Climbing Closures in Towers of Uncertainty area MORE INFO >>>
The National Park Service has temporarily closed the Towers of Uncertainty climbing area located along Geology Tour Road to all recreational use including climbing due to active raptor nesting. The major crags affected are Two Bolt Rock, Lava Dome, Cave Rock and Reef Rock. The park service expects the area to reopen to recreational use following nesting season.
Additionally, the Necropolis area near Quail Springs/Trash Can Rock may have raptor nesting activity, but is not closed to climbing or other recreational activity at this time.
FOJT encourages everyone to respect sensitive raptor nests for the protection of these awe inspiring birds, and the ecosystem they are an integral part of.
Joshua Tree is a world famous area with thousands of routes, countless boulder problems and a very limited number of campsites. Long popular as a winter destination, it's appeal has only grown throughout the years as climbers of all abilities have discovered the mild temperatures, grippy rock and surreal landscape which make it a must visit area on any climber's list.
Today’s park visitor comes from throughout the globe, with some here to climb and others simply here to gaze at the wonder. Looky- loos can crowd some areas during the weekends, but that’s part of the park’s mission allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy the park.
That said, sometimes Joshua Tree's popularity outgrows its carrying capacity, and is often the case, overnight camping can become very scarce, very fast. While the park service has made strides to expand the number of campsites, it has strengthened its rules about the number of campers per site, along with the number of vehicles per site. Current prices of overnight camping can be found here, along with other specific campground information. Other overnight options are listed below.
The fee to enter Joshua Tree is currently $15 per vehicle, which is good for 7 days from the date on the receipt. When time permits, the rangers will check the out-going traffic for valid receipts. An annual pass is also available, and at $30, stands as an excellent value for those visiting the park more often. Both are purchased at the check stations at the entrances to the park. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
The rock itself is quartz monzonite and tends to be fairly solid, but the less traveled and/or newer routes can have the dreaded "ball bearings underfoot syndrome" making those friction moves a tad more dicey. The best rock sports a coating of "desert varnish" or patina which darkens and solidifies the rock considerably.
Visitor Information 760-367-5500
CAMPING
There is no running water in the Park. Come prepared with a 5-gallon or more jug if planning on staying more than a day.
Weekends are crowded during peak season! With its proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego, the Park draws more than 1 million visitors annually. Plan accordingly and have a backup plan if the campgrounds are full. There are numerous inexpensive motels in the nearby towns of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and 29 Palms. Lodging Overview
Just down the road in Yucca Valley, one can find most any service and supply necessary; from major grocery stores and ubiquitous fast food joints, to auto lube and tunes.
Nomad Ventures is the local place to get climbing gear, guidebooks and information about the climbing in Joshua Tree. The folks are friendly and very knowledgeable.
Guide books for the area range from the no frills Bartlett guides to the fairly exhaustive Vogel guides as well as a couple of bouldering specific guides. All have something that the other doesn't.
Nearest hospital is the High Desert Medical Center in the town of Joshua Tree. Cell phone coverage in the park IS SPOTTY AT BEST to NONEXISTENT AT WORST. There is an emergency phone in near the restrooms in Hidden Valley Campground/Intersection Rock. Use only in an emergency.
GETTING HERE
* From Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to the West Entrance is 43.6 miles
* From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the West Entrance is 148 miles
* From Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) to the North Entrance is 225 miles
* From Phoenix International Airport (PHX) through the South Entrance to Belle Campground is 259 miles
This route stands among the best in the entire Park. Bold, but adequately protected, the signature second pitch offers continuous climbing in a stellar position.Begin near the center of the North Face (right of center in photo), at the foot of the base of the rock, on the left side of a large rectangular block (in sunlight in photo). Pitch 1: Up cracks on the left side of the block to a very large flat ledge (5.8). Pitch 2: Move up and left to a ...[more]Browse More Classics in CA
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