If you re climbing in Joshua Tree for the first time or you have before and want to see/do something new and challenging you must use Cliffhanger Guides!
We have been climbing for 10-15 years and everything Cliffhangers Guides offered exceeded our expectations!
They picked the perfect wall and Andy our guide was top notch- a true Joshua Tree climber. He is a very skilled climber with exceptional knowledge about Joshua Tree and climbing in the park. We will definitely call Cliffhangers for our next trip to Joshua Tree!
Start collecting reviews today
Claim your business to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more!
Awesome day of climbing with Lansdon. The check in process was efficient and we went straight to the first climb. He tailored the day to my interests and ability. A very memorable day and I highly recommend Cliffhanger!
We had come from NYC on a red eye then drove two hours from OC that morning so felt a bit stressed but Seth and Sabra were able to get us fitted and chilled out for the day. We had arrived 30 minutes late and had changed the date and they were very accommodating to that effect. Our guide Gavin was very experienced and enthusiastic with plenty of stories and good humor. My wife and daughter aren t really into climbing but now enjoy it.
We climbed many pitches on Super Hero wall and the park was very beautiful with blooming wildflowers. Our final climb my 12 yo son and I did a multi-pitch on Intersection Rock which was amazing! Gavin was very thorough and communicative as well as instilling confidence the whole way with a high attention to detail and safety.
Having a packed lunch already was great incentive. Everything was laid out well and organized so that you spend as much time as possible climbing. Having someone set the ropes beforehand for us ensured that we had many routes to choose from and did not have to wait around. The locations were also chosen well based on the direction of the sun and our abilities so we didn t get spanked or too hot.
Joshua Tree is a great destination for climbing and there is something there for everyone. That being said, expect for a bit of a challenge if you do not climb regularly.
I cannot recommend using this company enough! They are so friendly and engaging, and Seth the owner is super hands on and knows all clients by name. Our guide was Lansdon and he was 10/10 - so knowledgeable about climbing and geology and any other topic, super stoked on all things climbing, very easy to trust out on the wall, and just so fun and chill to be around. Their shoes they provide are also insanely comfortable. I wish I could use Cliffhanger Guides wherever I go! The best of the best.
Climbing with Cliffhanger Guides was an awesome experience. My girlfriend and I have never gone rock climbing before, and wanted to take a lesson to learn the basics and spend time outdoors getting to know the park. We went with the half day session - setting it up was as easy as a couple emails.
Our guide Greg was a great teacher, communicator, and all around awesome person to spend a day climbing with. He took us on a variety of climbs which introduced us to different techniques, and throughout the day he taught us tons about the park, climbing history, and rock formations in the area. With Greg's steady encouragement, we improved rapidly throughout the lesson and ended it with a delightful lunch atop the summit of our last climb.
We had an amazing time and would not hesitate to recommend Cliffhanger Guides to anyone looking to book a climbing lesson in the Joshua Tree area.
Cliffhanger guides is top notch. My brother and I are beginner climbers and they provided an amazing climbing experience that far exceeded our expectations. Seth and his crew of guides are highly skilled climbers and teachers who maintain a perfect balance of fun and professionalism, seasoned with local and natural history and information. I would recommend them to climbers of all levels. They spend time getting to know your goals for the day and come up with a plan to make sure those goals are met and more. If you're looking to climb at Joshua Tree, this is definitely the crew you want to go with.
I had an amazing time at Joshua Tree thanks to Cliffhanger Guides and I would recommend them to anyone looking to climb in the park. I did a full day of climbing with their guide Andy. He took me to some awesome secret spots and did a great job of making it fun and teaching me about trad climbing.
After spending the day walking in circles trying to find routes in the park we decided to hire a guide to show us the way. Cliffhanger was highly recommended and quick to respond. They sent us out with an amazing guide, Will, who new just where to take us. He was extremely well trained and I felt more than safe in his care. I would hire cliffhanger again and would love to learn more from Will!
If I could give Cliffhanger Guides more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! My eleven year old daughter has done two climbs now with Andy @ Cliffhanger, two years apart, and both have been awesome experiences. If you are a beginner or experienced rock climber, or anything in between.... or even if, like me, you just like to sit on a big sunny rock and watch your kid climb, this is sure to be a fun time. Check them out when you're in Joshua Tree!
An amazing experience. My friend and I showed up at Echo Cove to find around 20 ropes already hanging from all of the main climbing routes. Seth and the Guides at Cliffhanger were hosting a Black Diamond event at this location, and encouraged the two of us climb with the event the whole day. Such nice people, all very knowledgeable and know how to have fun.
If you are looking to go rock climbing in Joshua Tree, you must contact Cliffhanger Guides! I hired them for a half day rock climbing excursion in January and we had a blast. Their packages provide all the gear you need for the day plus a delicious lunch. Our guide, Kelly, planned the day based on our experience level and took us to an area that had a mix of fun and challenging routes. We were traveling from out of town, and they made the day so easy and fun. I highly recommend.
Recently in February I enjoyed one of the best birthdays of my life thanks to my thoughtful wife and the good folks at Cliffhanger Guides. I was pleasantly surprised to learn at SeaTac that we would be flying to warmer weather in San Diego. Later that day we arrived at our destination, beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.
Although I was very satisfied with the idea of lounging in a beautiful warm desert on my birthday, my wife had something more adventurous in mind. We left our campsite the morning after arriving in the park and drove to a trailhead parking lot. In the lot, I was greeted by Felipe and had the thought 'this dude is a climber...we're going climbing.' At that point, I hadn't been climbing in years, but had expressed the desire to get back into it and fortunately my wife was listening. Felipe was about as good of a match to our personality as we could have hoped for. He has a great personality, lots of stories and insight from his world travels, and was a patient and effective instructor. We climbed for 8 hours that day in a variety of locations and features, and learned a lot.
