Rock Climbing
Joshua Tree is a great spot for climbing and bouldering.
Plan Around Rock Climbing
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Rock Climbing Details
Joshua Tree is a great spot for climbing and bouldering. The high desert, monzogranite environment is famous for its traditional-style crack, slab and steep-face climbing and offers more than 400 climbing formations and 8,000 climbing routes. Climbing in Joshua Tree generally falls under the categories of "needing gear" and "not needing gear." The latter, called bouldering, happens when climbers stay close to the ground and don't use any ropes, going only as high as they can climb without jumping back down to the ground. Climbers should still use appropriate shoes, a landing pad, and a spotter. There are lots of routes that need specialized gear within the park as well. One of the most popular "top-rope" venues, wherein there is an anchor rope placed atop the rock, is Quail Springs, around six miles from the park's west entrance. Popular climbs here include Trashcan Rock — one of the park's most popular overall climbs — and Hound Rock. As visitors drive east, they'll encounter climbing areas such as Lost Horse Road, Hemingway Buttress, Hidden Valley Campground, Real Hidden Valley, Echo Rock area, Wonderland of Rocks, Cap Rock, Headstone Rock, Hall of Horrors, Saddle Rock, Jumbo Rocks, Split Rocks and finally Indian Cove on the north side of the park. Popular campgrounds for climbers are Hidden Valley, Ryan and Indian Cove. Those who are new to rock climbing and bouldering should be properly trained before engaging in any potentially dangerous activities, and consider engaging a guide or purchasing a hiking map if you're unfamiliar with the park, available at park visitor centers.
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
What to Do
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