Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School

I couldn’t have asked for a better rock climbing experience. Mark was an incredibly knowledgeable and amicable guide who made sure everyone felt comfortable on the rock while also maintaining a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. I would highly recommend him to anyone regardless of their prior climbing experience.

My boyfriend and I just did a weekend Intermediate Rock Climbing Class with Steve and it was amazing! Steve is so knowledgeable about climbing that although we’ve had previous classes it was nothing compared to the experience and Knowledge that Steve had. The climbs were exciting and fun and made me want to really make this a hobby. I would definitely recommend Joshua Climbing School to anyone that wants to learn the basics or even do a guided climb that is more on the difficult side. These instructors are LEGIT!

We attended the 2^nd day of a two day beginner class, with Dave as our instructor, and he was fantastic. We have been indoor rock climbing for awhile and wanted to try outdoor climbing. It sure is different! Dave was very knowledgeable and encouraging, especially when some of us were afraid when rappelling. He knew how to keep us in the shade for most of the day, while challenging us with fun routes. We got about 8 different routes in for the day, with 4 people in the class. At the end of the day, he even gave us recommendations on different areas of the park to check out before we headed back to our hotel. We had so much fun! We definitely will be back again so we can learn more about anchoring to start climbing on our own.

My wife and I did a private guided tour with Mark and had an informative, exhilarating and memorable experience. Mark is deeply knowledgeable, kind, patient and yet motivates one to do things you wouldn’t think possible. It you are in Joshua Tree, do yourself a favor and spend some time with Mark. Can’t recommend enough!

Had a terrific half day session with Mark over the holidays. Mark is extremely knowledgable and meticulous. He knows a ton about the routes in the park and scoped out a nice sunny spot on a chilly day. He provided just the right level of coaching and exactly the right advice at the right time so we could see a lot if improvement in our technique and confidence in just a few short hours. He was super laid back and allowed us to go at our own pace without rushing. Great guy to be around. We’ll definitely be hiring him again next time we visit the park.

We went with two families (10 people) for a rock climbing class with Mark. Kid ages 5 – 14. We had a terrific time scrambling around the rocks and learning about rock climbing. Mark is very passionate about what he does. He gave great explanation on how to climb at the very basic level for us. Highly recommend this activity and this school. We did our climb at Indian Cove and it was significantly less crowded than the other sites. Joshua tree is quite beautiful and just being in the wilderness was a treat in itself. Mark provided all the equipment for us and it was an amazing introductory experience for all of us.

I signed up for a weekend Basic Rock Climbing Course and had Steve as the guide for our group. I had done a decent amount of climbing in gyms, but wanted to learn the skills necessary for having fun — and being safe — climbing outdoors. This weekend turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. Steve was incredibly experienced and knowledgeable (he has done many, many first ascents all over the world). However, he did a great job of teaching skills appropriate for myself and other climbers there that weekend. He went through important concepts as a group, but also provided plenty of time for individualized attention to make sure everyone was learning skills at their own pace. I really appreciated that he focused on aspects of technique specific to outdoor climbing, like how to approach crack and chimney climbing. Of note, Steve also had a genuine enthusiasm for teaching and for rock climbing, which made the weekend a ton of fun. I highly recommend this course!

I cannot say enough good things about Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School and their personnel. I spent a weekend climbing with Mark and took away far more than I expected. I think it’s one thing for someone to «show» you how to do something, but Mark tells you the «why» behind what you’re doing… and to me that makes all the difference. In addition to providing excellent training, Mark sets up routes that fit your individualized needs/​desires, provides equipment, and will share a story or two that you can’t help but smile at. Considering I’ve never had a Unilocal account, it says a lot that I was impressed enough by Mark and Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School to create one and leave a 5-​star review.

Awesome experience with Mark. He found us routes that were perfect for ability, gave clear instruction on how to climb, body positioning and routes. He was patient and attentive. Even though we only booked for a half day, we felt like we got a full day of climbing since he had routes set up by the time we arrived. I would highly recommend going with Mark.

