Joshua Tree Backcountry Climbing
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts. Exposed granite monoliths and rugged mountains of twisted rock testify to the power of the natural forces that shaped this unique landscape. This weekend getaway offers maximum opportunities to fully enjoy every aspect of outdoor adventure that the Joshua Tree backcountry has to offer by combining moderate guided backpacking with professional rock climbing instruction! This trip is ideal for fit people with little or no rock climbing or backpacking experience, but is also appropriate for anyone looking to improve on the skills they already have. All climbing instruction in Joshua Tree is provided by American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) trained and/or certified rock climbing guides who have dedicated their lives to teaching people how to climb. Be aware that this is a backpacking course, and participants will be required to carry their personal gear (weighing about 20-25 lbs.) and a portion of their tent, food, and group gear (weighing about 10-15 lbs.) for the duration of the trip.
Joshua Tree Backcountry Climbing Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Joshua Tree National Park, CA. Meet your guides and other group members at the Indian Cove Group Campground by 3:00 p.m. inside Joshua Tree National Park. We’ll have an evening trip orientation, a wonderful dinner, and a brief gear check before retiring for the night. Dinner included.
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Day 2
After breakfast, we'll quickly shuttle about a mile down the road to the trailhead where we'll park our cars for the duration of the trip. Once our packs are on and properly fitted we'll begin our journey into the backcountry. After traversing about 4 miles of undulating terrain we’ll establish our wilderness base camp and spend the rest of the day rock climbing. Climbers will enjoy instruction on ropes, knots, rappelling, and climbing. Ropes will be set up on various routes from absolute beginner to more advanced, depending on the experience level and goals of the group. At the end of the day, we’ll reconvene at camp to relax and enjoy a great dinner. Breakfast and dinner included. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten as lunch and grazed on constantly throughout the day each day. Energy bars and drinks as well as trail mix, bagels, salami, etc. are all good choices. Mileage:4 miles; Elevation Start:2800’; Elevation End: 4000’.
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Day 3
After breakfast, we'll join our guides again for the second day of climbing instruction and exploration. We'll travel to some slightly more challenging rocks today, where everyone will get a chance to test their skills from the previous day and push themselves to whatever level they feel comfortable. After a full final morning of climbing and instruction we'll complete our loop hike, returning to our cars by around 5:00 p.m. If you are flying home after the trip, consider booking a hotel night in Palm Springs and flying out in the morning if you cannot get a flight home tonight after 8:30 p.m. Breakfast provided. Mileage: 5 miles; Elevation Start: 4000’; Elevation End: 4000’.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This includes changes to routes and climbing areas to be used when circumstances or conditions warrant. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm that the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Professional rock climbing instruction and guided backpacking; all rock climbing gear (harness, helmet, ropes, shoes and more); meals as noted on the daily itinerary; mixes for energy drinks; group cooking gear; group first-aid kit, water filters; campsite and backcountry permit fees.
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages (please do not bring); 2 lunches; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
This trip is rated Moderate Plus(3-4). The climbing portions of the course warrant a Moderate (3) rating, as you may elect to rest at any time and will never be required to climb anything that you do not wish to attempt. Backpacking portions of the course warrant a Moderate Plus (3-4) rating. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks with weights of 30-40 lbs. over terrain with 1,200’ or more of elevation gain/loss on some days. Please make sure your backpack is fitted to your body before the trip. Trip members need to in good physical condition. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. The better shape you are in, the more you’ll enjoy all that Joshua Tree National Park has to offer.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60o - 90o F but can sometimes drop lower. Evening temperatures typically drop into the 40o - 50o F range or lower. While rain is rare in Joshua Tree, it is always a possibility so adequate raingear is important, even in this arid landscape.
Palm Springs, CA 45 miles, 1 hour; Los Angeles, CA 155 miles; 2.75 hours; or San Diego, CA 175 miles, 3 hours.
There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place. Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway. The directions above are from major interstates to our meeting point. Consult a map and plan ahead to ensure that you can find the interstate highway or major road indicated in the directions as you are leaving the airport.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Joshua Tree Backcountry Climbing
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary - this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60o - 90o F but can sometimes drop lower. Evening temperatures typically drop into the 40o - 50o F range or lower. While rain is rare in Joshua Tree, it is always a possibility so adequate raingear is important, even in this arid landscape.
Gear Checklist
- Tents (3 season, 2 person)
- Cooking gear
- Stoves and fuel
- Water filter
- Group first aid kit
- Chalk bag and climbing chalk
- All needed climbing gear, including harnesses, ropes, helmets, rock climbing shoes, hardware, and more (you will need to bring your own hiking boots, though).
- Backpack: large internal frame or external frame (4000 – 6000 cu”)
- Pack cover – waterproof
- Sleeping bag (rated at 30-35 degrees F)
- Sleeping pad
- Rain jacket and pants, lightweight, waterproof and breathable
- Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Midweight thermal top and bottom made of synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great) No jeans!
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
- 1 T-shirt, synthetic
- 2 changes of underwear
- Hiking socks, 2 pairs of wool or synthetic
- Sock liners, 2 pairs of synthetic liners (optional)
- Down parka (for Feb dates)
- Sun hat with brim
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- Hiking boots or light hikers, depending on your preference (REI Adventures will provide climbing shoes, but not hiking boots).
- Two 1-quart water bottle, Nalgene-type, or hydration system equivalent
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
- Plastic bowl, spoon, fork, 16 oz. mug with lid
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Glasses case to protect sunglasses
- Sunblock, small amount—not the whole bottle, min SPF 25
- Lip balm (unscented)
- Toothbrush & trial-sized paste
- Pack towel and/or washcloth
- Personal first-aid kit, small and light with personal medications
- Individually packaged Anti-bacterial hand wipes (WetOnes-type)
- TP System: In a gallon Ziploc Bag store these items: Toilet paper (not a full roll) & 1 ziploc quart baggie, WetOnes, Feminine Wipes, Pantiliners for women
- 1 large plastic garbage bag
- Trekking poles
- Ear plugs
- Lightweight camp shoes/sandals
- Journal and pen
- Camera and film- think weight
- Climbing harness, helmet, shoes and belay device (you may use your own gear if you wish to – please do not bring other hardware or rope)
- Climbing tape
Things to Consider
Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will behappy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
