If you’ve been considering a rock-climbing adventure in Joshua Tree but aren’t sure if you know all there is to know, read on to learn all the dos and don’ts, safety tips, facts, and more.
Get to Know Joshua Tree
It was in 1936 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated Joshua Tree National Park a national monument. By 1994, it gained its status as a national park. Today, the park is 792,623 acres filled with hundreds of various plants, birds, mammals, and exotic reptiles, including endangered species.
With over 8,000 rock-climbing options, Joshua Tree is the perfect location for any mountain climber. If you’re a first timer, the park offers classes and guided climbing excursions.
Rock Climbing Routes
There are thousands of options for rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park. Though they are all considered short in the world of most climbers, it’s possible to do several in one day or combine a few.
Quail Springs, Lizard’s Hangout, Hidden Valley, and The Blob are the most recommended routes for beginners. For moderate and challenging routes, The Old Woman, The Bong, Overhang Bypass, Hall of Horrors, Chimney Rock, The Flu, and Geology Tour Road are popular.
The Best Time to Climb
Climbing in Joshua Tree is doable any time of year as long as you have the appropriate equipment and are in good health. A lot of climbers prefer to rock climb during autumn or spring.
The time of day you climb will also impact your experience. To avoid the heat or glare of the sun, choose your route wisely. Consider how long the climb will take you as well as the time of day you begin, as the last thing you want is to get stuck climbing after dark.
Climbing Guides
Personal guides are allowed in Joshua Tree National Park, but there are rules they need to adhere to before joining you inside the park. Along with wilderness first aid and CPR certifications, they need to have clearance to work in Joshua Tree and hold the highest levels of rock-climbing guiding certificates. Insurance is also necessary.
Safety Tips and Gear
No matter what level of expertise you have, there are always risks of danger. Being well prepared will decrease your chances of being injured. At Joshua Tree, as with most places, you are responsible for your safety, equipment, and planning.
It’s highly recommended that you climb with a partner. Make sure to bring plenty of water, food, extra clothing, a park map, and a first-aid kit. Gear should include a helmet, rope, carabiners, a harness, belay devices, quickdraws, cams, proper climbing shoes, chalk, a chalk bag, climbing tape, and a crash mat. Equipment rental is available in local shops outside of the park. Letting a few friends know where you will be and what your plans are for the day is also a good idea.
Should an emergency arise, knowing your exact location, rock formation names, climbing route, landmarks, etc., is going to be vital in rescue efforts. The Joshua Tree park rangers ask that all injuries be reported, including those that don’t require assistance.
Rules and Regulations
Dogs are only allowed in a few places in Joshua Tree National Park, but visitors are encouraged to leave their dogs at home as their presence is stressful to wildlife. Service animals are the exception to this rule. If you decide to bring your dog, you must keep them on a 6-foot leash, pick up their waste, keep your eyes on them at all times, and keep them 100 feet away from roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds.
The park takes pride in its organic quietness and asks visitors to avoid playing loud music. Ask permission when climbing in an occupied campsite, and never leave your equipment unattended.
Leave no human evidence in the park or on the rocks you climb. Altering rocks by nailing or fabricating holds, using vegetation as anchors, and not staying on trails dramatically changes the park’s natural wilderness. Keep in mind that it is a protected area.
Fees and Permits
Fees and permits range between $15 and $80 or more. It depends on which activities you’ll be partaking in and the size of your group. As with most costs, these are subject to change. It’s best to contact the park to inquire about fees and permits you may need before rock climbing in the park.
Get Ready, Set, Climb!
Hopefully, you now have the information and confidence to embark on a memorable rock-climbing adventure. Remember, safety and preparedness are key to a safe and enjoyable climb. Respect the wilderness and other climbers in the park, and more than anything else be proud of yourself for embracing the physical, mental, and emotional strength it takes to be a rock climber.