In the Summer of 2021 we heard through the grapevine of an up and coming guide in our area, Matthew Pena. From our very first meeting, it was clear that he was a perfect addition to our team. Matt is a Coachella Valley native and spent his formative climbing years cutting his teeth in Yosemite, Tahquitz, and Joshua Tree. A born thrill seeker and outdoorsman, Matt has traveled far and wide in search of adventure. His experiences backpacking through the mountains of Nepal are what first inspired Matt to pursue guiding as a career. The privilege of spending time in beautiful places, instilling respect for the environment in others, and sharing his passion for climbing is a dream come true! And what better place to do so than in his childhood backyard, Joshua Tree. Matt has an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification and continues to advance his technical skill set through PCGI coursework. When Matt is not climbing, you can likely find him at the local skate park or running into the mountains to snowboard. His undeniable talent and warm energy make him a pleasure to climb with.
Exploring the Marvelous Species: The Joshua Tree
The unique and fascinating world of plant life holds within it an array of captivating species, each with its own story to tell. One such intriguing species is the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), a remarkable plant that thrives in the arid landscapes of the...