Joshua Tree National Park Climbing Trip - Spring Break

So far one of the recommendations that has support for Spring break is a trip to California to go climbing in Joshua Tree and swing by the coast while we're so close. We will have one free day in the middle of the week to do something like Magic Mountain Six Flags (very large and awesome roller coasters) or whatever else. We would leave the day after Easter and aim to get back around 6 to 10pm or so on Sunday (getting back Sunday morning is an option if enough people choose to do so).

Gas is the biggest expense and will likely be $60-80 per person.

This trip will be an experienced climbing trip only, so if you want to go, you MUST attend at least one of the rock climbing trips that technique and safety is covered OR already have a working knowledge of climbing safety and belay technique. It is required that this not be your first outdoor rock climbing trip, 1,500 miles is a long ways to go for your first day on the rock.

My personal rock climbing gear will keep most of the group covered except for shoes and helmets which can be rented from Outdoor Adventures. However, if you have climbing gear (mostly I just need extra trad gear such as cams) that can either go with you or be borrowed for the trip,  gear please let me know.

Individual cost has yet to be determined however expect it to be over $150 at a minimum for personal contribution and much more if we can't get extra funding.

Another alternative trip for those who cannot spend the entire break out in CA or don't want to go climbing will be put together as well. We NEED recommendations for this.

We had another excellent turn out with lots of new members. A big thanks goes out to those who did sidewalk chalk and promoted the meetings.

Group viewed Joshua Tree information and a Spring break trip to Joshua Tree is a go - will be limited to 8 people who are experienced outdoor climbers. 4 have already confirmed so there are 4 places left. Price is still very up in the air and funding dependant.

Alternative spring break ideas - backpacking, caving

Caving trip dates & locations?

To those who are going:

NHC will be having several outdoor rock climbing trips this semester - this should not be your first outdoor climbing trip. People who want to learn anchors and good techniques should contact me before the trip so we get everyone trained up.

Climbing gear wise, the only thing you will need to bring is a set of climbing shoes. If you have a pair already, great otherwise they can be rented at Outdoor Adventures for the week or possibly rented out there at a gear shop.

Itinerary wise, here is what we have planned:

Leave very early morning on the Monday after Easter. Drive straight through, switching drivers and taking personal vehicles. We should arrive Tuesday morning and be ready to stretch our legs on a hike around the area and some easy climbing. We will be staying on the Joshua Tree campsites. Temps are usually upper 80s and lows around the 50s that time of year. Its a desert so remember the sun screen and layers (morning chill).

The next few days will be lots of climbing and site seeing. I dont plan on anyone lead climbing. JT is almost exclusively trad gear and we only have a limited amount at our disposal (1 set of cams, 2 sets of stoppers, 1 set of nuts) and the additional risks arent ideal since we can top rope most of them.

Wednesday or Thursday, we are heading to Santa Monica for the Beach and to Six Flags Magic Mountain for a day of R&R after that many climbs.

We want arrive back on campus either Sunday around 2 am, or later at 9 or 10pm. Most of the group is ok with getting back on 10PM but it is possible we could send a car back earlier for those who want to have a day or rest before classes.

Cost wise: we are trying to get SOFAC funding. Even so, personal contribution would be at a bare minimum 150  most likely. If you want to do much out there then start saving now :)

 I have already made the reservations at Indian Cove in JT for 29th-1st.