At the dawn of the world, everyone rock-climb-commuted to work; it was only after the invention of falling, however, that rock climbing became thrilling, sexy, and glamorous. Today's Groupon invites you to live the life of a rock star: for $45, you get an outdoor rock-climbing session with SoCal Mountain Guides (a $90 value). This deal is valid for a day-trip course to Joshua Tree (about three hours from San Diego) or Mission Gorge, just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. Sessions are held every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

Today's rock-climbing adventure with SoCal Mountain Guides is designed for new climbers to learn the fundamentals of climbing in an introductory four-hour outdoor course. No rock-climbing experience is necessary, but knowledge of rocks and climbing as separate concepts is beneficial. Each session begins with a safety lesson to familiarize future rock-grapplers with the equipment, basic knots, climbing commands, rope management, and methods for nursing orphaned mountain-goat children back to health. All of the necessary equipment for the course is provided, including climbing shoes, a harness, helmet, and gear.

Participants should print, read, and sign the appropriate forms—found online—and bring them to the guide on the day of the climb, as well as arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork and meet their small group, who they'll be hiking to the climbing locations with. Guiding each session are SoCal Mountain Guides' professional climbers, whose expertise helps ensure the safety and comfort of all fledgling height-seekers. After the lesson, you may not be able to tie a climbing knot with your tongue and belay a linebacker with little more than a pinky finger and some chutzpah, but you will be grounded in the basics and have a fun day of climbing amongst nature's splendors beneath your belt harness.

Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a voucher-redeeming guardian.