The Good

Jennie

“Rock climbing is something I’ve been wanting to try for so long. I found Crux Wilderness through another veteran page. We (my husband and I, both veterans) went to a free clinic that they were having in Joshua Tree. All the gear was provided including the shoes and the group was small. Everyone got along and it honestly felt like I was hanging out with long time friends. Luke explained everything we needed to know for our day of rock climbing. It was so much fun. The experience was so amazing that my husband and I decided to book private sessions. In those private sessions we learned more about different knots, rope systems, anchoring, multi pitch, set up, rigging, repelling, and of course a lot of rock climbing! My husband is a quick learner and I’m more at snails pace, maybe a little faster, but Luke was able to meet me at my level of learning. Being able to have that undivided attention (and not feel like you’re holding the group behind) and have Luke break down stuff even more basic for me definitely helped with my anxiety and overall experience. I’m 40 years old and my husband is 41, it is never too late to learn something new and exciting! I definitely recommend giving Crux Wilderness a try. Their group clinics are small so you will get the attention you need. And if rock climbing is going to be a new hobby, sign up for private sessions so you can get the knowledge and experience to be able to go out and do it on your own.”

Charlie

“If you fail, you reevaluate, rethink, get stronger, and try again. The route is not something to overcome, but a journey to work with and through. Crux Wilderness elevates problem solving and experiencing the vastness of nature with climbing.”

Jon

“Crux has brought me closer to the outdoors and camaraderie with veterans while keeping me grounded. Every clinic that I’ve done has been challenging, healing, and tons of fun!”

Brad

“The experience that Crux provided helped me find what I was missing by invigorating my passion for climbing that has since kept me centered and perhaps even more importantly, it has connected me to a community of fellow like minded veterans.”

Bobby

“When I first heard about Crux I was going through a difficult transition in my life. I had just started going to school at SDSU and for the first time in nearly a decade, I wasn’t surrounded by active duty or veterans. I had recently started climbing at the gym and it became my solace from the stress that came from classes and all of the changes that were occurring in my life. Crux events really helped me to get through that period of time. I learned a lot about climbing, but I also found a community that I desperately needed. The knowledge and experiences I have gained through Crux have really made a positive impact on my life. I have met some of my favorite people through this program and created more memories than I can count.”

Alex

“Going to Crux’s first event was huge for me. The clinics alone bridged a gap in knowledge that would have taken me years to achieve. The experience of hanging from a rope, a few hundred feet off the ground, with a good friend, in a place that most people won’t ever see is life changing.”

Colin

“Getting outdoors with Crux Wilderness has been the best way to stay connected to nature and the energy around us, and offering veterans an opportunity to unwind, decompress, and most importantly, connect with our brothers and sisters. We can appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears we have all shed, and know that we are not alone in our fight against our inner demons. Crux reminds me that there is greatness in those around us, that there is always something to conquer, and that there will always be someone willing to stand beside me, whether preparing to climb a new route or jump into another of life’s great adventures.”

TaloN

“Crux Wilderness allowed me access to something I thought impossible. The knowledge base they have helped me build has allowed me countless adventures. Their team is able to create such an amazing environment for veterans and climbers alike. They help everyone from any stage in climbing and are eager to go above and beyond what a normal guiding trip would look like. I can not thank Crux enough for all the climbs and friends I have from them. The combination of being surrounded by veterans that have shared your struggles, the outdoors, and fighting on a climb is truly a magical feeling and I hold each time I've been very dear to my heart. Crux has, without a doubt, positively impacted the lives of many veterans and it can not be overstated the effects that has had on the community.”

Tara

“I first signed up for a veterans clinic with Crux last year. It was a self-rescue clinic which was both informative and fun. I have since been back for many more climbing clinics and it has been amazing. The guides are both professional and fun to be around. The common bound of being around other military and veterans has been awesome. Every clinic feels like I’m with a group of friends I have known for a long time. I will attend as many clinics as I can, as well as signing up for one-on-one climbing.”

Joan

“I love getting to go out with Crux Wilderness. The space they provide, as well as a climbing experience, is hard to put into words. I am grateful for their guidance, knowledge, patience, and ability to help remove my self-limitations. The community they selflessly support, I'm also grateful for. They blend adventures, community, and knowledge seamlessly.”

Becci

“Wow! Amazing staff… Amazing team… Amazing instruction!!! CRUX Wilderness is a premier rock climbing guide service that goes so above and beyond in their guiding services and expertise… unmatched professionals! They are so accommodating and just a wonderful team of guides that are safe, fun, and experienced in all facets of rock climbing and they’ll test your knowledge along the way to help you grow and learn! I am so lucky to have found them and love to get out on the rocks with these guys! My #1 pick always!”

Halty

“My experience with Crux has been awesome! I started climbing in bouldering gyms towards the end of my military service and wanted to get outside to Sport and Trad climb, but had a huge knowledge gap. Crux has helped me fill in the knowledge gap, and I'm now capable of climbing outside safely.

The staff who led our adventures are some of the best. All are experienced climbers who just want to pass on their knowledge and help you grow. I asked a million questions: What gear should I buy, how do I tie this knot, how do I find new places to climb, and how do I place this protection in the rock? Their patience and willingness to share their knowledge made me feel supported and empowered to continue my climbing journey safely.

I also got to meet a bunch of other great veterans who are like minded. Some have even become my full time climbing partners. With our shared experience, we get out into the wilderness safely and enjoy nature on the Rocks, fostering a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie. 

I started climbing with no rope or gear skills, little knowledge of how to safely get outside on rock, and no veteran climbing partners. Now, I have a growing skill set, a solid knowledge base to continue to grow, and multiple veteran climbing partners who love the vertical wilderness as much as I do.

If you are a veteran who is brand new to climbing, climbing in the gym, and wanting to get outside on real rock, or if you just want to try climbing for the very first time, Crux is your place.”