Hello everyone and happy Friday! Today I’m stepping away from my usual weekly update to share a more detailed account of one particularly memorable day.
Although I write about personal finance, life isn’t just about money. You can enjoy life while still being responsible with your finances.
Lately one of my biggest fears has been heights — specifically when it comes to rock climbing.
About a month ago I began indoor rock climbing. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but I’ve also always been terrified of falling.
That fear made me hesitant to try outdoor climbing for a long time.
I’m not generally afraid of flying — my dad used to rent small planes and take me along — nor do I fear roller coasters. I’ve even done bungee jumping. Yet rock climbing triggered a much stronger fear in me.
My fear of rock climbing was intense. I’m a somewhat clumsy person, and I worried that would hold me back.
Choosing a guided trip to face the fear
Because I wanted to overcome this fear, I dove deeper into the climbing world and decided our first real outdoor climbing experience should be guided. We took a last-minute road trip to Joshua Tree National Park, which is known for excellent climbing routes, and booked a guide so we could climb safely as beginners.
We chose Cliffhanger Guides for our Joshua Tree experience. Since you’re trusting a guide with your safety, I want to give background on them — this isn’t sponsored — and explain why using a reputable guide mattered so much to me.
We had an excellent experience with Cliffhanger Guides, so I’m sharing that because if you visit Joshua Tree and need a guide, they’re worth considering. From what I researched, their reviews were consistently outstanding.
About the guide we chose
Cliffhanger Guides offers guided rock climbing trips in Joshua Tree National Park. When I compared options, their reviews were the best; nearly every review I read was five stars, with customers raving about their experience.
That praise matched our experience — it truly felt like one of the best days I’ve had. Cliffhanger Guides are certified by the Professional Climbing Guides Institute and are permitted and insured to operate in the park. Our climbing instructor back home recommended confirming certification, because some operators aren’t professionally trained. A few minutes of research can protect your safety.
Our guide was Seth, who co-owns Cliffhanger Guides with his wife. From our first meeting he was friendly, confident, and clearly experienced, which set the tone for the day.
My first outdoor climb with a guide in Joshua Tree
Seth made the day both safe and enjoyable. He knew I was nervous about heights and consistently checked in to make sure I felt comfortable.
Our first climb was a multi-pitch route. The first pitch was relatively easy to help me acclimate to the height. The second pitch went straight up — equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. At every step Seth reassured me I was secure on the rope, which made a significant difference; having a trained guide is crucial when you’re beginners on real rock.
Between climbs we had lunch provided by Cliffhanger Guides, which I found impressive because many guide services don’t include a substantial meal. The spread was delicious and thoughtful: fresh and roasted vegetables, hummus, a selection of cheeses, dried mango, crackers, prosciutto, sparkling lemon water, and soft caramel cookies. It wasn’t a token snack — it was a high-quality meal that showed the guides care about the whole experience.
For the second climb, Seth ramped up the difficulty after assessing our skills on the first. When I stepped back and looked at the route I felt nervous — we were climbing straight up — but Seth’s constant reassurance and professional handling of the ropes made me feel safe. I kept going because I didn’t want to quit, and reaching the top felt more rewarding than anything I’d done in a long time.
I completed every route that day and felt elated. I probably pumped my fist a hundred times out of pride for facing and overcoming my fear of outdoor climbing.
Having a capable guide like Seth allowed me to relax and enjoy the trip. Knowing an expert was managing safety made the experience fun rather than constantly nerve-racking.
I’m so glad I faced this fear — now I’m hooked.
Now, I’m addicted.
We’re planning future trips around climbing, and I dream of one day climbing in Yosemite. That will take a long time and lots of training, but it’s a goal I’m excited to pursue.
Does rock climbing interest you?
What goal are you working toward — is it related to money, travel, overcoming a fear, career, or something else?