Seth, who diligently exchanged emails with my wife over months to help her plan this adventure, arrived at the end of the day after a guide to meet us. Seth and Felipe were very generous with their time to make sure that we enjoyed our desert experience.
Thank you Seth and Felipe for an unforgettable birthday.
My wife and I spent a full day of climbing in Joshua Tree with Kelly from Cliffhanger Guides. Before our trip, I filled out requested information regarding experience (or lack thereof), etc. Kelly chose our climbing routes based on that information. She was spot on! The routes were challenging, but doable for our limited experience. Kelly was fantastic! She was professional, yet easy-going and personable. She put us at ease immediately. Lunch was simple, but very good. I highly recommend Cliffhanger Guides, and will definitely use them again the next time I'm in the vicinity of Joshua Tree. Do yourself a favor, and give them a try!
We had a group five friends all with different levels of experience ranging from just having a few climbs under their belt to 10 years of climbing. Our guides were Kelly and Zach and they delivered a great climbing experience for all of us. Kelly had 5 climbs set up before we even got to the site! After we climbed all those routes and multiple variations of each she set up two more so by the end of the day everyone had climbed as many routes as they wanted. I think my buddy TJ climbed over 10 pitches in a half day. Zach had great technique tips on propped smearing and both guides helped shape the day into a customer awesome experience. It also helps that the rock is world class and it all comes together to make an experience I would highly recommend.
I went climbing a few weeks ago with my partner, Max, and we had the best time. Cliffhanger does an amazing job at organizing everything and keeping everything covid-safe. Our guide, Erica, was incredible as well and really made us feel comfortable. We did the half-day tour and did some climbs and some rappels. Lunch was so yummy as well! Hoping to be back soon!
This is the absolute right choice for guided climbing in the area. Our experience will be a permanent family memory. Quinton our guide was professional, extremely knowledgeable and most of all really fun. Our 9 year old daughter Sally had a fantastic time in her first outdoor rock climbing adventure and will be looking forward to more. She and I both climbed and had a great time. Seth's company is the real deal. Clearly set up to be safe, easy, personable and really fun. Look no further.
Me and my boyfriend had a great time climbing with our guide Will. We climbed Indian Cove area. It was super fun! The guides at Cliffhanger are professional, adventurous, and friendly. They provide healthy lunch too. We will definitely come back to Joshua Tree and climb with them again!
My daughter and I had a great day climbing with Zach in Joshua Tree. My daughter is a much better climber than me, but Zach made sure we both felt challenged and successful. Zach was a great instructor while still making it a lot of fun. The coordination with Avery before the climb was seamless and the picnic lunch with hot tea was delicious. Joshua Tree is beautiful and it's nice to learn about it from a group that so obviously loves it. A wonderful experience!
Had an awesome half-day climb w/ Kelly on Valentine's Day, she shared a ton of tips, did a great job of judging our skill level and making the morning really enjoyable. Lunch was also delicious, we'll definitely be back for more :)
My family and I took the half day trip with Sabra and apprentice Jessy over spring break. It was AHHHH-MAZING! We are beginners; our kids are 10 and 13, and we didn't know what to expect. Sabra and Jessy took us to a rock formation that we were able to try three separate climbs with different variations. They were so patient, knowledgeable and friendly it made the trip that much more enjoyable! To bring our adventure to a close we were able to navigate the Chasm of Doom! If and WHEN you rock climb at JT, please call them. So very worth it to experience the wonder that is rock climbing in JT. Much love to you both for a great day!
My friend and I had an AMAZING time climbing with our guide Kelly with Cliffhangers. From start to finish the company was incredible. I called a few climbing guide companies in Joshua tree and felt the most comfortable and confident in Cliffhangers. The staff member on the phone was so helpful and not only gave us info about climbing, but also helped us arrange the rest of our time in Joshua Tree making sure we got the most out of it. They could not have been more helpful. As far as the climbing when we arrived, it was even better than we could have imagined. Kelly tailored the entire day to us and our skill level. We felt incredibly safe the entire time and had so much fun. They also provided a lunch that was so good! I cannot say enough good things about Cliffhangers, I would highly recommend them to anyone!
My girlfriend and I finished up a two week climbing trip with full day with Cliffhanger Guides. It was the perfect capper to the trip and we couldn t be happier with the experience. Kelly was our guide. She had a fantastic level of knowledge about the variety of climbing available in the park. She got us onto a perfect variety of climbs that was challenging but also incredibly fun. The day finished with a beautiful multi pitch that gave incredible views of the park. She was also incredibly meticulous and safe. Everything felt bomber. I also got the impression she could have given great instruction if we had been looking for it. Finally, it s far from the most important thing, but the catered lunch was excellent. I will absolutely be coming back to Cliffhanger the next time I m in Joshua Tree.
We booked a half-day climbing trip last year with Cliffhanger and decided to book a full day this year because we had so much fun. Kelly Fields was incredibly knowledgeable and ensured a safe and educational trip that really put our needs and interests first as a private outing. I would highly recommend Cliffhanger for new and seasoned climbers. There's always something new to learn in climbing and it's great to have a practiced and safe instructor there to explain anchors, rope technique, climbing technique, best practices, etc etc. Hire them, you won't regret it!
