05/19/2026
Meet the Desert Highlights Team!
-Joe-
Joe grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and started climbing during high school. He took his first climbing trip to the Moab area in 2002 and instantly fell in love with the surrounding landscape and community. After making regular visits for a dozen years, Joe moved to Moab in 2014 and has been guiding climbing and canyoneering trips since then. He is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and spends summers guiding climbs in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
Joe studied geology at Ohio University, then spent three years teaching climbing and mountaineering courses for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). He then went back to school and got a PhD in Earth Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Joe recently finished writing his first guidebook, The Little Book of Moab Area Rock Climbs, and is actively working on additional climbing guidebooks to the area. He is an active route developer with first ascents of several dozen climbing routes near Moab, ranging from 5.4-5.12 in difficulty. Joe’s intimate knowledge of the Moab area and his patient, calm demeanor are sure to help you feel more confident as you experience the magic of climbing or canyoneering in this awe-inspiring desert landscape.
Joe’s experience, depth of knowledge, and steady presence make him an invaluable part of our team. He brings a thoughtful approach to every trip and consistently helps create safe, memorable experiences for guests. We feel really fortunate to have someone with his skill set, professionalism, and passion as part of the Desert Highlights team!
