TRAVEL INFO:
We will be staying at Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary. It is located about 5 minutes from the park entrance of Indian Cove. They can be searched on Google Maps.
TOWN AMMENITIES:
Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms have a few small markets. You can get all the basics, but very few specialty items. Yucca, has many large stores/restaurants available. You can grab food in town and bring it to the campground if you don't want to cook.
Showers are available at Coyote Corner for $4 in Joshua Tree.
Nomads is a climbing/hiking shop in town, should you forget anything.
CAMP LIFE:
We will be in a few adjacent campsites with plenty of room for you to pitch a tent or car camp. They also have several Glamping options available should you wish not to camp.
There are several Picnic tables and fire rings there. We will be providing wood for a fire each night, and a few stoves/pots, aluminum foil, pans, etc., for anyone to use. I would suggest bringing a cooler to keep your food items and at least a cup, bowl, spoon.
There are toilets, fire pits, and cell service at the campground, but no water. We will have some large jugs for the group, but please bring extra bottles/containers for yourself, if possible.
WHAT TO BRING:
Camping gear- sleeping bag, pad, tent, camp chair
Clothing- November can be very hot...or cool, depending on the weather at the time. Bring clothing for either instance...sun protectant clothing for being in the sun and warm clothes and rain jacket just in case.
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, beanie
Good walking shoes
Yoga Mat
Water bottles or bladder (at least 2 or 3 liters)
Climbing Gear- Shoes, Helmet, Harness, Belay Device, Chalk Bag and any of the other gear you may own. Also, a cheap pair of gardening or leather gloves for belaying can be nice! *We can provide any of these items if you do not own them at no charge????
***IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THESE THINGS, WE CAN RENT YOU A TENT, SLEEPING BAG, ETC. BUT LET ME KNOW BEFOREHAND!
Friday
From 4 p.m. onward, meet at campsite, there is no specific time, as many of you will be driving to Joshua Tree this night. You can also arrive on Saturday morning, just get in touch to work out the details.
Register and sign paperwork - This is a good time to get fitted for climbing shoes, helmets, harnesses, and belay devices, should you need any of these items.
Set up your tent and sleeping area.
You will have a fire going once it gets dark and you will use this time to get to know one another.
Saturday
Make breakfast and lunches to bring with for your climbing day
Morning yoga among the Joshua Trees
Split into groups and go out to the crags. You will climb most the day and have informational and skill seminars
Head back to the campground for dinner, relaxing, and fire.
Sunday
Make breakfast and lunches to bring with you for our climbing day
If you plan to leave after climbing, this will be a good time to break down your tents
Morning yoga among the Joshua Trees
Split into groups and go out to the crags. More skill seminars and more climbing
At 4 p.m. you will reconvene and say your goodbyes
Optional extra day of climbing on the following Monday.
Get in touch for more details.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS COME BY THEMSELVES?
The majority of women come to our retreats alone - somewhere around 70%. If you are hesitating to join because you would be coming solo, know that you will not be "alone" and these retreats offer a wonderful sense of community, more so than any of our other courses...which, is why we love them!!
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE OF THE WOMEN WHO ATTEND?
We generally have a wide range of ages at our retreats. The average age tends to fall between the ages of 25 to 55. But, we've had many participants from 13-late 60's join us!
WHAT IF I'VE NEVER CLIMBED BEFORE?
Being a climbing school, teaching someone how to climb safely and confidently is what we do best!
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS POOR?
We do our best to choose dates where this won't be an issue, but it's always a possibility. If we cannot go climbing, we will propose alternative activities such as technical skills lessons like anchor building, rappelling, multi-pitch clinics, or go hiking.
If you're worried about weather ruining your experience, we suggest buying "cancel for any reason" trip protection as we will not be providing any refunds due to weather related issues.
CAN I BRING MY PET?
Unfortunately, we cannot allow pets on any of our group trips or clinics.
WILL I BE ABLE TO LEAD CLIMB?
We base our decision on this with fluidity. Our guides will determine whether or not they will allow leading based on participants prior experience, routes available for leading, and mock leading competency. If this is a skill you want to learn on the retreat, communicate with your guides and they will try to get you some chances to learn the art of leading during the retreat.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
All rock climbing gear
Two 5-6 hour climbing sessions
Two yoga classes
2 Nights Camping
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Gratuities to guides: (We recommend between 15-20% depending on your experience)
Trip Protection: this trip will run regardless of the weather conditions. We have chosen to run our trips during the best potential for good weather in the area. If climbing isn't possible on a given day, we may find a sheltered area to practice skills, or go for a group hike.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to hike over varied 1/2 a mile over varied terrain while carrying a 10 lb backpack
Must be 18 years of age or older (unless discussed with our office prior and accompanied by an adult)