My wife and I did a half-day climbing adventure with Cliffhangers while visiting Joshua Tree. Our guide was Seth and he was great - we had an awesome time. Seth took us to a couple different spots to climb in the park that are off the radar so we had these areas to ourselves. My wife is better at climbing than me and Seth was able to accommodate our different skill levels. We also enjoyed talking with Seth and learning about the wildflower super bloom and the impact of the government shutdown on the park. I would definitely recommend Cliffhangers for rock climbing in Joshua Tree.
We had an awesome time climbing with this team - they are tremendous! My wife and I were on our one-year anniversary trip and enjoyed our half day adventure. We had excellent instruction and storytelling from our guide Andy. The whole staff at Cliffhanger Guides were friendly and professional in all communications. When we were at a local restaurant (The Joshua Tree Saloon) a server overhead us and they were delighted we were hiring Cliffhanger Guides due to their excellent reputation and commitment to Joshua Tree. I highly recommend you climb with Cliffhanger Guides if you are looking for a new way to see the park!
My wife and I were complete beginner rock climbing noobs until we booked a day with Seth and Sabra of Cliffhanger Guides. That day was a year ago, and now we are completely addicted. Every time we have used Cliffhanger Guides, our climbing knowledge has grown, we've had a fun and safe adventure.
If you're at all hesitant about trying climbing in Joshua Tree, don't be! Give Cliffhanger Guides a call. You won't regret it!
Fantastic experience in every way. As regular indoor climbers with only a few days of outdoor experience, we were looking for a guide who could get us more comfortable outdoors and help find the right spots (Joshua Tree is huge, and hard to figure out what route's where). Cliffhanger delivered on both counts; it was a fun, challenging, and educational day. Would absolutely recommend, and will book with Cliffhanger again.
My family ( 3 teens, my husband and I) went outdoor climbing for the first time and were guided by the very-experienced and super friendly guides Jesse and Bethan...it was an awesome, safe, really fun experience and I'd highly recommend using cliffhangers guides for outdoor expeditions without reservations!! :)
My kids had a fabulous experience with Cliffhanger Guides (ages 19,14,12). With a variety of previous experience and levels of adventurousness amongst the kids, our guide, Will, challenged and support each one in a really fun way. As a mom, I felt my kid were in expert hands and enjoyed a great day out in Joshua Tree with a great guide. Just wait, we are coming back!!!
What an adrenaline rush! For someone that is afraid of heights and very anxious about going out during the pandemic, this was such a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend anyone visiting the area. We had a very experienced guide, Jessy, who was not only extremely patient but considerate, informative and fun to chat with. He took us on four different climbs depending on our comfort level and explained proper footing, safety procedures, and how the equipment worked. He has a passion for rock climbing that gets you pumped and is very familiar with the area so recommended us pretty awesome tips and trails to visit during the rest of our trip at Joshua Tree. For those of you who are worried about going out, masks were worn the whole time, there was social distancing, and plenty of hand sanitizing wipes/spray (not the horrible smelling spray but the nice smelling ones). Thank you to all the staff at Cliffhanger Guides for making this such a fun experience. We will definitely come back again!
Cliffhanger Guides are one of the most terrific guiding services in this galaxy! They are psyched to share their joy of JTree with the rest of us -- whether we have been climbing for decades or only days. They have incredible energy, a significant level of experience and awareness of what each client needs. I highly recommend them for a wonderful adventure.
It was a perfect 1/2 day with our 3 boys (7-10-11 yrs old) . When it was over, kids and moms were hoping for more!! Andy s know how and leadership combined with Erika s know how and sweetness were perfect for our kids to feel comfortable pushing their limits while scrambling and climbing in the amazing rock formations Thank you Cliffhanger for a great day in Joshua Tree
Andy is the best guide! We had an awesome half-day in Joshua Tree, he was patient, funny, and taught me all of the basics (and more!). I learned so much from our session, and if I am ever in JT again will definitely look up Cliffhanger Guides for another lesson! I would 100% recommend any of the guides- the communication was as smooth as ever, the day was well organized and thoughtful, and they customized my lesson just for me! Thanks, Andy and everyone at Cliffhanger! I'll be back :)
We had an awesome day with guide Kelly. We climbed, we caved, we laughed, we ate delicious snacks. It was the best kind of adventure with just the right amount of challenge. Do it!
I enthusiastically recommend Cliffhanger Guides for rock climbing guides. Great guiding experience in Joshua Tree. Our guide was very capable, and a really good guy. He helped make the climbing experience a wonderful father/ daughter day. His love for climbing was contagious. It was a very positive, safe, soul filling day. Our guide Andy at Cliffhanger Guides did his part to make our day climbing a great day.
Our tour guide Greg did an amazing job educating us about the park and facilitating a very fun, challenging, and rewarding experience. Learning about the science/history of Joshua Tree from Greg definitely made me appreciate it more.
I had never climbed outside before and am a bit scared of heights, so definitely felt the nerves on my first climb. Greg showed us various techniques for climbing which helped me get the hang of things better and feel more confident in myself.
I was a bit tired going into my last (and hardest) climb, but Greg's relaxed demeanor and encouragement helped me to calm myself and push through! He explained all of the safety procedures very thoroughly and ensured we understood the process before proceeding.
