REACH NEW HEIGHTS WITH JOSHUA TREE’S PREMIER INDEPENDENT CLIMBING GUIDE

Why book with an independent guide?

Simply put, you’ll know exactly who and what you’ll get. When you book a trip or course with HDG you’ll get the best possible experience with one of Joshua Tree’s most-experienced local guides. Nate Pakula has been guiding in Joshua Tree for over 15 years, has an intimate knowledge of the national park, and will find the find the best-fitting venue for you and your group. That means more time on the rock and maximized learning outcomes. As an AMGA Certified Rock Guide Nate holds the highest-level certification available to professional climbing guides and uses the safest, most-up-to-date practices.

Come experience the difference.

Climb iconic routes, develop your skills, and maximize your climbing experience with AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Nate Pakula.

Words from past climbers

  • " My day climbing with Nate was the highlight of my trip to Joshua Tree. He tailored the day to my climbing experience and desires, taking me on two multipitch climbs and two single pitch classics. He was friendly, thorough and knowledgable, explaining the systems we were using, the history of the areas. " - Ryan J

    Google Review

  • " Nate’s guiding, local knowledge, and professionalism are all best-in-class. It’s like hanging out, taking a challenging class, and enjoying the best views all at the same time. My friend and I spent 3 days climbing with Nate and he thoughtfully planned out three full days of climbing that were at the right level and offered such a great variety. " - Grace B

    Google Review

  • " Nate is a wonderful guide. He knows Joshua Tree intimately and takes you to areas tailored to your abilities. He has a thorough knowledge of climbing and equipment in addition to the history and geology of the park. He is also a personable and intelligent gentleman. I wish I could give him six stars. " - Alan L

    Google Review

  • " My friends and I had a great time climbing with Nate on our first ever outdoor climbing excursion. Nate was so friendly and knowledgeable, immediately making us feel at ease and confident to take on new climbing challenges. His intricate knowledge of Joshua tree climbing was super helpful, and he did an amazing job catering to each climbing level in our group. We had a 10/10 experience I can’t recommend enough! " - Gabbie B

    Google Review

  • " Nate is wonderful. I signed up for two days of guiding with him to learn some trad skills, primarily placing gear and building anchors. He is an excellent teacher and I feel that I’ve walked away with everything I was hoping to get out of the experience and then some. I felt very safe and comfortable during my two days climbing in the park with him. He is also just a fun pleasant guy! Thanks Nate. " - Samson D

    Google Review

  • Can’t recommend Nate more highly — he’s an incredibly knowledgeable, safe, and intuitive guide, as well as a super nice guy to climb with. Did two days of trad climbing training with Nate and left having learned an incredible amount and having backed up the learning with solid experience. Had a great time and would absolutely climb with Nate again. " - Alex P

    Google Review