Excellent experience with guides Murphy and Emery. They were thoughtful, fun, safe, professional. Couldn't ask for more.

An amazing afternoon with a stellar guide (James Murphy) back in mid-April during Spring Break. Our kids (10 & 12 yo) and my wife and I met up for an afternoon and he set up a couple top ropes and coached us all through the tough spots incredibly well. Had a BLAST! read more

Rock climbing in Joshua Tree is a bucket list experience. Located just 2.5 hours east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is a climbing mecca -- famous for its traditional-style crack, slab and steep face climbing. There is nothing like it as you feel the adrenaline rush and live out your Spider-Man fantasies. Can a newbie go rock climbing in Joshua Tree? The short answer is: yes! Mojave Guides has welcomed kids as young as 5 years old to senior citizens in their 70s. But I'm not gonna lie, rock climbing does require some physical fitness. It's a full-body workout, and you'll need the power of your glutes, along with your leg muscles, to push yourself upward. With that said, as long as you have some basic athletic experience, you should be okay. It's all about having a skilled guide who can help coach you along (and possibly assist with the safety rope to pull you up!). What about if you're afraid of heights? I guess your ability to do this will depend on your comfort level. You'll get in some higher grounds even on the easier climbs. There will be a lot of grunts and screams when rock climbing. Or maybe that's just me? But don't worry, you'll be in a big desert so only the others in your group will hear (and probably judge you!). I found Mojave Guides on Airbnb Experience. They did a fantastic job selecting the best spot for a first-time climber like myself. However, they can also scope out more challenging locations for those more ambitious. The total experience takes about 4 hours, with an option to book for either in the morning (at 8 AM) or afternoon (at 1 PM). I opted for the morning tour, meeting the small group at the National Park Visitor's Center. Best of all? There is a cute café attached to the visitor's center, called Road Runner Grab+Go, where I picked up some caffeine and breakfast. Okay, fine, and a bag of cookies. I can't pass up chocolate chips. I needed all the fuel I could get. After a short 'meet and greet', you'll drive to your climbing destination. The entrance fee to the park is $25, which can be purchased at the visitor's center. Once on site, we were fitted with some climbing gear and got a quick lesson on basic climbing techniques. Then, we were off to the races! I volunteered to go first since someone had to be the guinea pig. Despite my initial fear, I felt confident as I made my way up the face of the rock. The guide was my personal cheerleader and called out tips whenever I got stuck on where to put my foot next (which will happen). If you're less confident about climbing, go later on in your group. You can watch the other people ahead of you. It's all about finding the right footing to push off the rock. Before this trip, I always thought rock climbing was an upper body sport. But it's mostly a lower body workout. We were able to fit in 3 different rock walls in our 4 hour tour since the group was small (and adventurous). It was hard to believe that the time went by so quickly. read more

Our family had an incredible time with Murphy and Ryan. We had never been rock climbing before. They made it fun and instructive and we all learned. Our kids could have climbed all day. I would highly recommend Mojave Guides! read more

I booked a half day rock climbing trip in Joshua Tree with Mojave Guides as a surprise birthday gift for my husband, and it was the best decision ever!!! Everything about Mojave Guides was great--from the booking process, to the many confirmation and reminder emails/texts, and also getting a text check in from our guide Mason the night before, the service from Mojave Guides was excellent!! During our climbing trip, Mason was great at gauging our climbing ability and selecting 4 routes for us that were increasingly difficult (but fun)!! He belayed all our routes and did a great job making sure we had the right knots and that we were safe and secure before every climb. He was also very friendly, very knowledgeable and professional, and gave us many great ideas on where to climb in Joshua Tree in the future. I'm so glad I found Mojave Guides online, and my husband and I had the best time!!! Mason was an excellent guide!! Highly recommend and definitely will be booking with them again!!! read more

Brought my 9 year old boy for his real (non-gym) climbing day with Murph today and it was awesome. I can't say enough positive things about our experience. Murph brought us to the perfect spot with heaps of climbs -ranging from solid warmp ups to real challenges. He is incredibly supportive, personable and knowledgable. Big shout out to him and Mojave Guides for creating a day my kid will remember for a long time to come. read more

Mojave Guides - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

DO NOT HESITATE!! MOJAVE GUIDES ARE THE BEST IN JOSHUA TREE!! Don't look any further. We reserved this rock climbing experience online and their system is so easy to use. Taylor, our guide, was not only incredibly knowledgeable about rock climbing, he was very gracious in explaining the basics to our family who had never rock climbed before. Taylor shared so many fun facts about the nature in Joshua Tree as well. The owner is very quick to respond and they really do provide a 5 star experience!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