I had a very yummy and filling vegan lunch as well - an arrangement of crackers, hummus/dips, pickles, veggies, and some vegan cookie biscuits for desert all from Trader Joes my favorite grocery store :-) Would definitely recommend Cliffhanger guides to anyone wanting to challenge themselves whilst admiring Joshua Tree in a completely different way. and Greg took some epic shots of us on the way up to remember it all :D
My trip through Cliffhanger Guides was full of firsts - first time to Joshua Tree, first time climbing outdoors, first time hiring a guide to go on a solo mini excursion. I had planned my trip months in advance but then when the time came, nothing went according to plan -- the federal shutdown briefly shuttered the park, my flight into the area was abruptly cancelled the night before, delaying my arrival while I scrambled to re-book, and then once I got there it poured and poured and poured some more -- not the usual Joshua Tree blue-sky weather! Throughout, Zach and Andy were unbelievable, seemingly more determined than even I was to make the visit a total success despite the challenges. Andy is a natural teacher, quick to impart his expert climbing guidance, with fun storytelling mixed in and quite a bit of history lessons about the park itself. And although I wound up doing less climbing than I'd hoped due to the weather, he had spot-on recommendations for what else to do in the area. If I ever make it back, I'll call on these guys for sure, and will recommend to anyone to do the same.
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 in Joshua Tree
I trust the lives of me and my family to the skilled guides at Cliffhangers! I ve had the pleasure of working with several of the guides from Cliffhanger and I m continually impressed by their knowledge, kindness and organization.
We just returned from a camping Spring Break trip in Joshua Tree National Park. We wanted to do something truly unique, adventurous with the kids and found Cliffhanger Guides. We have four kids ages 12, 10, 9, and 6. All I can say is WOW! Our guides Andy and Jessie were outstanding and so positive, encouraging with our kids. We would definitely highly recommend Cliffhanger Guides. The lunch provided was wonderful and healthy. Our kids were begging to keep climbing once our session was over. This experience was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
We had a great day climbing with Andy and Sarah on 3/6/2020. We started out in the Hall of Horrors with four good climbs and finished up on the classic, The Eye on Cyclops rock. The guides provided everything including good stories, great beta, teaching moments and a great lunch. My son told me later that it was an Epic adventure!
If you are going to Joshua Tree rock climbing with Cliffhanger Guides is a must! I've climbed with Andy, Kelly and Roddy on different occasions and I couldn't have asked for more friendly and knowledgeable guides. They do a great job identifying what you would like to experience during your time with them and plan the day to do just that. They provide a great lunch and are wonderful climbing instructors and friendly and fun climbing companions! I give them my highest recommendation.
My family and I thank you and your team for creating an unforgettable, positive experience this past Sunday. From the initial engagement over email and registration, to check-in and gearing up, the professional instruction throughout the day, to the most tasty outdoor lunch that hit the spot after a half day of rock climbing our Cliffhanger Guides experience was just plain phenomenal! All of us continue to smile as we reflect about our experience.
A special thank you to our guides, Jeremy and Jessie, who made every attempt to teach in detail the finer points of proper and safe climbing. They were extremely patient and encouraging to six eager-to-learn, first time climbers. As you already know, they are assets to your team and likely in high demand from all of your customers.
Thank you again and we will readily recommend Cliffhangers Guides to anyone considering high adventure at Joshua Tree NP.
Cliffhanger guides were incredible! I have been on one other professionally guided outdoor climbing trip before and it was not even comparable to the quality experience I had with Cliffhanger.
Seth and Sabra are the type of people who go above and beyond what is expected of them.
My climbing partner and I had a breathtaking trip up a four pitch route in Joshua Tree, guided by Seth. We told him our skill level and he picked out the perfect route for us on the fly. We were looking to learn more about multi pitch and trad climbing as most of our experience is with top rope and single pitch sport routes. We learned so much. Seth taught us about proper pro placement, setting up belay stations, climber etiquette, and shared stories of some of his adventures. He brought a snack to munch on at the top of our route which had the best views around, carried our water for us and even took photos on his own phone and emailed them to us. We both felt very safe and secure the entire time.
After the multi pitch day we had an incredible lunch.. healthy and substantial and plenty of variety so that even picky eaters would find something to enjoy. Then we went over to hop on some of the top ropes that were set up (we were in a huge group) and all of the guides were very serious about safety, which I appreciated. One of the guides even taught us a new self rescue knot and Sabra recommended a great juice spot for us to stop at on our way home. They were also great with time management.. making sure our large group were able to get the most climbing in as possible and didn t waste time farting around.
Overall it was a great day that I will never forget. All the Cliffhanger guides are extremely knowledgable about climbing, rope management, Joshua Tree, and just all around kind, fun, and interesting people.
The climbing was All-time!!! Mike and Jeremy we so positive and upbeat that the whole family stayed engaged and had a great time.Lots of good instruction and great safety practices. And the lunch they provide was fantastic!!! Could not have asked for a better or more personalized experience.
We had a great experience with cliffhangers from the very beginning. They were the best over email correspondence and so responsive, friendly, and professional to plan the details of the day. The reservation process was easy and comfortable. They touched base several times with clear instructions on what to bring and how to prepare. They set up expectations perfectly. Our guide, Andy, was so great! He was very timely and professional in getting us all geared up and to the location. He explained everything very thoroughly and made sure we were clear and felt safe. He s a very good at making the experience very safe and at the same time very adventurous and fun! We had chosen this activity to celebrate our 12 year olds birthday, and Andy went above and beyond to connect with John and make sure he had the best day ever. Should we return to Joshua tree, we will 100 percent be back to cliffhanger guides, and will definitely request Andy! I recommend cliffhanger guides for the great experience they offer from start to finish. Every detail was perfect!
