Joshua Tree Backpacking and Rock Climbing Tours with Backcountry Found Adventures

Trip Description: Join us on an adventure you won't soon forget. Joshua Tree National Park encompasses some of the most
interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts. Exposed granite monoliths and rugged mountains of twisted rock testify
to the power of the earth forces that shaped this land. With two days of backpacking and two days of amazing rock climbing
instruction, this trip has something for everyone! This trip is great for people who have never rock climbed or backpacker before, but
is also perfect for anyone looking to improve upon the skills they already have on the rocks!   The rock climbing instruction is
provided by the premier rock climbing school in Joshua Tree and all instructors are AMGA certified rock climbing guides who have
dedicated their lives to teaching people how to climb. Spaces are going quick...don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Accommodations: One night developed campsite, three nights backcountry camping.

Activity Level:   Class 2 - Beginner Tour - Class 2 tours are meant for those that have never backpacked before, but are comfortable
in the outdoors and with doing an increased level of physical activity. The trails, although somewhat beginner, will be mixed terrain
with lengthy climbs and descents.   We will hike between 5-7 miles a day with a backpacking pack weighing anywhere between 25-
40 pounds (depending on how many personal items you bring). Class 2 tours tend to be slightly longer than Class 1 tours in
duration (4 hiking days) and tend to have one or two backcountry campsites that act as a base camp allowing the peak climbing to
be done as day hikes. Age range tends to be 12-60. Please contact us if you are not in that age window, but still think you qualify.
No climbing experience necessary.

Start Location: Indian Cove Group Campground, Joshua Tree National Park
Finish Location: Indian Cove Trailhead, Joshua Tree National Park

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: Meet your guides and other group members at either the Indian Cove Group Campgrounds by 6:00PM, inside Joshua Tree
National Park.   We have an evening trip orientation, a wonderful dinner, and a brief gear check before resting for an early start in the
morning. Dinner included.

Day 2: After breakfast, we'll take the very brief drive about a mile down the road to the Indian Cove Trailhead where we'll park our
cars for the duration of the trip. Once the packs are on and fitted, we'll start hiking. We'll traverse about 5 miles of undulating terrain
to our base camp in the spectacular Joshua Tree backcountry. Breakfast and Dinner provided. Bring your own variety of quick foods
to be eaten as lunch and grazed on constantly throughout the day each day. Energy bars and drinks as well as trail mix, bagels,
salami, etc. are all good choices.
Mileage: 5 miles Elevation Start: 2800ft Elevation End: 4000ft

Day 3: After breakfast, we'll make an early start to meet our rock climbing instructors less than a mile from out campsite. Once
there, the instruction begins. All rock climbing gear will be distributed and once everyone is fitted with harnesses, helmets, shoes
the climbing can begin! The guides will give lessons on ropes, knots, rappelling, and climbing. Ropes will be set up on various
routes from absolute beginner to more advanced depending on the experience level of the group. After about 8 hours of
climbing/instruction we'll do the short hike back to camp.   Breakfast and Dinner provided.
Mileage: 1 mile (no pack) Elevation Start: 4000ft Elevation End: 4000ft

Day 4: After breakfast, we'll meet our guides again for the second day of instruction. We'll travel to some slightly more challenging
rocks on the second climbing day where everyone will get a chance to test their skills on the previous day and/or push themselves
to whatever level they feel comfortable at. After about 8 hours of climbing/instruction we'll do the short hike back to camp. Breakfast
and Dinner provided.
Mileage: 2 miles (no pack) Elevation Start: 4000ft Elevation End: 4000ft

Day 5: The final day of hiking is a short 5 miles back out to the Indian Cove Trailhead to return to the vehicles. Breakfast provided.
Mileage: 5 miles Elevation Start: 4000ft. Elevation End: 2800ft

Note on itinerary: Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for
numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Trip Preparedness: This trip is Class 2.   Participants will be carrying their own backpacks with weights of 25-40 lbs. over steep and
rocky terrain with constant and dramatic elevation gain and/or loss. Please make sure your backpack is fitted to your body before
the trip. Trip members need to in good physical condition.   To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage
participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip.   Day hiking with 30-40 lbs in the pack you intend to hike with on the
trip and making sure your hiking boots are broken in before your trip is key.

Trip Price Includes: Professional rock climbing instruction and backpacking guiding; all rock climbing gear (harness, helmet,
ropes, shoes and more) all dinners on day one through day four, all breakfasts from day two through day five; drinks, group cooking
gear; group first aid kit, water filters; campsite and backcountry permit fees.

Not included: Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees; insurance of any kind; lunches;
snacks and energy food; energy drinks; alcoholic beverages (please do not bring); soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a
personal nature.

Directions to meeting point: We will meet up on the starting day at the Indian Cove Group Sites located off the Twentynine Palms
Highway on the north side of Joshua Tree National Park.

Emergency Contact Information: If you encounter any difficulties on your way to Yosemite, please call your guide’s cell phone at
415.710.8158. Please leave your name, a phone number where you can be reached and an explanation of the problem. Once you
are in the field on this trip there is no easy way to contact you; typically cell phones do not work in the backcountry.

Tipping Guidelines: Tipping at the end of the trip is optional. If you feel your guide(s) did an outstanding job and would like to
reward them for their efforts, $5-$15 dollars per day, per guide is a suggested guideline.

Closest Airport(s):
palm Springs
Los Angles International Airport (LAX)
San Diego

Important Information about Air Travel: Contact Backcountry Found Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm
the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Who are our guides: Our guides are rigidly selected for appropriate levels of expertise in backcountry travel skills. In addition, they
each hold at least Wilderness First Responder medical certifications. [Click HERE for more information on our guides]

Weather: Daytime temperatures usually range between 60o - 90o F but can sometime climb even higher. Evening temperatures
drop into the 40s - 50s or even lower. While rain in general is rare, there is always the possibility of rain, so adequate rain gear is
important, even in this arid landscape.