| Gunsmoke Area |
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Chris Sharma setting up for the crux sequence on t...
Description The Gunsmoke Traverse (V3) is the main attraction here, but several other quality problems can be found in the vicinity. Southern exposure makes this a hot one during mid-day. Note: A large boulder fell off to the right of Gunsmoke in February 2003. The routes Fists Of Fury and Enter The Dragon no longer exist, as well as a newer bolted line that had been put up several weeks before. Gunsmoke was unaffected.
Getting There Bike, walk, or drive to Barker Dam Day Use Area, 1.5 miles northeast of Hidden Valley Campground along newly paved road. From the parking area, walk the Barker Dam Loop Trail clockwise until you see an interpretive sign for 'Manzanita - Little Apples'. (If the first sign you pass says 'Turbinella Oak - Co-Evolution', you're going the wrong direction). Bear right (north) off main trail for approximately 150 yards to the Gunsmoke alcove, or just follow the throng of other boulderers.
Featured Route For Gunsmoke Area
Fists Of Fury 5.10a CA : Joshua Tree National Park : ... : Gunsmoke Area
Note: This route no longer exists due to rockfall in February 2003. The description remains for historical significance only.A fist crack out a short roof right off the ground leads to a squeeze chimney. What looks like heinous offwidthing around the lip of the roof is made much easier by a "thank god" hold inside the crack. Squeeze and standard chimneying lead to the top. Might deserve an "s" rating as it's hard to protect higher though the climbing is easy and it's not a chimney ... [more] Browse More Classics in CA
Looking west from near Gunsmoke, Joshua Tree NP
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| Comments on Gunsmoke Area |
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By RTM Feb 16, 2003
| I heard a rumor that a massive boulder dislodged and fell in front of gunsmoke earlier this week. Apparently the Killer cracks (right of Gunsmoke) are no more, including a new bolt route that was just put up several weeks before. |
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