Real Hidden Valley Circuit  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  4,200' Page Views:  30,067. Good page?    Administrators:  C Miller, Adam Stackhouse, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  C Miller on Oct 18, 2007 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 95° | 68° 91° | 61° 88° | 59° 88° | 57° 90° | 61°

Al Liu getting it done

Description 

Once a spot for stolen horses and cattle to graze, this area is now a popular destination with it's loop trail and excellent roped climbing. Good bouldering is also here scattered throughout the area, but the majority of documented boulders happen to lie within a short walk of the parking area making for short and painless approaches. A very popular area with climbers and non-climbers alike, so be prepared for people unfamiliar with the sport stopping to watch and ask (what may seem like) silly questions. Families with children, as well as grandparents, are common in this area so it's best to avoid using profanity and making rude comments; a little civility can go a long way towards good public relations.

There are some good problems here which can be incorporated into a nice circuit or enjoyed on their own. Notable problems include the highball Betty Jo Yablonksi (V0 R) up a vertical face with horizontals to an exciting finish, Saturday Night Live (V4) a much photographed and kinesthetically pleasing dyno problem and Kirkatron (V5) a shorter but more difficult version of the ever popular Gunsmoke.

Getting There 

Park in the Real Hidden Valley parking area (it can get very crowded on the weekends and during the holidays and spring break) and make a short walk to the boulders. Betty Jo Yablonski and the aptly named Entrance Boulder are visible at the start of the nature trail, while the Saturday Night Live Boulder lies to the west along a trail on the way to Houser Buttress.

The Classics

Featured Route For Real Hidden Valley Circuit

Betty Jo Yablonksi V0 R  CA : Joshua Tree National Park : ... : Betty Jo Rock

One of 10 or so classic high balls in the Park, as well as one of the easiest, this is the first climbable feature you'll see on your left as you enter the real Hidden valley corridor. Refrain from setting a TR and just go for it as the crux is encountered midway while leaving the top is a feeling to be savored and not feared. Don't expect to send in a quiet setting as foot traffic is heavy here. That's ok though, more people to hoot as you top out!...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA