As an Ohio native, Brad didn’t grow up with much access to climbing—but he did grow up with a pull toward the outdoors. That pull led him to take a bold first step: his very first backpacking trip was the full 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. All of it. Somewhere between Georgia and Maine, surrounded by wild places and like-minded wanderers, he was introduced to new ways of moving through the landscape—rock climbing among them, and he was hooked from that point on.
What Brad loves most about climbing, and guiding,is its honesty. Stone doesn’t negotiate. It invites you to step up, confront fear, and commit. And in that space, something shifts. People discover strength, resilience, and courage they didn’t know they had. Helping others tap into that potential is what inspires him as a guide.
Brad is one of the few guides who calls Joshua Tree home year-round. In the heat of summer, he adapts to the rhythm of the desert. Chasing shade, exploring the park’s caves during the midday sun, and climbing in the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon. He also guides on the storied granite walls of Tahkitz in Idyllwild, where long routes and higher elevation offer a reprieve from the heat.
When he’s not tied in, Brad is usually on the trail. He’s logged more than 6,000 miles on backpacking trips, including 2,650 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail and 1,000 miles along the Continental Divide Trail. He’s also an avid birder, and loves catching glimpses and hearing the unique songs of our avian friends along his journeys.
Certifications: PCGI Lead Guide; Wilderness First Responder