An incredible experience rappelling for the first time with my teenage son! Our guide Ryan was exceptional and made us feel so confident and safe. It was a true life experience to rappel in Joshua Tree! Thanks Ryan! read more

Mojave Guides - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

See all

I booked my climbing experience with Mojave Guides through Airbnb a little last minute (just two days before the experience) and had a really great time! Luis was my guide and he was wonderful. I ended up being the only client for the session so he was able to find climbs that fit my level - I have some indoor climbing experience but am terrified of outdoor climbing (haven't done it before) and he was able to find 5 routes that were on the easier side for the 4 hour time slot. Whenever I needed help with hand or foot placements, he was able to help out quickly while being incredibly encouraging. Extra props to Luis as he stayed a few minutes longer than he needed to and braved the chilly desert winds with me! Overall I had a great time and would totally rebook with them again next time I'm back in Joshua Tree :) read more

This was one of the best experiences I've had in Joshua Tree. Murphy was our instructor and was the absolute best! He was funny and outgoing. I was feeling nervous because this was my first time rock climbing. He made everyone in our group so comfortable by being himself. Kind, funny. We will be back and definitely requesting Murphy! read more

Mojave Guides - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

This is my second time climbing with Mojave Guides. Both times were a total success! They assess you skill level before taking you out and know exactly where to take you. I requested Ryan as he was who took me out on our first guided climb. He was booked, I got Luis and he was equally as great. So fun climbing with these guys, can't go wrong climbing with Mojave Guides. Thanks for the epic day in Joshua Tree! read more

Mojave Guides - Child's Play 5.10D - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

Wow wow wow - I cannot recommend Mojave Guides enough! My husband and I booked a private, 8 hour climbing session and we were absolutely blown away. Murph was not only a fabulous, knowledgable, and encouraging instructor, but also an absolute joy to be around. As veritable beginners, we were able to get comfortable in the beginning while still having enough time to challenge ourselves by the end of the day, completing 7 climbs in total. I loved it so much that we're already looking into local climbing opportunities, as well as another trip back to Joshua Tree to climb with Mojave Guides again. 10/10 would recommend! read more

See all

Nate was great! Our family had a fantastic experience on a hot day. We were impressed with his skills, communication, and effortless ability to challenge our 8 year old kid/monkey for a few hours. We did 4 different climbs at 2 locations. Our climbing day was the highlight of our experience. We are looking forward to our next adventure! read more

See all

My boyfriend and I booked our trip and ended up partnering with Luis for the day. He was an amazing guide and a super cool guy. He explained everything very thoroughly and was very encouraging. He also answered all the technical questions that we had. There were definitely some parts of the climb that I thought, "no way am I able to do this" and he guided me through it step by step and he was right, we were totally able to do it. Super cool and fun experience. I would absolutely book this again. I am still shocked the route we took was considered a beginner but its always amazing to challenge yourself especially with nature. Thank you so much Luis, we had the best time! read more

We had an amazing time on our first rock climbing experience. Tayler was so patient and did an amazing ing job explaining things to us. He was really encouraging and you could tell he was very passionate about rock climbing. We felt very safe the entire time. read more

Mojave Guides - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

I gathered a group of local friends who were interested in climbing but had very little experience. Having gone out with Seth in the past, I assured them that they would have a safe and enjoyable morning. Seth and Murph did not disappoint. They took us into an area of the park that offered four different beginner's climbs. We had a blast. What I most appreciated was their emphasis on safety, while at the same ensuring that we laughed our asses off and thoroughly enjoyed one another's company. Levity does not equal laxity. If you are looking for competent guides with ultra personalities, hire Mojave Guides. You will pack in more than you could imagine, learn the basics of rock climbing (or improve your skills if you're an experienced climber), and spend time in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Six stars if that were an option. read more

Mojave Guides - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

If you're searching for THE right group look no further than this yelp my friends! Seth set us up! Super communication, awesome vibes felt through messenger! He set us up with Kenny who was absolutely amazing! We are first time climbers, this was an off the menu experience for us and I seriously could not have felt more safe and supported. If not for such the awesome tips, some coaching and faith from Kenny I'm not sure I would have made it as far as I did! We live locally and we were just trying things that are in our backyard that we've never done. We are doing this again, Kenny is our guy! We will be seeing you again Mojave Guides! read more

Mojave Guides - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

See all

This is a late review from our Easter break trip to Joshua tree. Our guide was AMAZING! He was so patient with teaching my 3 kids & myself to climb. Very professional & nice guide & outfit... I would use them again and I would highly recommend them read more

