The Outback

One of Joshua Tree's most improbable moderate rout...

Description 

Many excellent formations are to be found in this extensive area that generally has short easy approaches. Many classics are found in this area that's not far from the campground but feels like it is. Cracks, faces, mixed routes and even some sport climbs are here.

Classics include- Super Roof (5.9+) and Sidewinder (5.10b), Hot Rocks (5.11b), Grain Surgery (5.10a), Apartheid (5.12a), Jugline (5.11c), Rollerball (5.10b), and Blood Of Christ (5.12a).

Additionally good bouldering is scattered throughout the area as are some local curiosities like The Hobbit Hole and The Iron Door Cave.

Getting There 

The Outback is the large collection of formations that are found to the north of Hidden Valley Campground. They extend from near the Quail Springs Road (Steve Canyon) east towards Echo Cove (Peyote Cracks wall) and north to Dutzi Rock. Approaches vary but most are made via Hidden Valley Campground as this typically affords the shortest walk.

Featured Route For The Outback

Sidewinder 5.10b PG13  CA : Joshua Tree National Park : Steve Canyon

Approach from Hidden Valley Campground by skirting along the south end of The Blob and then following a trail along the west face (passing Hobbit Roof) to the mouth of Steve Canyon. As an alternative park on the Quail Springs Road (the main road) and follow a trail leading east towards The Blob and Steve Canyon. Sidewinder climbs face and cracks up to an obvious left-slanting dike system on the large west-facing formation at the mouth of Steve Ca...[more]

Add Photo Photos of The Outback

This arching joshua tree used to stand near the Pe...	In the Outback. Photo by Blitzo.	Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) in bloom, Joshua Tr...
Climbing on Watanobe Wall	An interesting Joshua Tree hiding somewhere in the...	Checker Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata) in the O...