PRINT: Rock Climbing in Short Wall, Joshua Tree National Park

Short Wall

California > Joshua Tree NP > Indian Cove > Indian Cove Cam… > Indian Cove CG East

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

To say the Short Wall is a popular spot is an understatement and with it's distinct lack of approach, sunny south-facing orientation and abundance of easy to moderate crack and face routes it's no surprise.

Although many of the routes can easily be lead, and are often soloed, it's toproping that rules here. Expect to find multiple ropes strung up on weekends as it's a popular spot with youth groups and other organizations teaching basic rock climbing - fortunately mid-week is more relaxed.

Getting There

Make a left (heading southeast) at Billboard Buttress, which is the road leading to Rattlesnake Canyon. The Short Wall is on the left, facing south, just before two roads merge into one. Day use parking is available at the eastern end of the wall with room for approximately 8 vehicles.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Natural rock anchors for top rope above short wall right side. No bolts.

End of the day at Short Wall, Joshua Tree NP

Short 25m climb on back side of right side

Beware of these critters atop the Right Side of Short Wall! We shared the belay ledge with 3 of them initially, but one slithered off.

Short Wall 12-18-2008.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.

Short Wall 12-18-2008. Photo by Blitzo.

Mojave Yucca near the Short Wall, Indian Cove.

Yuccas in bloom at Short Wall.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.

Yuccas in bloom at Short Wall. Photo by Blitzo.

Short Wall. Photo by Blitzo.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Brian Reynolds

If you want to climb on the right of this formation (the REALLY "short" area), get there EARLY. Boy scouts and church groups love to to gang-rope this one. Jun 26, 2002

Rodger Raubach
Billings, MT

On my (all too infrequent) trips to Joshua Tree, this area is invariably the first stop, snd is a great place to "work out the kinks" after a long drive. Aug 30, 2012

Gary Schenk

Too bad it's getting so slick. And the Boy Scouts act like they own the whole wall. Jan 22, 2015

Bryan K
San Diego CA, USA

The deeper cracks are easier to protect on this wall because the rock flares and rounds off. Ample spots to set up a trad anchor at the top. Easy walkoff behind campsite 9, most of it isn’t even 4th class. If you really wanna make a day of it you’re probably gonna want a #5 or 6 for the top or like 20 feet of sling to sling a boulder. Like other people have said the Boy Scouts blast this wall, but if the marines are doing training here it’s from 0600 to 1630hrs so you can still get some time before sunset at 1930. There’s also hella spiders in the big hollows, at least a couple black widows I saw. Have fun and drink water. Jun 25, 2023