So I've been sport climbing for a few months now, and I'd like to start leading trad. I don't know anyone who trad climbs so my plan is to go to Tahquitz and get a guide for a day or two. Has anyone tried vertical adventures ?

I've used them once and they are fine. I doubt they will let you lead, but you can learn about trad climbing from them.

I used them when I first moved to SoCal just to get out (at the time, I had 15 years of bolt clippin' experience and little interpersonal skills). I had the great opportunity to climb with Dave Mayville for a couple of days and it was some of the best times in my 20+ years of climbing - the dude is classic. Took me up some really great routes - Dave shared some great tips on technique and climbing safety (oh yeah, some good stories, too!)... "too strong" was awesome. If he's available, I'd def suggest him.

Bob Gaines is a legend. Never climbed with him, but his resume is incredible.
Peter Croft. Yeah, uhhh... Google him. Dude is just somethin' to behold.

Can't really speak for any of the other guides listed, but I'm sure they're highly qualified and just as good. In my opinion, it's really more about a guide's ability to communicate processes and share their knowledge base as opposed to their resume.

With that, go with an open mind and a willingness to learn. They may offer a course (or several) that would teach you what you are looking for. Despite what others will tell you, this is a great way to learn (albeit pricy). Oh yeah, be sure to tip.

I've taken several of their courses and have met Erik, and both Tony Sartin and Tony Grice. All are great guides and great guys. I speak nothing but highly of them. I took their Lead course and you do lead but only on top rope, they leave you to do any real leading after the course.
They also do a really good anchor course if your skills in that area are minimal and they would probably suggest doing that first.
I've only tried to hire them once as an individual guide at Tahquitz but ended up getting sick the night before, so can't speak to what they would teach one on one.
But I do recommend them.

I looked at the lead class, but after watching other climbing classes, it seems like a very inefficient method to learn. Anyone else taken the class and had a good experience?

Clark Jacobs guides often in Josh and Suicide/Tahquitz.

I've taken two classes from Vertical Adventures (specifically, from Erik) in J-tree: the "intermediate climbing" and "anchor building" classes. Erik is a great instructor and the money spent was well worth it.

If you don't have much experience in placing gear/building anchors, I would highly recommend their anchors class. My memory is about 2/3 of the class is spent on the ground building anchors in a variety of placements with a variety of types of pro, and the other 1/3 climbing some j-tree 5.8/5.9.

Vertical Adventures is top shelf. 9 thumbs up. Real pros.

First off it takes a long time to be an effective and safe lead climber. Making top rope anchors and mock leading are some of the most common ways institutions will teach gear placements and lead climbing.

Second all the people mentioned above are great. I work as a guide and am going to plug wilderness outing, as they are the main company that I work as far as rock guiding goes. But if you are intrested in learning some of the skills involved with lead climbing up here in idyllwild, pm me. I am sure we can work something out.

Lastly, the best way to learn trad is to set up top rope anchors, mock lead, and be a second. Take out a lot of gear and ask the leader about it.

Cheers,
Like the bird