Had a really awesome experience climbing with Nate from Mojave Guides in Joshua Tree just this past week. Nate is the rare combo of a great climber and a great teacher (plus a very nice guy). We did a half day, and he was able to find exactly the types of climbs and the level of challenge I was looking for. I had such a great time I booked a second half day a few days later. read more

Seth has been a family friend for years so I was thrilled to find myself in JT and that he was free to take me out. I gave him free reign to pick some great climbs and he definitely delivered! We did a couple multipitch, some leading, and finished with a challenging top rope. I'm sore the day after, in the best way! Can't wait to climb with Seth and Mojave Guides again read more

OMG! What an amazing rock climbing experience in JTree! It has been one of my bucket lists and my guid, Luis (Louis) and Mojave Guides made the experience even more amazing! I accidentally made a reservation on Sunday instead of Saturday but Seth accommodated and adjusted my needs and was able to manage to do this amazing experience on Saturday. And my guide, Luis, he was an amazing guide! He was very friendly and he's been so patient with me whole time and encourage me to go further! Couldn't make this amazing experience without Luis for sure! I highly highly recommend Mojave Guides and Luis! read more

My family and I had a great time climbing for our first time in Joshua Tree! Murphy asked us what we each wanted, what our comfort level was, and then led us to a place with different options to accommodate each. Encouraged each of us without pushing and gave as little or as much information as we wanted. Definitely a must-do if visiting the park! read more

Had great time rocking with the guides from Mojave guides. It was our first time rock climbing and they made it fun experience. Our kids 6 and 8 years old were able to enjoy it as well. read more

Mojave Guides - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

Everyone was great here and super accommodating. I didn't think my kids would last 4 hours, they met us on our time, my kids loved Murph and we got to climb in a gorgeous setting! read more

Mojave Guides - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

Murph and Taylor are the BEST! My family and I had an incredible and memorable first experience with rock climbing due to their expertise, patience, positive energy and support! We had so much fun, learned a TON and will definitely reach out to Mojave Guides the next time we are in Joshua Tree. Highly recommend!! read more

I had an amazing experience outdoor climbing in Joshua Tree. I was nervous to be around other people due to Covid precautions, so I ended up booking a private excursion for my own peace of mind. Having said that, I read a ton of reviews before booking and Mojave Guides is taking really great precautions all around, including reducing group sizes. I hadn't climbed outdoors in years. Murphy was my guide and after doing a couple of routes he was able to select other routes that were perfect for my abilities. When I come back to JTree, I'll be sure to book again. read more

They delivered as promised. Did a 1/2 day Dad private guided climb with my 10 and 12 year olds (who have bouldering and top rope experience) in JT. We had a wonderful day on the rocks, they provided a very experienced and capable guide. He had solid knowledge of routes in the park and was able to find us shade, uncrowded routes that worked for both me and the kids. Definitely recommend getting Mojave Guides for your next trip. read more

Seth of Mojave Guides is an outstanding instructor and climbing enthusiast. My boys have done bouldering before, but had never gone up a rock face and, at 54 years of age, I've done neither bouldering nor rock climbing. Seth was reassuring and of good humor and while he would encourage us to push ourselves, never demanded anything we weren't ready for and was more than supportive any time one of us would reach our mental limit. My youngest son was able to summit one of the climbs, my oldest son got nearly there himself, and I tested myself farther than I thought I would. Having Seth in charge of the rope, lowering us down when ready, made all the difference. I've never had a desire to climb before, but have to admit, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Great experience, well worth it. read more

See all

Such an amazing experience in the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park. I traveled from the east coast with climbing goals of learning a new skill set - crack climbing! For rock climb guiding, I hired Seth Pettit of Mojave Guides in Joshua Tree He got back to my email right away answering my questions about private guiding, permits and insurance. He also made mention that he and his guides hold AMGA and wilderness medical certifications. He was very professional and prompt, and within 3 days of my first contacting him, I was all set with my accommodations for flight, car rental, lodging, and private guiding. I worked with Seth for two full days and both days were unforgettable! Not only did I learn to crack climb, I got to experience the beauty of Joshua Tree NP while learning. Seth is a great guide; I always felt safe throughout my lessons with him. Prior to my trip to JTree, I had emailed Seth a link to my blog of climbs to give him an idea of how "not hard" I climb! LOL! He was confident that there were plenty of routes in JTree for me to climb and enjoy. Also, since our focus was on crack climbing, he was looking forward to teaching me these new skills as teaching crack climbing would be fun for him too. And just as important, Seth is a great teacher. He is patient and kind, and very knowledgeable and passionate about this popular desert park. I highly recommend climbing with Mojave Guides if you plan a trip to Joshua Tree and need a climbing guide. My two guided days of climbing was an experience I won't forget! Mahalo nui loa Seth! read more

