Meet your
guides
Certified, experienced, and deeply passionate about Joshua Tree. Every guide on our team shares one goal — making your adventure unforgettable.
The People Behind Every Summit
Our guides are certified professionals who have spent years in Joshua Tree National Park — exploring its hidden corridors, mapping its cave systems, and developing the routes you’ll experience. They bring technical expertise, genuine warmth, and a deep respect for the desert environment to every trip.
About our certifications: PCGI (Professional Climbing Guides Institute) and AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) are the two leading climbing guide certification bodies in the US. SPI = Single Pitch Instructor. WFR = Wilderness First Responder. All guides hold current First Aid certifications.
Stephen, the founder of Summit Climbing Guides, is a certified Lead Guide from the Professional Climbing Guides Institute (PCGI). Book Stephen for your multi-pitch adventures or self-rescue courses!
Originally from Idaho, his deep-rooted passion for the outdoors began during his early years spent camping, exploring, and climbing in the picturesque surroundings of Sandpoint’s lakes and forests. Stephen honed his rock climbing skills across various locations in the United States, predominantly within the rugged terrains of Southern California. Joshua Tree National Park holds a special place in his heart, drawing him back repeatedly over the last 15 years. It was amidst these granite monoliths and iconic Joshua trees that Stephen sharpened his expertise before venturing to establish his own guiding company in 2022.
Brad is a certified Lead Guide from the Professional Climbing Guides Institute (PCGI). Book Brad for your multi-pitch adventures or self-rescue courses! He has been guiding in Joshua Tree National Park since 2021, leading well over 500 trips. He offers personalized experiences, including rock climbing, hiking, rappelling, and cave explorations.
Brad works with people of all ages and experience levels, focusing on families and beginner climbers to make the sport accessible. His background includes guiding in the White Mountains and teaching at a science school in Big Bear, CA. An experienced climber and backpacker, he has completed the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and 1,000 miles of the Continental Divide Trail.
Chad grew up near Escondido, California, where the ocean, mountains, and desert provided endless places to explore. He attended school in Portland, Oregon, and studied psychology. Since then, Chad has lived and worked in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Upstate New York, North Carolina, Northern California, Colorado, and now back in California.
He has been climbing rocks and mountains for nearly 20 years. For many years Chad worked on tree-based zip-line courses, served as an outdoor educator, and worked as an arborist. A migratory resident, Chad spends winters in Joshua Tree and summers in the Sierra. He guides in many disciplines and loves the desert and all the creatures that live there.
Matt is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, a Wilderness First Responder, and has been climbing for about 7 years. While he began climbing at the local climbing gym, Matt quickly discovered the powerful and transformative experience offered by climbing outdoors in venues like Tahquitz Rock, El Potrero Chico, and Joshua Tree.
For Matt, guiding provides an opportunity to share the growth and joy he’s experienced through climbing with others in a safe and positive environment. Whatever you’re looking for from your climbing experience, Matt is here to help!
Cory is an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide who was born and raised in Michigan. Before becoming a climbing guide, he enjoyed a successful career as a professional dancer. Cory’s climbing journey began in a local gym in Dayton, Ohio, in the 1990s, where he met his adventure mentor. Together, they traveled across the United States, engaging in rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and backpacking.
Through these experiences, Cory developed a profound love for the outdoors and discovered his true passion: sharing that love with others. Some of his most memorable climbs and hikes have taken place in the Wind River Range, the Grand Teton, Gannett Peak, Granite Peak, Mount Whitney, and Mount Rainier. However, his favorite place to climb remains Joshua Tree National Park.
Sarah, a Midwestern girl inspired by PBS and National Geographic, always dreamed of being an explorer. After years in urban environments, she embraced adventure by moving to the California desert in 2016, forming a deep bond with the Mojave and Joshua Tree National Park.
As a volunteer with the Joshua Tree Search and Rescue and a Board Director for Friends of Joshua Tree, she supports rock climbing in the park. Sarah has guided interpretive hikes since 2019, led Desert Institute, and is a certified California Naturalist. A dedicated conservationist, she inspires stewardship and shares her knowledge of desert ecosystems while facilitating transformative adventures.
Nick is a certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and a local of the Joshua Tree area, where he grew up. From an early age, Nick found joy in exploring the wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding areas. He started climbing 7 years ago, beginning by bouldering in his backyard.
Nick has a unique appreciation for the desert and finds enjoyment in discovering and developing new climbing areas. As an enthusiastic and dedicated climbing instructor, Nick loves to share the desert experience and the world of climbing with his guests of any skill level. His goal is to inspire others to appreciate and respect the natural wonders of the desert, while having an adventure to remember.
Joshua grew up most of his life in Southern California. For a while he was stunt riding motorcycles, but then at the age of 30 he discovered climbing at a local gym in Redlands, CA. After a short time he decided to hit the outdoors to find out what rock climbing was really about. He immediately fell in love with the outdoors and climbing.
He started to hone his skills in various places such as Red Rock, Tahquitz, Big Bear, and Joshua Tree. He has gained a great sense of adventure and hopes to share that with everyone willing to join. When he is not outside guiding or climbing, he’s usually working as a setter and lead instructor at Hangar 18 climbing gym. Joshua is on the mission to become a Rock Guide apprentice.
Your Guide Is Waiting
Every trip is matched to your goals, ability, and curiosity. Let us know what you’re looking for — we’ll find the right adventure and the right guide for you.