My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Joshua Tree, and the Cliffhanger Guides made all of our rock climbing dreams come true! Seth and Andy were so friendly and welcoming from the very beginning. Andy took us out on the rocks for most of the day and showed us a great time. Rock climbing is both an art and a science, and Andy was extremely knowledgeable of both aspects. He offered so much great advice and really made us feel relaxed and confident as we progressed to more challenging climbs throughout the day. He even provided a luxurious lunch spread which we enjoyed on a blanket in this hidden nook between some boulders. It was a perfect day, definitely one of the best days on our honeymoon. Thanks for everything, guys!
Had a great climb! Our guide Kelly was super fantastic, very skilled and fun to work with. She was very patient and enthusiastic with our kids and us adults. :) I couldn't ask for a better experience.
We had never rock climbed before. We didn't really know what to expect. We did a 1/2 day with Kelly and it was AMAZING! One of the most fun 1/2 days in an outdoor adventure we have ever had. Kelly knew her stuff and was super fun to be with. I can't recommend her enough! Top notch!
We had an amazing experience climbing in Joshua Tree National Park with our Cliffhanger Guide Kelly. As inexperienced climbers, with a 12 year old boy who loves climbing at the gym, it was a perfect introduction for all of us to get outdoors and experience the real deal. Kelly gave great instruction, and got all of us climbing lines we definitely had not thought possible at the beginning of the day. She focused on safety, and making the experience as challenging and fun as possible. Here are some pictures of us climbing, having lunch atop the Playground Rocks, and rappelling down. Thanks for a one of kind day. Will definitely be back to experience another day with Cliffhanger Guides.
Recently, I booked a half day rock climbing session with Cliffhanger Guides. It turned out to be one of the best days of my life!
Our Joshua Tree rock climbing guide was Seth. From the moment we met him we knew we would have a fun time. He is very friendly and you can tell that he knows what he's doing. Our climbs were great and Seth also brought a super delicious lunch for us to eat midway through.
Having Seth as our guide let me be able to enjoy our trip much more. He is an expert at what he does and I don't think there is anyone out there better than him.
Next time we are in Joshua Tree, we will definitely be using Cliffhanger Guides. They know what they are doing and made our experience something that we will be talking about for a long time.
My husband and I spent a weekend in Indian Wells/Palm Springs so we could go climbing for a day at Joshua Tree. We had the BEST time thanks to Cliffhanger Guides with our guide, Kelly. She took both our backgrounds into consideration and set up some routes that were both fun and challenging. The hours passed by way too quickly, we got in such a great day of climbing for a pair who are usually stuck to indoor gyms in the winter and Kelly definitely accommodated every ask to help us have the best day!
Really enjoyed the day out with Andy! He was a great, knowledgeable teacher and helped us get dialed in for leading trad routes in a safe and fun way. Also provided tons of good recs for us to go climb in the park after the session concluded. As new trad leaders hoping to stay safe out there, the day was worth its weight in gold! The lunch they provide also totally hit the spot. Will definitely look to Cliffhanger if I need a guide in the area again.
Great day! Jesse was a great guide and the lunch was an awesome way to end the day. I also got some training on anchors which I can use for future outdoor adventures. Thanks for a great day!
My wife and I along with our two sons (12 & 10) went climbing with Cliffhanger in Joshua Tree over Spring Break. It was a wonderful family experience. I had great conversations with the owner (Seth) before the trip and our guides (Roddy and Jessie) we total pros. They taught us a lot about climbing and we shared a lot of great conversation about Joshua Tree and all sorts of things. Everyone was really knowledgeable and professional. It was a memorable experience for our family and I highly recommend their business.
We climbed as a family with Seth & Sabra's outfit on 10/11/20 for our 4th time in the past 5 years. We wanted an activity with our sons to provide respite from endless pandemic. As soon as CG announced their reopening, we booked a full day of climbing, and made the 8-hour drive from the Bay Area over a long weekend. We were not disappointed - what a spectacular day of climbing memories for our family with Kelly! With parents in their 90s with whom we have contact, we have taken COVID precautions extremely seriously the past 6 months: we were entirely comfortable with Cliffhanger Guides' COVID protocols (i.e., fever check, masks-in-proximity, hand sanitizer ahead of each climb, etc...). It also helps that it's all outside and UV light breaks down virus - pretty much as safe & sane as you can get. As we told Kelly, it was the best day we've had as a family together during the pandemic... we're already trying to scheme another trip.
This company goes the extra mile to make sure you have a great day. Our guide was wonderful and Seth made sure we were happy clients. We brought our 3 and 5 year old and they both went out rock climbing and had a great time. Highlight of our fabulous trip to Joshua Tree!!
My boyfriend and I were extremely happy with our experience with Cliffhanger Guides - they were thorough in their training, and extremely knowledgable about the crags they took us to. This was our first time climbing outside of a gym, and although we were nervous at first, Andy was a great resource and incredibly supportive and confidence inspiring throughout the climb. I couldn't recommend this group highly enough - thank you so much for an amazing experience!
We had a wonderful day with cliffhanger guides. In the morning they set up five short climbs for family members ages 4-70. They did an amazing job coaching the beginner ones especially the youngsters. They were so friendly and patient. In the afternoon they took our young adults on a multi pitch climb. They were very confidence inspiring and friendly. Can t recommend a day out in Joshua Tree with them enough. One of the highlights of our trip.
