Frequently Asked Questions

At Summit Climbing Guides, we believe in providing exceptional service tailored to our guests' needs. While tipping your guide is never expected, it is undoubtedly appreciated. If your guide has delivered an outstanding experience, consider throwing them a tip. It is customary to tip between 15-20% of the trip cost.

Thank you for choosing Summit Climbing Guides. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the best value and most enjoyable experience possible. Your support means a lot to our team! Thank you for climbing with us.

SCG trip costs must be paid in full before your start date and time. You will receive an email 2-3 days prior to your trip to reconfirm your date(s), meeting location, and times. We will also tell you about current weather conditions and answer any last minute questions you may have.

Rock climbing in Joshua Tree you will meet your guide(s) typically at the Quail Springs Picnic area, unless a different location is previously discussed. Directions to the Joshua Tree meeting location will be sent by email 2-3 days prior to your scheduled trip.

Once you arrive and meet your guide(s), you will be required to sign a Release and Acknowledgement of Risk form (unless sent by email prior). A parent/legal guardian must sign this form for participants under the age of 18. Therefore, if you are accompanying a minor that is not your child, please arrange for this form to be signed by the participant's parent/legal guardian prior to arrival. Contact us if you would like the waiver to be emailed to you.

We understand that life is full of surprises. If you need to make a change to your scheduled reservation, get sick or your plans have to change, give us a call ASAP and we will do our best to accommodate. We require a 7-day notice for rescheduling or canceling your trip. If you reschedule or cancel within that 7-day window your trip is non-refundable. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

Please note that a no-show cancellation is considered after one hour of not showing up to your predetermined meeting time without communication via email, text, or call. Kindly reach out if anything changes in your schedule.

Joshua Tree — if there is bad weather during your trip (we will reach out 1-2 days prior for weather updates) we will give you the option to reschedule, cancel, or allow our knowledgeable guides to navigate the weather inside the park. Joshua Tree National Park is the size of Rhode Island, so there is always somewhere dry you can climb.

We consider bad weather to be a 50% chance of rain or a red weather warning for wind gusts of 40mph or higher. Any weather that falls beneath these parameters does not fall under this cancellation policy.

Yes, you can bring your pup to Joshua Tree National Park, but there are restrictions — even for service dogs. Park regulations require: pets are not allowed on hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in park buildings; pets must remain within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds; pets must stay leashed at all times (6 feet or less); and owners must pick up and dispose of any droppings. Violators are subject to a fine.

If you bring your pup on a rock climbing trip, you'll be greatly limited, since dogs can only be within 100 feet of a road — which narrows the available climbing locations considerably. There are pet daycares in the Joshua Tree area if you'd rather leave them cared for during your trip. For more info, visit the "Pets" page under "Plan Your Visit" at nps.gov/jotr.

We do not provide transportation to or from your climbing location. We will inform you of where and what time to meet your guide in the follow-up email.

SCG provides all technical equipment, including harnesses, helmets, shoes, ropes, and rock climbing gear. All equipment is cleaned before and after each trip. If you prefer to use your own harness, helmet, or shoes, you're welcome to do so after an SCG guide confirms your gear is safe to use.

We recommend bringing sunscreen, plenty of food/snacks, at least two liters of water per person, hand sanitizer, a hat, and sunglasses.

Please dress according to weather conditions and for physical activity. We recommend stretchy athletic-wear and dressing in layers. Pants may keep your legs more comfortable while climbing on rock. Helmets are required, so helmet-friendly hairdos are recommended.

Boulder scrambling means moving over and around large boulders and rock formations without ropes or harnesses — part climbing, part hiking, with a good dose of balance and problem-solving. It's built into many of our Adventure Routes and Caves & Corridors experiences. Sticky-soled climbing or approach shoes help with grip, and we recommend a helmet and comfortable, flexible clothing. Climb within your ability, and let your guide know anytime you'd like to dial the challenge up or down.