We were a large group of 15 ages 7 on up. Mark and his two other guides were amazing! We all climbed and had a great time. The guides were positive, encouraging, extremely knowledgable and fun. We all highly recommend Mark and his guides.

I have climbed with Joshua tree climbing for the past 3 years. The goal was to learn and be safe. I request Steve every time, the reason is because of his integrity and professionalism. Steve gives a no nonsense learning experience. If just coming out to experience rock climb for the first time or to get a refresher for experienced climb your fist and only call should be to Joshua tree climbing. Any of the guides will take care of you and give you the best experience for your level of climb you request.

My family and I had a great experience with Mark at Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School. He was very good with our 8 and 10 year olds. Showing us the ropes with a very calm and confident demeanor.
Professional throughout our half day lesson, Mark will get you up a 100ft rock face by the end of a lesson. I cannot say enough good things about Mark and his school. They are top notch!

I had a private half day rock climbing lesson with Dave G. and it was amazing. This school is the real deal! They really want to teach you how to climb. My instructor Dave G., was extremely experienced and skilled and a very knowledgable and patient teacher. He had me climbing in the first hour. I felt i was in very capable and safe hands. The overall experience was over the top. I will be going back. If your looking for the best school in Joshua Tree this one is IT!!! Can’t wait to go back and learn more…

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing is the best way to spend a day in the National Park.
My 16 year old son took Basic 1 and was amazed at what he was able to accomplish. It was a great confidence builder.
Long story, I would be repeating all of the 5 star rating’s comments.
Short story, I agree with all the 5 star reviews.
Obviously talented climbers and more importantly highly skilled, compassionate, and professional teachers.

Steve was our guide, and I can’t imagine having a better experience out there than we did. The weather was pretty nasty in the morning and he made adjustments about what we were going to do so we’d be most comfortable. He gave us all the same basic info to begin with, but quickly tailored his advice to each individual based on what each of us needed. We only had four people (I understand they top off the class we took at 6, which is awesome) so we had a lot of personalized attention. When up on the rock, he made «suggestions» about where to go when we seemed stuck, but let us figure it out on our own when it was clear that was what we wanted to do. I think it was careful listening and attention (and a lifetime of experience) that offered him the insight to make the right comment to each of us when we needed it. He made a joke about wanting to learn from the old guy who’s done it all and is still alive, and I have to say, it did make a difference knowing that he had been through many years of scenarios and ways of doing things in order to be able to offer us the best of it all. The only «irk» I had was at one point when I was up on the rock, there was unrelated conversation happening below that made me wonder if they (in particular my belayer) were paying attention to me, but every time I looked down, all eyes were on me so I may be nitpicking.
It was a very special day, and Steve was everything we could have hoped for to make it such a positive experience. I know a whole lot more than I did going in, felt very safe, and had a wonderful time. I feel fortunate to have gone through it with this school and particularly this guide.

An excellent experience
I was part of a group of 4 that signed up last minute in a busy season for the beginner 1 rock climbing class/​experience. First of all let me say how much I appreciate JTCS accommodating us last minute. Thank you so much Mark!
I’ll preface this review by saying that the four members of our group had either very little climbing experience, or were complete novices.
We arrived at the meeting spot at 8am (easy to find as long as you follow the instructions on the website) and met Mark and Steve. After about 15 minutes of introductions and gear fitting, we began the class.
Steve was our instructor. He was very professional and friendly as well as humble. He was patient and explained the concepts and instructions very well. Whenever we had a question or concern he made sure that he explained and that we understood before moving on. Something that i really appreciate in an instructor.
Most of the morning was spent learning the basic systems and commands for belaying a top-​roped climber. This was really basic stuff and for beginners such as ourselves it was very valuable.
Steve also covered basic concepts about moving across and up the rock face. I learned some new stuff about smear technique as well as how to navigate a route and look for the «path of least resistance». As I have mainly a gym climbing back ground up to this point, both concepts were very useful.
The afternoon was spent climbing and practicing belays. Steve was again, an excellent instructor. He was attentive to the climber and belayer and provided useful instructing as the climber struggled to ascend the route. Interestingly, one thing I noticed was that Steve was not a cheerleader. He seemed to provide only pertinent information to the climber and then let the climber work through the problem.
All in all I have no negatives to note regarding our experience this weekend with Steve and the Joshua Tree Climbing School. If you’re a beginner climber and looking to learn more, these guys are top notch and I would highly recommend them.
If I return to Joshua Tree for more climbing instruction JTCS will be my first choice.

