True Grit Joshua is a locally owned outdoor adventure company in Joshua Tree, California, offering guided rock climbing, hiking, stargazing, and desert survival experiences in Joshua Tree National Park. Small groups. Expert guides. Unforgettable desert moments.
Guests Guided
Operating
TripAdvisor
Expert Guides
Every tour is private or small-group (max 6). All gear and water included.
Top-rope and multi-pitch climbing on Joshua Tree's legendary granite formations. Routes from 5.4 (beginner) to 5.11 (advanced). All gear provided β harness, helmet, shoes, chalk. Groups of 2β4 with a certified AMGA guide.
Guided hikes through Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, and the lesser-known 49 Palms Oasis. Learn about Joshua Tree ecology, geology, and desert survival from naturalist-certified guides. Sunrise and sunset hikes available. All ages welcome.
Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Our astronomy guides set up 10" Dobsonian telescopes and guide you through constellations, planets, nebulae, and deep-sky objects. Hot chocolate and desert snacks included. Peak season: OctβMar.
Every tour includes all necessary equipment. Just bring yourself and sunscreen.
Harness, helmet, shoes, chalk
3L per person + trail mix
10" Dobsonian per group
Digital photos of your trip
Entry fee covered
Pickup from JT town
WFR-certified guides
$2M liability coverage
Founded in 2018 by AMGA-certified climbing guide Jake Sandoval, True Grit Joshua grew from a passion for sharing the desert with people who've never experienced it. Jake grew up climbing in JTree with his dad, and after 6 years guiding in Yosemite, he returned home to build something for his beloved high desert.
Today our team of 8 guides leads 1,000+ trips per year across climbing, hiking, and stargazing. Every guide holds Wilderness First Responder certification and carries a satellite communicator.
6,200+ guests guided and counting.
"I'd never climbed before. Jake had me topping out a 60-foot route by lunch. The views from the top were unreal. He made it feel safe and exciting at the same time. Best day of our California trip."
"The stargazing tour was magical. We saw Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, and the Milky Way like I've never seen it. The hot chocolate at midnight in the desert was the cherry on top. Our kids still talk about it."
"As an experienced climber, I wanted access to quality multi-pitch routes without the logistics hassle. True Grit nailed it β Jake set up a full day on Intersection Rock with perfect efficiency. Will book again."
Email, call, or text. We respond within 2 hours.
π 61721 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
United States
π Phone/Text: (760) 555-0148
π§ Email: book@truegritjoshua.org
ποΈ NPS Authorised Concessioner #JT-2018-042
π Free pickup from Joshua Tree town
π Meeting point: Joshua Tree Saloon parking lot
| Peak Season | October β April (daily) |
| Summer | May β Sept (dawn tours only) |
| Climbing | 6:00 AM or 1:00 PM start |
| Hiking | 6:00 AM or 4:00 PM start |
| Stargazing | 8:00 PM β 10:30 PM |
| Office | 7:00 AM β 7:00 PM daily |
β οΈ Summer climbing suspended when temps exceed 100Β°F