Bottom line, we had a blast! This was our first outdoor climbing experience and our guide, Mike, really helped us reach our full potential. I had a moment of panic on one of the climbs and Mike was able to talk me "off a ledge" and up the rock. He was all-around awesome - extremely knowledgeable, easy going, professional, encouraging and fun. Not to mention lunch was delicious and he even surprised my fiance with a sweet treat for his birthday! Would highly recommend Cliffhanger for a challenging, educational and FUN experience in Joshua Tree.
As urban Canadian gym climbers, we wanted a guided experience that would give us an education in the renowned crack climbing of Joshua Tree. Our guide Will was fantastic, knowledgeable, great communicator, and he read well what kind of experience would be best for both learning and enjoying this most beautiful of landscapes. This is the second time I have climbed with Cliffhangers and they are fantastic--clear, responsive, and reliable as a business, and with excellent guides as part of the team. We did the 5-hour guided day, which included three routes and a yummy lunch. Highly recommend!
My 8 year old son has recently started climbing in our local gym and decided he wanted to try some real rocks while we were visiting Joshua tree last eekend. On less than a day's notice, Seth was able to arrange a half day for my wife and I along with one of our friends and three boys age 8, 5, and 3.5.
We spent the morning with Kelly and Zach on Temptation Towers (don't bother looking in any climbing book, it's their special spot for beginners) with three different routes toproped for kids (and adults) of a mix of abilities. The location was great and not one we would have found on our own. Zack and Kelly were amazing. They managed to get our 5 year old climbing, and even got him doing some hops on his descent. They showed our 8 year proper form for liebacks. And I got some tips as well.
After lunch, they suggested a special hike into a nearby cave formed from boulder infill into a giant, quarter mile long 2 to 10 feet wide crack. It wasn't something we'd expected when starting the day -- but it was the perfect, memorable experience for our crew. There were lots of oohs and aaahs, and a few moments of just the right amount of scary. (It was mostly the adults that got scared with small spaces and tight squeezes in a few spots).
All told, one of the best days we've had, and way, way beyond our expectations when the weekend started. Thanks Kelly, Zack, and Seth -- we'll definitely be back next year to try out the steeper stuff.
Our small group of beginners had a fantastic experience climbing with Quinton in March 2020 - what a brilliant guide! He was personable, patient, reassuring and fun. Quinton was also generous with his knowledge of climbing, hiking and exploring the Joshua Tree national park. Cliffhangers is highly recommended!
Andy was great and made the day as a whole was even better. He made sure we wear taking care of. Wyatt my son had a great time as did the rest of the group climbing. Andy's knowledge about Joshua Tree and climbing made my self feel apart of the desert and lucky to be able to climb at a world class climbing spot. Thank you for that wonderful lunch it was fantastic!!!! This will be a memory that will last for ever thank you!!!! You have a wonderful staff and organization!!!!! We will be back.
First time outdoor rock climbing and it was incredible! Jeremy and the team at Cliffhanger Guides were so knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend climbing with them. Our group knew we were going to have a good time right when we met Jeremy. He was encouraging, informative and entertaining! He took us on some challenging climbs and brought us out of our comfort zone but never made us feel as though we were in danger. We always felt safe and prepared. Thank you, Jeremy and Cliffhanger Guides!
We got paired up with Andy for two days climbing in the park and had an absolute blast. Andy was incredibly knowledgeable and professional, going out of his way to help teach me techniques and important safety information regarding multipitch climbing. He also helped get my dad fully out of his comfort zone in the best way possible and was always ten steps ahead of the game. Always knowing what my dad may need and when as well as creating solutions to potential problems or difficulties before they even happened. Overall our experience was incredible and we are so glad we chose to climb with Cliffhanger! Cannot recommend highly enough - Andy is the man!!
We just completed our second outing with Cliffhanger Guides, and both trips were outstanding. They are utterly professional and competent at what they do. Through every aspect of the experience from initial contact, through planning and answering questions, through gearing up and finally to the climbing instruction itself, we were absolutely taken care of and treated like true guests. In the morning while gearing up, a couple of the other guides took the time to welcome us and introduce themselves to our family, even though they were not our guides. This may seem like a small gesture, but I believe this type of warm customer service just isn't that common.
Both trips were planned for our little boys, ages 6 and 8, and the guides we had on each trip, Andy and Roddy, were both patient and laid back and made it really fun for them while at the same time ensuring they were totally safe. My wife and I felt comfortable at all times seeing how much time and care they took to set up anchors, harness up the boys, etc. I recommend them whole heartedly and am planning to go back for more next season!
We had such an awesome day climbing ! Our guide Jeremy found us the perfect challenge and knew when to push us. I could not have imagined a better day ! Would highly recommend.
I took a friend from the UK to Cliffhanger Guides while he was out visiting. I ve done a little climbing myself, but am not near familiar enough to be responsible for another person, or to teach. Seth gave us an exciting whirlwind of a tour with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Starting us off on the very elementary basics of ropes, on the simplest of climbs, he took the time to ensure that we understood the roping system, all safety aspects, and after we were finished, that we were emotionally comfortable enough with climbing to continue on to more challenging sets. At every aspect Seth was the consummate professional. But, while professionalism is certainly important, what really made the day for us was his excitement and evident love for what he does. I would highly recommend Cliffhanger Guides to any climber, but particularly to those who may have little experience. While my friend from the UK was excited, he had expressed his apprehension about the day before we started (he s a bit cautious about heights). However, by the end of the day, with the help of Seth s guidance, encouragement, and contagious enthusiasm, he was scaling up some pretty good heights without a second thought. We had a blast! I highly recommend!
