All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Queen Valley Area > Geology Tour Rd > Towers of Uncertainty

Lava Dome Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Lava Dome

L › R R › L A › Z

	But Fear Itself T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Hot Flashes T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Kona T 5.10a/b 6a+ 19 VI+ 19 E2 5b
	Lava Lamp T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
	Mauna Kea T 5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
	Mauna Loa T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Nothing to Fear T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
	Popo T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R
	Right Hand of Light, The TR 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
	Standing Ovation T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a

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Elevation:	4,272 ft	1,302 m
GPS:	33.96615, -116.08673 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	15,532 total · 59/month
Shared By:	Donno on Jun 2, 2003
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: Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

The rock climbing area known as Towers of Uncertainty is closed to public use due to wildlife activity. The closure is usually in effect from March through June

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

Lava Dome is a dark brown, ragged-looking, formation that sits at the southern end of the Towers of Uncertainty. It's not dome-like at all, it's actually steep on the north and west sides and has the look of frozen lava shooting up. The north side has 3 obvious cracks, while the west face is pretty smooth.

Getting There

Once in the Towers of Uncertainty area, walk west from Crow's Next to Reef Rock with it's distinctive flat north face (many horizontal cracks). Just west of Reef Rock, head south in a river bed of soft sand. This is a cool walk. Snake past various close formations, heading south, until Lava Dome shows up on your left. It's one of the southernmost formations in this area.

10 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Lava Dome

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c 29 ● Lava Lamp Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 29 ● But Fear Itself Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 32 ● Mauna Loa Trad
5.10a/b 6a+ 19 VI+ 19 E2 5b 13 ● Kona Trad
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c 31 ● Mauna Kea Trad
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c 9 ● Hot Flashes Trad