What is the best time of year to rock climb?

Truthfully, it depends on where you want to climb. Mission Gorge in San Diego is great all year, but very warm in the summer. Fall, winter, and spring are the best times for Mission Gorge, El Cajon Mountain and Eagle Peak. Joshua Tree National Park is also best in late October through mid-May. The desert heat is to hot for summer climbing. Spring, summer, and fall are best in Idyllwild with excellent granite on Tahquitz and Suicide cliffs. Also, summer climbing in the High Sierra, at Pine Creek, Owen's River Gorge, Crystal Crag, Tuolumne Meadows, and anything above 9,000' in elevation or in the high mountain walls and peaks. 

What do I need for a day of climbing?

SCMG will provide climbing shoes, helmet, harnesses, and all the necessary climbing hardware. You only need to provide transportation for yourself, appropriate clothing, water, snacks/lunch, and a small day pack. 

Do I need any prior experience to learn to climb?

Not at all. Our guides will provide you with the information and training for you and your group to have a great time out on the cliffs. We will work to match your experience and skill level with your learning and challenge objectives.  

What qualifications and training do SCMG guides have? 

Prior to being considered for work, SCMG guides are expected to have a personal climbing resume with diversity in route difficulty, rock types (granite, sandstone, limestone), route lengths (100'-1000'), and route locations (Joshua Tree, Mission Gorge, High Sierra, Tahquitz). Once on staff with SCMG, guides complete in house training on a regular basis in addition to outside training and certifications with the American Mountain Guides Association(AMGA) and wilderness medical courses. The standard guide comes in with 3-5 years of personal experience, AMGA Single Pitch Certification, and Wilderness First Responder Certification (80-hr medical course). 

What custom programs can SCMG provide?

SCMG staff can provide custom programs for team building, corporate development, youth groups, or a group of friends or family members. SCMG can develop rock climbing programs, multi-pitch rock programs, rock rescue, backpacking in southern Californian, the Sierra Nevada, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon. These can be 1-day or multi-day programs. Please contact the office at 619.200.3849 or send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it