Prior to a two day outing, I had plenty of experience with gym climbing but not so much with outdoor climbing. My main goal for the trip was to go and climb some of the easier classics as well as to learn how to build climbing anchors and how to properly clean while following on trad climbing. Roddy, my guide during the trip, was very knowledgeable in regards to just about everything related to the Joshua Tree, climbing technique, equipment, and any other questions I had. I had an amazing time, I learned a lot on how to become a better climber, and I absolutely will book another trip when I do come back to Joshua Tree!
I would hands down recommend Cliffhanger Guides to anyone who is looking for a unique way to experience Joshua Tree National Park! I surprised my boyfriend with a rock climbing lesson as an activity for his birthday, and Cliffhanger Guides and our instructor Andy did everything they could to make our experience memorable. They even got my boyfriend a muffin from a local bakery for Breakfast and put a candle on top so we could wish him a happy birthday. Our guide Andy was patient with us (we were beginners!) and took time to answer all of our questions thoroughly. He did so much to make sure we felt comfortable and safe, but also picked some awesome spots where we could challenge ourselves and feel accomplished after our climb. I signed up for a half day of climbing, and even when we were behind schedule (because I had so many questions!) Andy still stayed late with us, and we had lunch in a super cool spot off the beaten path. Thank you Andy, Zach and Sabra! We had a great time and I will definitely be recommending Cliffhanger Guides to my friends and family.:)
Three of us had an amazing half day climbing with Kelly. She was extremely professional, informative, supportive, flexible, and fun. Each of us had different levels of climbing experience, different goals for the day, and different approaches to climbing. I still cannot believe she was able to accommodate every one of our requests while laughing with us and ensuring we all stayed safe. We each made it to the top of all of our climbs, despite a few professions of sincere self-doubt.
I also am impressed at the approach Cliffhanger Guides has taken with respect to COVID. Every step of the way, we were keeping COVID in the back of our minds and taking precautions to ensure we all kept each other safe from the virus Kelly really kept us on point for that. Random side note, the hand sanitizer Cliffhanger requires everyone to use before every climb smells amazing and doesn t dry out your hands.
The lunch was perfect for us and met all of our dietary needs. They provided small, healthy, and tasty, bites in eco-friendly containers for us to share. We did not leave hungry.
All in all, it was a perfect day our favorite during our week-long trip. If you have any desire to rock climb in Joshua Tree, I highly recommend Cliffhanger Guides!!
Our family of four (two daughters ages 16 & 14) had a wonderful experience with Cliffhanger Guides. Communication was great through the booking process and government shutdown. We had never rock climbed before and our guides, Seth and Erica, were very knowledgeable, positive, and patient. They did an excellent job of giving us tips as we made our way to the top. I have a fear of heights and both were very encouraging. Our oldest daughter picked up on the skills quickly and Seth made a different route to challenge her. Erica did a good job of talking us through the climb giving us pointers on what would make a good foot placement or hand hold, etc. They took their time with us to make sure we had a good experience and weren't in a rush to get the excursion over with. The gear they used was in excellent condition and high quality and the lunch provided was excellent. As a business owner Seth truly cares for his community, volunteering his time and resources to help keep Joshua Tree clean during the government shutdown. It's refreshing to know that people still care about our planet. We had an awesome experience with Cliffhanger Guides and would do it again in a heart beat if we ever get back to the area. Thank you for a wonderful day!
I couldn't have asked for anything more in a guided climb! Seth is a great guide and business owner and is able to tailor trips to your level of comfort. My husband and I wanted to try climbing in Joshua Tree while we were visiting, but we'd never climbed outside before (and most of the routes are trad routes anyway). Seth was able to select some easy routes for us so we could gain experience and then took us up a beautiful classic route to finish the day. Lunch was a great bonus too!
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 to go again!
A true pleasure. The team at Cliffhanger Guides was very impressive. My husband and I spent the day with Zach. He was very passionate, willing to educate and offer up information about climbing and the landscape. He made sure we were both safe and having fun. We look forward to returning.
The climbing day organized by Cliffhanger guides and guided by Lansdon was definitely the highlight of my trip to California. Email communication before the trip was perfect, Seth and Avery were really helpful. Lansdon did a great job at instructing, leading, and making me feel safe. Easy climb to warm up in the morning and a more challenging 4 pitch route in the afternoon. I'll definitely come back next time I get the chance to travel to California.
We had the best experience climbing with Seth last weekend for my son s birthday. Seth was very knowledgeable and thoughtful: he went above and beyond to make our trip memorable.
Great experience. My friend and I thought the weather was so bad our climb would get cancelled or be absolutely miserable. Not so! Cliffhanger took us to a secluded valley that was sheltered from the high winter winds and was warm and comfortable.
The guide was great and really helped my friend, a first time climber, push beyond his comfort zone while still enjoying himself. We also got in more climbs than I would expect in a half day.
Last, the lunch. When reserving they made a point that the lunch was good and they could work around dietary restrictions. I didn't expect much, though. Not only was lunch fantastic (one of the better meals we had on our trip) it was also gluten free as I had requested. If the good guiding wasn't worth going with cliffhanger, the food certainly makes it worth doing so.
Thank you so much to everyone over at Cliffhanger Guides for such an amazing trip! Sabra was super helpful in booking the trip and answering all of our questions ahead of time, and both she and Seth were hanging out to greet us when we arrived. We were lucky enough to climb with Will and Jeremy, who ensured that our experience was safe, challenging, and fun! These guys thought of everything- from sending Jeremy in ahead of us to set up the climbs before we arrived to putting together a special lunch that met all of our dietary requirements, everything went super smoothly, and we received some really great instruction and training on how to safely climb and belay our partners. We couldn't have asked for a better trip, and we will definitely be climbing with them again!
