Saddle Rocks  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  4,500' Lat, Long:  33.9942, -116.14 Map Page Views:  123,009. Good page?    Administrators:  C Miller, Adam Stackhouse, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Brian Reynolds on Jun 26, 2002 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Saddle Rocks

Description 

Saddle Rocks, which rise out of the west flank of Ryan Mountain, is probably the largest single formation in the park, and it dominates the view from virtually anywhere in the Lost Horse Valley. It's also home to some of the longest climbs in the park. Due to the complex nature of the area it has been broken into three parts - Saddle Rocks - Skirt the lower slabby portion, Saddle Rocks - Pommel the middle portion and Saddle Rocks - Cantle the uppermost portion.

Probably the most notable climb here is the classic Walk on the Wild Side, a three-pitch 5.7+ that ascends the west face of the formation. Right On (3 pitches, 5.5) is also very worthwhile, as are a number of other climbs, ranging from 5.8 on the low end, to far far harder than most of us will ever climb on the high end.

Most routes offer a rap descent, and in some cases a second rope may come in handy.

Getting There 

Park on the side of the main park road, between Ryan Campground and Sheep Pass. The parking spot is almost due west of the formation -- you should be looking at it head on. Follow marked Access Fund trails for several hundred yards to the base of Walk on the Wild Side. Traverse to either side of the formation for climbs on the north and south faces.

Parking is also available to the north, near the Ryan Mountain trailhead, but the approach is significantly longer and, due to the topography of the gullies that come off of Ryan Mountain, it is also significantly harder.

The Classics

Featured Route For Saddle Rocks

Right On 5.5  CA : Joshua Tree National Park : ... : Saddle Rocks - Skirt (West...

P1) Face climb up a smooth apron past one bolt to a ledge with belay bolts. P2) A short pitch with a steep, exposed hand crack takes you to a huge ledge with belay bolts. P3) Chimney up the featured wide crack which narrows and then turns to a crack up a slab which leads to a belay stance at the base of a vertical section. P4) Easier climbing up steep but featured cracks takes you to the top (aim for a notch). It's very possible and perhaps even recommended to combine...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

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BETA PHOTO: Saddle Rocks from the road near Hall of Horrors. T...	BETA PHOTO: Saddle Rocks showing the lesser visited south side...	Saddle Rocks at sunset. Photo by Blitzo.
Saddle Rocks from near Target Rock. Photo by Blitz...	Saddle Rocks from Ryan Mountain Trail. Photo by Bl...	View from the parking lot of Saddle Rocks.
Saddle Rocks before sunset, Joshua Tree NP	BETA PHOTO: Saddle Rocks Area, Joshua Tree NP	Ryan Mountain and Saddle Rocks after a storm, Josh...
None shall pass	Saddle Rocks from the Key's View Road, Joshua Tree...