First time to Joshua Tree questions

Charlie S wrote:This could be a camping option for you: gearcoop.com/joshua_tree_ca…

That's...interesting..? I was just looking for a group site for a real group. Are they reserving up those spots in bulk?

drjman wrote: That's...interesting..? I was just looking for a group site for a real group. Are they reserving up those spots in bulk?

It's something like that. I think they reserve one group site. They're more than friendly when you contact them. Becoming a "member" basically means getting on their e-mail list.

Ok, got my bags pack! Flying in 12/10 into PSP and will be looking for a camping spot at HVCG on Sunday morning.

If anyone doesn't mind a tag along, please let me know. As my family is meeting me later I am only able to bring my personal gear. And one other caveat - I'm very rusty so just want to climb easy. I don't mind belaying and just hanging out.

Really here just to have a good time, check out the national park etc.

Raphael
got no name at g mail dot com

Happiegrrrl wrote:For the most part, this miniguide I wrote some years back is still good. Note that there is no longer "The Pit" as a camping option outside the park. I tried to edit it out just now but the page is being "edited" by the Hub Pages team, and we authors don't have access to our own editing during this period. I will redo it ASAP. hubpages.com/travel/firt-ti… I'll second, or third, or fourth, the Vegas fight. The drive through the Mojave is special. Also - happy to add that I will be coming to Joshua Tree again this winter, after missing out last year. Man, it feels like soooo long ago. Cannot wait to see the park, to climb, and to see what has changed in town ad the surrounding area.

What happened to the Pit?

Someone could email them and find out "Sheep Pass awaits! Meet up with GearCoopers and fellow hikers and climbers at this communal group campsite, provided as a courtesy for Gear Coop members. If you would like to join us in J-Tree, please email us at campsites@gearcoop.com.".

Will someone please tell me why the Pit is closed?

Why the hate towards GearCoop? Sure they're a for profit company but they're not charging for any of the camp fees. Rather, they're booking group sites as a courtesy bivy for free.

Best I can tell the GearCoop puts on some pretty nice....Beer and Bouldering Events, Free or low cost Movies, sponsors Friends of Joshua Tree, Yosemite Facelift and who knows what else. I'm pretty sure they also sent some staff to the 24 Hour Horseshoe Hell event just to check it out for fun.

So what's the problem with a company... one that actually has a market in selling climbing equipment and then, dare I say gives back to said community?! Would you feel better if it was MeetUp from Noob-Valley, USA, a few 16 seat vans from a Community College or a local climbing organization? In the formative years I would climb with the Arizona Mountaineering Club, they'd reserve a group sites a few times a year and we'd all go. No fuss with that right?

If you're hung up on the "member" verbiage I think that's just a method to get people to contact them for details and to insure there will be space available. In return you might land yourself some Member discounts or special offers. They, get marketing info.... so what? That's got to be better than google-bot spiders following me at every page I visit pushing toeless socks for the rest of Christmas! Plus, it's not like they're selling tickets or transferring a paid NPS camp-spot. To me, it's simple.... they're spending some of the Net Profits for a good-dead that directly effects the patrons of their business.

I might mention that I have never been or purchased from GearCoop but I like much of their business model.

/rant

~Sooze

Sooze is right on the mark.

Remember those cool members only jackets from the '80?

You're right I agree its just the same as any member organization hosting a site and a great benefit to climbers.

GearCoop does not have a camp site in Joshua Tree anymore. My understanding is they had a site but nobody showed. The Park service cancelled all of there reservations because the site wasn't being used.

Krieghoff wrote:GearCoop does not have a camp site in Joshua Tree anymore. My understanding is they had a site but nobody showed. The Park service cancelled all of there reservations because the site wasn't being used.

good.... those are good sites to drop in on... Friday PM, empty site, hunker down, some people show up Sat am... beg forgiveness and scram.

Dont you know that the "NEW PIT" is at Locker's home.... drop on in, he is a great guy.

Guy Keesee wrote: Dont you know that the "NEW PIT" is at Locker's home.... drop on in, he is a great guy.

Guy,

Do you know what time he serves hors d'oeuvres and beverages? That is so generous of him. I'll let all my friends know about this. I'll probably have both dogs with me, but I'm sure he won't mind.

caesar.salad wrote:Someone could email them and find out "Sheep Pass awaits! Meet up with GearCoopers and fellow hikers and climbers at this communal group campsite, provided as a courtesy for Gear Coop members. If you would like to join us in J-Tree, please email us at campsites@gearcoop.com.". Will someone please tell me why the Pit is closed?

I just tried to email them, apparently the account does not exist anymore.

The pit was closed because people didn't follow the rules, and it became a nuisance to the neighbors.