All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Wonderland of R… > Wonderland South > Far East

The White Elephant (aka Comet Wall) Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The White Elephant (aka Comet Wall)

L › R R › L A › Z

Southwest Face (Beckey Route) T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c

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Elevation:	4,451 ft
GPS:	34.04733, -116.14073 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	3,455 total · 31/month
Shared By:	Richard Shore on Mar 16, 2015
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

The Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent's Compendium states that:
1. Vegetation is not allowed to be used as an anchor.
2. Only neutral or rock colored bolt hangers are allowed.

For a complete list of climbing rules and closures visit:
nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/…

Description

A 250' southwest-facing slabby wall located adjacent to the Bighorn Dome in the Wonderland. Dubbed "The White Elephant" by Fred Beckey and Brian Gochoel during their FA in Feb 1969, a flake hanging partway up the wall likely gave rise to the name. A vague description in the AAJ and a lack of published information allowed the formation to fall into obscurity; it was later developed and renamed the "Comet Wall" by Alan Bartlett and co. in the 1990's. Decent rock quality, a "real" summit, and an easy descent off the backside add to the appeal of this historic piece of JT stone.

Getting There

Follow directions out to Bighorn Dome - heading towards the Astro Domes, hang a right after Freak Brothers Dome, and once in the open desert past the Pea Brain, look due north towards the heap of rock that makes up the bulk of Bighorn Dome. The White Elephant is a SW facing wall on the front left of the pile, near the mouth of Boulder Canyon.