Climb Smart is literally for all levels of climber, from rank beginner (never climbed outdoors or indoors) to big wallers and experienced mountaineers. The topics taught at Climb Smart cover the gamut, and review work on advanced topics is helpful even for very experienced climbers. 

The only personal gear you’ll need to attend Climb Smart is sleeping gear and personal kit for hygiene (no running water nearby so lots of water). If you have climbing gear, please bring it especially your own harness, belay device , rock shoes and helmet. FOJT has a limited gear library of loaner gear for attendee use at Climb Smart. 

Our insurance prevents us from having registrants under 14 years old. 14-18 Year olds can attend with parent or guardian also registered. Everyone over 18 is able to register independently. 

Yes. We always provide vegetarian options for our catered dinners. For specific questions or requests on food, please be in contact with the event management and we will work it out. For very picky eaters it’s always okay to bring your own. Since we must estimate catered meals far in advance, we cannot offer discounts to those who choose to eat on their own. 

Though we provide camping for up to 3 nights for registrants of Climb Smart, you definitely do NOT have to camp. Very nearby is the town of Twentynine Palms, and there is a variety of lodging options there to suit any need/desire. Visit Visit29.org/stay to learn more. After overnighting in Twentynine Palms each evening, you will then drive in each morning and arrange parking to attend (walk to) the various clinics and evening events. 

Yes. Each day of Climb Smart there is "Managed Toprope Climbing" on offer in the clinic schedule. If you sign up for these clinics, you will be able to climb under the supervision of accredited/working guides and competent, experienced volunteers. 

Attendees of Climb Smart come from all over the country and we always have a few international visitors who want to support the local climbing org and brush off their rock skills, have fun and connect with the land and locals. Roughly 65% of attendees come from Southern California cities like San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County. About 8-10% are local to the high desert region. 

No. Driving into the venue of our event (Indian Cove group campgrounds and amphitheater area) does not require any special vehicle; even small RV’s can easily get in and out. Once parked, all of our clinics are an easy/short hike from the camping area so we’re all close by. 

We always have amazing pro climbers attend Climb Smart in Joshua Tree, and sometimes they give amazing multimedia shows. Others just show up to be part of the community and share their expertise openly in support of a better educated climbing community. Keep an eye on our promotional messaging on Climb Smart to see whom it will be this year. 

If you’ve attended Climb Smart before, and want to become a working volunteer of the event to earn your ticket, please contact Kenji or Janet at info@friendsofjosh.org and let them know your desire and experience with outdoor events. 

If you’re a working guide permitted to work inside Joshua Tree National Park, we would love to have you join the ranks of the Climb Smart Guide Corps. This event introduces you to many other working guides and provides attendees with personal experience with different guides and organizations. Contact Kenji@friendsofjosh.org if joining our guide group for the event interests you.