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Space Mountain

Name: Space Mountain
Rating: 3.5

5.10b YDS 6a+ French 19 Ewbanks VII- UIAA 19 ZA E2 5b British

Routes in Saddle Rocks - Skirt (North Face)

L › R R › L A › Z

	I Smell a Rat T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Unicorner, The T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a PG13
	Space Mountain T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Raging Bull Dike S 5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
	Iconoclast S 5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c

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Type:	Trad, 105 ft (32 m)
FA:	Mike Hatchett, Dave Hatchett, Chris Snyder, Tracy Dorton & Brian Mulvey, 1988
Page Views:	6,163 total · 22/month
Shared By:	C Miller on Jul 6, 2002 · Updates
Admins:	Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes, Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest Page Updates (admin only)

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Explore this route in 3D

Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

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

One prominent feature on this part of Saddle Rocks is a large left-facing corner system (The Unicorner).

Start up that climb for 20 feet then traverse right on a fairly awkward, slabby ledge passing a bolt until you reach a spot you can stand up. From here the climb goes more or less straight up past 7 more bolts on steep, exposed and sometimes crunchy patina plates.

There is a slight runout near the top but the climbing is much easier.

Great steep climbing in an exposed atmosphere unlike much of Saddle Rocks which is known for slabs.

This was the back cover photo of the 1992 Vogel guide (1st printing).

History

Mike and Dave Hatchett spotted the line, and they and the rest of the team alternated placing bolts on lead. The consensus by the five climbers on the rating was 5.10d, and it was intended as being reported as 5.10c in keeping with Joshua Tree standards. In Randy Vogel's 1992 Joshua Tree guide, Space Mountain was listed as 5.10b.

The route was re-bolted in 2015.

Location

This climb lies on the north side of Saddle Rocks, which is around the left skyline as viewed from the road. Approach as for Saddle Rocks proper, but once near the base head left and scramble up talus around to the north face.