See all

We were lucky enough to work with Taylor during our visit! He was a great guide: communicative, supportive, and incredibly knowledgeable on all things climbing. It was our first time climbing outdoors and Taylor went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. If you book with Mojave, hope you're lucky enough to get Taylor too! read more

Super fun activity for all ages! Matt, our guide, was awesome. He was patient, made sure we were always safe, and gave us guidance and advice as needed. I never climbed before and thanks to his guidance, I was able to reach the top of one of the boulders! We even had some time after climbing to go rock scrambling, which my daughter really enjoyed. We were provided with all necessary equipment as well as Huppy bars and sparkling water. This is a great way to spend half a day or a full day at JT National Park. I highly recommend Mojave Guides and looking forward to our next rock climbing adventure with them! read more

We had a blast with Murphy and Kenny as our guides!!! My group of 7 felt safe and had loads of fun! The guides were super friendly and helpful throughout the entire climbing experience. I would totally recommend! read more

My wife and I were super fortunate to have Taylor as our guide. He was absolutely the best. He was transparent about how everything was going to happen. The instructions he provided to us were excellent. This was our first time rock climbing and Taylor made us feel comfortable and confidant. He'd talk us through techniques to use for each face and challenged us to push further. Despite being newbies, we felt great working our way up. Taylor is a great guy and even better guide. I hope you're lucky enough to have him as your guide when you book with Mojave Guides. If you're reading this, thanks again, Taylor! read more

My group of 5 was lucky enough to climb with Seth on the last day of the 2015-2016 season in Joshua Tree. Rather than a "last day of school" attitude, Seth was very excited to get all of us climbing. Seth's experience and expertise with climbing, outdoors and all things Joshua Tree is second to none. At no time did I feel unsafe while climbing with Seth. All of us were comfortable asking Seth any question at any time. Seth was very good at describing what the climb was going to be like so we knew what was coming up. I would definately recommend anyone to climb with Seth! read more

Mojave Guides - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

See all

A friend and I were interested in packing in a lot of rock climbing over a few days at Joshua Tree, so we decided to hire Mojave Guides, and are very glad that we did! We had a fantastic experience with our guide Murphy. He was extremely knowledgeable, professional, safe and did a great job tailoring routes to our skill level - plus he was a lot of fun to hang out with! We felt like we were in great hands with Murphy, and would definitely climb with him again. Highly recommend that if you're looking for a guide in JTree to go with Mojave Guides! read more

I booked Mojave Guides for a climbing excursion with a group of 6 friends that range from complete novices to more experience climbers. Murphy & Katie took great care of us by making sure we all felt super safe & matching us to pitches that suited our varying abilities. They were so friendly and fun to hang out with.. I can't wait to book another trip with Mojave Guides! read more

Fantastic day of family climbing in Joshua Tree! Seth and Nate chose climbs that were fun and challenging for my family of 5. They were really great interacting with our kids, ages 4, 9, 10, giving them just the right amount of instruction and encouragement to get them out of their comfort zones and leave them wanting more. Safe, seamless, and fun - would highly recommend Mojave Guides. read more

Mojave Guides - My husband and 4 year old climbing side by side. - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

Took my active 8 year old son and husband on the tour and they had an absolute blast trying to conquer the rocks in Joshua Tree, safely. Our wonderful guide, Ryan, put safety first, both from a COVID perspective and from a rock climbing perspective. I am deathly afraid of heights and Ryan was kind and encouraging of my efforts to climb barely above 10 feet, nonetheless. Seth made setting up the tour easy. I was hesitant to sign up for a four hour adventure but Seth was right - it ended up taking that long to drive into the park, hike to the rocks, set up, and take turns climbing. Thank you for the memories! read more

Mojave Guides - Husband reaching the top - Climbing Near Me - Joshua Tree, California

This wasn't the first time I had Seth guide me at Joshua Tree and it certainly won't be the last. I've been a climber for almost 25 years, but only climb a few times a year outdoors these days so gear and rope craft are rusty. That said I'd trust Seth on my rope any day! Can't recommend highly enough! read more

Yes! Rock climbing can be for everyone. Murph took two of us out for a full day of rock climbing. We were total novices never having even been on a rock wall and by the end of the day Murph had us climbing things I never could have imagined accomplishing. I felt completely safe and confident on this adventure but most importantly I had fun! I highly recommend Mojave Guides and especially Murph! read more