I can only recommend Joshua Tree Rock Climbing school!
After the Intermediate Rock Weekend with Mark Bowling, I am definitely a better climber; not only because I was able to climb many technically different routes but also because of the knowledge I gained (anchoring, climbing techniques, proper choice of equipment and its use/​application and about safety).
Mark is an extremely experienced climber who leaves nothing to chances. He quickly gained the trust of the group. I felt absolutely safe to try new moves and methods and feel confident to use them in the future.
Mark is understanding and empathic which enabled him to help the attendees to overcome fears and struggles.
If you are new to outdoor climbing, you could not possibly find a better adviser.
I will be back to work with Mark on my leading skills!

You will not regret going to this school, it was one of the best weekends I’ve ever had!

I came to Joshua tree this past weekend camping with several friends. A girlfriend of mine and I decided to try our hand at outdoor rock climbing. We both had very limited experience, with only a few trips to indoor rock climbing gyms.
I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was extremely pleased. We booked our class really late — but the school was able to accommodate us without hesitation. We were lucky enough to have Steve as our guide who was a wonderful guide and an awesome instructor. He really pushed us, there were times when we wanted to give up and Steve was so encouraging and comforting that we didn’t give up, and made it to the top of the rope each time!
Steve was so helpful, knowledgeable and kind — and I trusted him full heartedly. We had wonderful time, and I hope to come back for day two very soon!

I had the most amazing experience through the Joshua Tree Climbing School. If it weren’t for my friend Lea, who introduced me to indoor climbing, I probably would have never tried to enhance my skills through an Intermediate class up in J.T. This would be my second time climbing outdoors, my first time in Joshua Tree, and one of the best things that I’ve ever done. Steve was our instructor and he was a no B.S. kind of dude. He was extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy, and pushed our group to go above and beyond their capabilities – not to instill fear but more to show us that we’re so much more capable of what we think we can do.
Day 1 started with Steve teaching us several knots that we would need to know to create slings, extend ropes, and tie in and set anchors. Then he showed us all of the anchor devices and techniques. Once we were schooled on the tools we needed to set anchors, he set us free to set up some anchors around the boulders around us. He always checked our work and critiqued what we did right, wrong and how we could have improved it. After about a half day of anchor lectures and practice settings, he set up some top ropes for us to climb for the rest of the afternoon. I’m a 5.9 climber in the gym, and he set up some 5.7 cracks that I found really difficult and challenging, but a lot of fun.
On Day 2 we drove to another part of the park. This was the real test. Not only did we have to scramble up the side of a mountain with gear, but we also had to partner up and set up anchors, and then repel off of them. Again, he always checked our work and safety was always a priority. I never felt jeopardized, but always challenged. Once we repelled off of our first anchor sets, he let us top rope off of them.
The second part of Day 2 got even more interesting when he led us back to the top of our first anchors, showed us how to tear them down, and then led us to even higher ground «free soloing» it up the mountain (i.e., scrambling without rope) to set up another set of anchors. I have to admit that I was scurrred, but I put all of my faith and trust in Steve and my group. Steve would remind us that if there was something we felt uncomfortable with to let him know so he could rope us in or spot us from behind. Our group was cohesive – we looked out for each other, checked each other for safety and never left anyone behind.
It was pretty gnarly (the best descriptive word for this) to sitting at the top of a mountain, setting up anchors, looking over the edge for accuracy and then having complete faith in your work by repelling off of it and then top roping it over and over.
I really had no idea what I was in for when Lea invited me to go with her on this weekend excursion, but it was worth every penny. Not only did I improve my climbing skills, but I also walked away with some pretty cool mountaineering survivor skills, a new set of friends, and last but not least, bruised and scraped knees and knuckles.
In short, Steve RAWKS!!!