Joshua Tree Trad Leading Lessons

Traditional rock climbing, commonly known as trad climbing, involves placing your own protection in the rock as you climb. It is a self-dependent and clean form of climbing since a trad climber does not rely on pre-placed bolts and removes the protection that she places after she climbs. Any rock formation that has enough cracks and features for sufficient protection can be climbed safely with trad techniques and this opens up a whole world of adventure.

Joshua Tree National Park may be the best place in the world to learn how to lead climb on trad. Its quartz monzonite granite formations are bullet hard and fractured, making them ideal for gear placements. Most of the routes are relatively short and near the road, making for a convenient and non-threatening learning environment. And of course, the beautiful desert scenery and classic climbs inspire and motivate.

We work with the best AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) certified instructors to give you this two-day course that will teach you everything you need to know to lead single and multi-pitch trad routes safely.

Highlights and activities

• Learn all the essentials of trad leading.
• Get tips on your climbing technique.
• Climb world class routes.
• Spend two days in one of the most picturesque National Parks in the country.

• rock climbing

1. 

   Day 1: Learn the essentials

   Your instructor will meet you just outside Joshua Tree National Park and you'll spend the morning on the ground getting grounded on the basics: building anchors, placing protection and evaluating rock features and quality. After lunch you will do some mock leads where you climb and place gear but remain on top rope. Depending on your instructor's evaluation and your own confidence level you may or may not end the day with an actual lead climb that is well within your climbing ability.

   You spend the night at a charming casita with a yard and fully furnished kitchenette.

2. 

   Day 2: Put it all together

   After refining your technique in yesterday's lessons you will go on a multi-pitch route. If your instructor and your gut give the OK signal then you will do actual trad leads.

The flow and content of the course will adjust according to your current experience and knowledge.

This trip is offered from September through May. Contact us to schedule your Private Tour.

Includes

• Use of all climbing equipment.
• Accommodations (twin-sharing, double bed).
• Two lunches and one breakfast.

Excludes

• Transportation to Joshua Tree.
• Meals other than those specified.
• Park entrance fee (your guide can cover your entrance fee if he/she rides with you into the park).

• Sport leading experience is not required but helpful.
• This course is for people who want to learn to lead. If you have little or no climbing experience and just want to learn or try out the basics you should go on one of these trips instead:
• Joshua Tree Climbing Day Trip
• Joshua Tree Technical Peak Bagging: Scrambling, Climbing and Rappelling
• You may bring ingredients and cook dinner in the casita or simply eat out at one of the many restaurants around Joshua Tree.