Rock stars on the ropes

World-CLASS climbers have long considered Joshua Tree National Park a seasonal stop on their endless crack-and-slab tour. Pros such as Peter Croft, Tiffany Levine, Katie Brown, Sonnie Trotter and Adam Stack, along with members of the American Mountain Guiding Assn., head to the desert Friday to brief hundreds of climbers on J-Tree’s technical landscape at the weekend’s Climb Smart 2004. Leaders help rock hounds push their skills -- from basic movement clinics for tenderfoots to advanced topics on crack and lead climbing, anchors, self-rescue and first aid -- in a safe arena. “We’ve had weekend clinics over the years, but this year we have more support and more reasons to make the trip out,” says Susie Sutphin of Ventura-based Patagonia, one of the event sponsors. Organizers also hope to create an awareness about “environmental sustainability” at Joshua Tree (translation: Be nice to the rocks and surrounding turf) through outdoor education classes and cleanups on the crags. The $100 fee includes three days of climbing and clinics as well as a spaghetti dinner Saturday. (Camping is free.) Off-rock entertainment includes slide shows Saturday of Croft talking about climbing above the Arctic Circle and Trott expounding on “the beauty of clean climbing” without bolts or fixed aid. A silent auction benefits nonprofit climbing groups Friends of Joshua Tree and the Access Fund. Daytime temps may hit the high 80s, but bring a jacket and pants for chilly evenings. Go to www.friendsofjosh.org or call (760) 366-9699.

-- Emmett Berg