Why choose
summit?
Safety, passion, and local expertise — every trip, every guest, every time.
More Than Just a Job
With so many different guiding companies to choose from, why choose Summit? Well, we are glad you asked! On top of putting our guests’ safety, comfort, and joy at the forefront of everything we do, this is more than just a job for us; it’s our passion, our everything. When we are not working (if you can even call it work when you absolutely love what you do), we are out in nature, indulging in our love for activities like rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, camping, or even simply basking in the cool night air beneath a canopy of dazzling stars in the desert.
We are a team of individuals who find true happiness in pursuing what brings us alive. If you yearn to experience the beauty of the great outdoors with someone who is not just passionate, but is also highly knowledgeable about Joshua Tree National Park, kind, and committed to ensuring your safety, then don’t hesitate to click the button below or give us a call. Let us come together to create an adventure that will stay etched in your memories forever!
Your safety is never an afterthought. Our guides walk you through gear, rigging, safety redundancies, and technique before you ever leave the ground. Every guide holds current First Aid certifications.
Our guides live here, climb here, and explore new routes throughout the year. You get insider access to terrain and knowledge most visitors never encounter — history, geology, ecology included.
We don’t mix strangers into your group. Every trip is private and paced around your group’s ability and goals. You’re never waiting in line or slowed down by others.
Harnesses, helmets, shoes, ropes, and all technical gear are included and fitted to you before your trip. Everything is cleaned and inspected between uses.
For bigger groups we bring multiple guides — included in the base price. More guides means more ropes, more climbing time, and no one sitting around waiting for a turn.
Our team holds certifications from the Professional Climbing Guides Institute and the American Mountain Guides Association — the two leading climbing guide certification bodies in the United States.
What Our Guests Say
“Today was just amazing and my whole family is truly grateful. I can’t imagine a better introduction to outdoor climbing and Joshua Tree National Park at the same time. Your depth of knowledge is immense, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. The details about the gear, the rigging demo, and explanation of safety redundancies; the formation of the rocks and even history of the park were all educational and appreciated. The climbing experience was truly epic. Your relentless positivity and enthusiasm enhanced every inch of rock conquered by each member of my family. The Lizards Hangout was perfect, climbs were a blast, and the Chasm of Doom was the icing on the cake. A million thanks. We look forward to our future adventures with you and your crew.”
— Google Reviewer“We had an amazing time with Summit Climbing Guides. Stephen and Nick were our guides for our family of 5 and it was our kid’s favorite activity on our entire week long trip. Communication was great from the start. He had tons of gear so we got the perfect fit for all the equipment, and Nick set up ropes in advance so we could start climbing right away. Both guides were extremely encouraging and enthusiastic, especially with the kids. Also, the price was more affordable than some of the other guides I looked at, plus I was super excited to know that we had 2 guides for our group of 5, so we were never waiting to climb. Some of the other tours make you pay extra for a second guide, but it was included in our base price. I highly recommend this tour as a truly memorable experience.”
— Google Reviewer“Stephen is an excellent guide and climber. I had such a great time. I always felt like we were safe and in control. Stephen has a very calm and knowledgeable vibe and I had no trouble putting a lot of trust in his abilities to get me through some amazing climbs. I would 100% do this again with him and recommend anyone looking for a great experience in Joshua Tree to do the same.”
— Google Reviewer“We had such a great time with Stephen! The trad lead climbing and anchor building course was awesome. I felt supported and empowered by our guide and learned so much! Stephen took every opportunity to teach me different skills and encouraged me to keep asking questions. Thank you!!”
— Google Reviewer
Let’s Create an Adventure You’ll Never Forget
Don’t hesitate to click the button below or give us a call. Let us come together to create an adventure that will stay etched in your memories forever!