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(Joshua Tree National Park Overview)

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About (Joshua Tree National Park Overview):


This is an overview page only, do not add Route info on this page. For Route info, visit the specific park Areas listed on the Joshua Tree National Park page. (Hit the "Back" button.)

Map of the Park

Popular traditional climbing destination in the United States. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit. Summer temps can reach over 120 deg F. There are cold and wet days during the winter, but not uncommon to have stretches of mild sunny weather while the bulk of the country freezes. There is a small offering of "sport" climbs that are less runout and better bolt-protected than others, but they are the minority as Joshua Tree is primarily a traditional climbers' paradise offering cracks, runout slabs, and spicy "mixed" routes.

Mostly single-pitch climbs throughout the Park, with a small offering of multi-pitches in the 2- or 3-pitch range. Standard rack of doubles will do on most routes. A 60 m rope is recommended, but a 50 m would work for many areas, too.

Despite there being over 7,000 established routes in the Park there's still plenty of FA's left in the backcountry for those willing to make the walk. That said, there is probably enough bouldering for several lifetimes with many a classic gem just waiting to be discovered.

Hidden Valley Campground is the first campground encountered on the drive in from the West Entrance and THE places to camp if you can. Its popularity often makes it hard to find a campsite. The atmosphere at Hidden Valley is often similar to Camp 4 in Yosemite - very festive with lots of colorful characters; don't be surprised to see climbers campfire-hopping to keep up on the social scene. Rangers frequently offer Climbers' Coffee on Saturday and/or Sunday mornings at 8 AM here to go over access issues as well as answer questions. Ryan, Jumbo Rocks, Belle and White Tank are all alternative campgrounds to be considered if Hidden Valley is full, or if you plan on climbing in those other parts of the Park. There are two bulletin boards at Hidden Valley and one at Jumbo for posting notes and messages. Indian Cove Campground, with its lower elevation, is usually about 10 deg F warmer and less windy than the main side of the Park. Group campsites are also reservable at Indian Cove, and at Sheep Pass. $10 per night at Hidden Valley, Ryan, Jumbo, Belle, etc. $15 per site at Indian Cove. More for the Group Sites there and at Sheep Pass. 14-day stay limit per year. Parking is limited to TWO vehicles per campsite, with picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets are scattered throughout the campgrounds and at most of the main day-use parking areas. No portable water inside the park. Nearest sources are at the entrance stations. No cell reception inside the Park either, though some services do get intermittent signals at isolated spots. Gathering for firewood is prohibited inside the Park. Get that from town. In the cold winter nights, a big warm fire would definitely draw a crowd, and climbing partners if you need. Do not attempt to camp outside of established campsites in the Park - you will be ticketed by the rangers as well as upset climber relations with the Park Service.

Dogs must be on leash and remain within 100 ft of pavement. Check the NPS site for details. Rangers will ticket you for violations.

For eats and treats in town, Royal Siam now offers an all-you-can-eat Thai buffet, The Beatnick Cafe has sandwiches, beer and live music on weekends, Crossroads Cafe offers everything from morning espresso to late night brews as well as great food, and lastly The Country Kitchen is a great place for a hearty breakfast before a day of pulling. All of these restaurants are located off Hwy 62 in the town of Joshua Tree near the intersetion at Park Blvd. It's not at all uncommon, especially on weekends, to find mostly climbers eating at many of these places. Often you can hear several different languages being spoken by climbers from all over the world. Beatnick and Jeremy's also offer internet access. Grocery and more restaurants at Yucca Valley or 29 Palms.

If you're in need of any gear, Nomad Ventures is located outside the West entrance at the intersection of Hwy 62 and Park Blvd, along with nearby Joshua Tree Outfitters for guidebooks and camping gear rentals. Across the street is Coyote Corner which offers hot showers for $4 (soap and towel included) as well as a plethora of various products (think Dead show, outdoor store and tourist stop all rolled into one).

Guiding services that operate in the Park are:

- Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School (www.joshuatreerockclimbing.com)

- Vertical Adventures Rock Climbing School (www.vertical-adventures.com)

- Joshua Tree Uprising Adventure Guides (www.joshuatreeuprising.com)

- Cliffhanger Guides (www.cliffhangerguides.com)

- Stone Adventures (www.Stone-Adventures.com)

Also more guiding info at Nomad Ventures. Positive Resoles is the local resoler, with dropoffs and pickups at Nomad Ventures.


The climbing in the Park is too much to combine into one Area, therefore a seperate Region was created containing all the Areas within the Park on the California Home Page. Just click the Back Arrow to view the Park Areas.
Or...Back To California Home Page

Nearest town or city: Joshua Tree
Directions: Coming from the west on I-10, connect onto Hwy 62 (after the exit for 111 to Palm Springs). Follow Hwy 62 through Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, and then to the town of Joshua Tree. Once in the town of Joshua Tree, make a right at Park Blvd and follow this several miles to the park's West Entrance. From the east, take I-10 west to the South Entrance at Cottonwood, located just east of Indio. The entrance to Indian Cove is approximately 9 miles east of Park Blvd on Hwy 62. From Indian Cove, you can get to the rest of the park only by the long hike south via Rattlesnake Canyon. Otherwise drive around and re-enter via the West Entrance or the North Entrance at 29 Palms. The North Entrance at 29 Palms is 6.8 miles east of Indian Cove on Hwy 62, turning right at Utah Ave and heading south for approx 3.5 miles. Closest airport is at Palm Springs, though that tends to have higher fares than Ontario International near the 10 and 15 interchange. LAX or Vegas might also be suitable, but longer drives and heavy traffic. There is a bus line from Palm Springs Airport and Bus Terminal to Yucca Valley, town of Joshua Tree, and 29 Palms (call MTBA at 800-794-6282). Approximately 20 minutes drive to get inside the Park from town of Joshua Tree.
Latitude, Longitude: 33.92627, -115.90851
Access Issues:
Camping: Yes
When to Climb: Autumn Spring Winter
Quantity of Climbs: Lifetime

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