s entrance. From there, you’ll head to your course. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on the conditions and the climbing ability of the group.

• Deposit & Cancellation Policy

  Day Trips Cancellations
  Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
  Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
  Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.