Couldn't give Cliffhanger guides anything *but* five stars. Jeremy was our guide and was excellent. I took friends who haven't ever climbed outside or in a gym and he took us out for an incredibly fun day, was accommodating of a health concern, and also listened to us talk incessantly about college.
on top of that, he was an excellent climbing coach, did a bit of a movement class with us to prep for joshua tree, and took us up some incredibly fun routes. can't rate this highly enough. If you're vaguely considering a day climbing in joshua tree, just do it!
Had a really great day with Kelly as our guide. She's very professional, nice and a great teacher. Took us to multiple spots, showed us the ropes (literally) and gave advice on other things to see in the park. A+
We could not have asked for a better climbing experience in Joshua Tree! If I could give Cliffhanger Guides more than 5 stars I absolutely would. Zach was quick to answer all of my emails and Seth sent a really nice follow up email as well.
Their building is easy to find and there s a free parking lot right out front. They asked for our sizes and experience level before we got there so when we arrived everything was laid out and ready to go. Our guide was Jeremy and he did a fantastic job! He picked out routes that were right at our skill level and weren t crowded. We had the whole area to ourselves at our first stop and only got stuck behind one group with no one behind us at our second. Jeremy was full of tips and he helped us learn about both climbing and belaying. Thanks to his guidance we definitely feel more prepared to go climbing on our own.
Lunch was great. Cliffhangers packed a cooler full of goodies from Trader Joe s, it was the perfect light, healthy lunch. If you have a big appetite though I would plan to bring snacks, especially if you do the all day climb.
We ll never forget this experience, especially since we got engaged at the top of our last route of the day!!! So grateful to Jeremy for going along with it and capturing video and photos for us.
I can t recommend Cliffhanger Guides enough, you will not be disappointed with the experience!!
Our enthusiastic little 9 year old had an amazing day with Quintin this week. She was able to complete several routes perfect for her skill level. What made the day even better was that the communication from the Cliffhanger team before, during and after was outstanding. We boring, ground loving, grownups still had a fabulous day in the park; hiking, watching the climbs, enjoying the scenery and sharing lunch. Another beginner hooked on real rock!
We had a great experience with our guide, Kelly, when we visited Joshua Tree this February. We were met at the store by the owner, Seth, who got us outfitted. Kelly arrived and we talked about our goals for the day, and where we might best climb to meet those goals. We ended up spending a great 5 hours climbing multiple routes, rappelling and enjoying the park. Kelly was great with my 10-year-old daughter who had never climbed outdoors before - despite our backpacking adventure afterwards, she claims climbing was her favorite part of the vacation! Definitely recommend with the highest praise!
My friends and I had the best time with Cliffhanger Guides! First, they stayed in touch with me in the weeks leading up to our trip and were great with all of the questions I had.
Kelly and Sarah were fantastic guides! They were very prepared, provided us with some great routes to try (we were all beginner outdoor climbers), taught us the proper techniques, and gave us plenty of good conversation. It was awesome to climb with these wonderful women! The lunch that is provided is great too, lots of healthy finger foods that will actually fill you up.
If I make my way back to Joshua Tree, I would definitely use Cliffhanger Guides again.
I did a one day trip with Cliffhanger guides and I was incredibly impressed. They were fun & easy-going, professional & safe, knowledgeable & thoughtful. Mike was our guide and we had a great time with him. The food was really tasty too! I've been with several of the guiding companies in Joshua Tree and this was definitely my best experience yet.
Words can't express enough how amazing Cliffhanger Guides was for our guided rock climbing trip! We spent our honeymoon in Joshua Tree and Andy took us out for a full day of climbing. Andy was AMAZING! He was so knowledge and adapted our day based on our experience/skill level. He took us on our first multi-pitch which was 5.awesome! The lunch provided was delicious and the perfect lunch for a day out at the crag. Andy even took the time at the end of the day to help us plan out the rest of our trip and give advice on some sport climbing in the area. We couldn't have had a better first day of our honeymoon! We have nothing but good things to say about the whole team at Cliffhanger Guides and highly recommend booking a trip with them for the full Cliffhanger experience!
My boyfriend and I had the best time during our half day tour with Zach. We were both brand new to climbing and had the best experience. Zach was awesome and we couldn t have asked for a better guide. We had so much fun and will definitely be back during our next trip to Joshua tree. Would highly reccomend!!
Had an excellent day out with Cliffhanger Guides. Jeremy is a total pro, picked perfect routes and offered up a good challenge all while making sure safety was a priority. I will definitely be climbing with Cliffhanger again.
My 23 yr old son and I just got back from two days of climbing with Roddy McCalley of Cliffhanger Guides. I can't say enough great things about Roddy and Cliffhanger. They were incredibly competent, experienced and safety conscious. Roddy definitely pushed us to our limits and made us better climbers. We were able to get on a number of the classic routes in the park including a multi-pitch gem (right on) and a classic crack climb (double cross). I've climbed, skied and fished with guides all over the world and I can honestly say that these guys are as good as it gets and this was one of the best trips I've ever done. I'm looking to go back as soon as possible. Thanks guys for a great experience!
I had the pleasure of taking a PCGI course with Cliffhanger Guides this spring. I was blown away with how professional, personable, and knowledgeable the staff were. They are fantastic teachers, coaches, and guides. If you want to experience the Joshua Tree climbing scene, or try rock climbing for the first time, this is THE guide service to use.
