Women’s Trad 201 Weekend in Joshua Tree!
April 17th - 19th, 2026
Take the next step in your trad climbing journey!
Do you understand the basics of trad gear but still face barriers to leading confidently? Want to figure out how to hand jam and place a cam at the same time? Feel like you can’t fall while leading trad routes?
During the Trad 201 Weekend in Joshua Tree, we’ll work on crack climbing technique, practice falls, lead strategy, and risk management. You’ll walk away feeling more confident approaching traditional routes and more self-sufficient as a trad leader.
At a Glance:
Two days of instruction + two nights of camping
5:1 max ratios (climber to guide)
$500
April 17th - 19th, 2026
Crack climbing technique, trad lead strategy, lead fall practice, risk management for trad
Registration through High Desert Guiding
Curriculum Overview
Crack Climbing: Crack technique is a fundamental (and often overlooked!) trad climbing skill. We’ll practice a range of movements to help you feel more comfy jamming your way up cracks.
Hand jams, foot jams, finger locks, fist jams, heel-toe cams, butterflies, chimney technique, taping, and more!
Leading splitter cracks: rope management, gear placement
Trad Leading Strategy: I often hear climbers feel like they can’t fall while leading trad. While a “no-fall” headspace can be necessary at certain times, adopting it as a default will hold you back. We’ll test our gear and practice evaluating falls, so you have more tools to manage risk and achieve your trad goals!
Gear testing and progressive fall practice
Fall risk assessment
Trad leading strategy
Projecting tactics
Weekend Itinerary
Friday, April 17th
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Check-in at campsites
6:00 pm: Meet and greet with guides and group
Saturday, April 18th
8:30 am - 4:00 pm: Crack climbing technique in Joshua Tree National Park!
7:00 pm: Campfire and star gazing
Sunday, April 19th
8:30 - 4:00 pm: Lead strategy, fall practice, risk assessment, and more climbing in Joshua Tree National Park!
What’s Included
Two full days of instruction
Two nights of camping
Saturday evening campfire!
Some group camping gear (stoves and fuel, water jugs)
All group climbing gear (ropes, anchor materials, belay devices)
Personal climbing gear available to borrow
Climber Guidelines
This weekend is specifically designed for women (cis and trans)* who understand the basics of trad gear and want to further develop their skills. At a minimum, climbers should have mock led some trad climbs and practiced placing gear. Completion of a trad leading course is recommended, but informal education can also be sufficient.
If you have led or mock led some trad climbs but feel like crack technique, lead strategy, risk management, or mindset is a barrier, this might be a great option for you!
If you’re not sure whether this is a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m happy to chat :)
*Non-binary folks who feel comfy in spaces led by women are welcome to join.
What’s Not Included
Food
Transportation
Personal camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, pad)
National Park Pass
Guide gratuities
Contact me to sign up!
Fill out the interest form below, and I’ll connect you with High Desert Guiding for registration. Feel free to reach out with questions too!