Rock Climbing., Joshua Tree National Park

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Intersection Rock has three routes, or lines to climb. There are the Left Ski Track with a 5.11a difficulty; the Right Ski Track with a 5.3 difficulty and the North Overhang with a 5.9 difficulty rating.

For many people the biggest draw to Joshua Tree is the rock climbing, which is probably the most popular activity in the park. I've read somewhere that this is one of the best places for rock climbing in the world with 5000 rock climbing routes to choose from. This appeared to be true. When we visited we could witness many people making their way to the top, trying to conquer the big boulders. This is a place for climbers of all levels.

Here's another group of rock climbers making it to the top. A route like this may take hours for a group to climb to the top. But descending is fast in comparison, especially for the experienced. After I took the photo they all went down to the ground (not falling) in just a few minutes.

Joshua Tree National Park is considered the rock climbing mecca of the world. Today the Park attracts climbers of all levels to climb any rock they like. As a former climber myself, it hurts to see all the holes they drill and all the bolts and even ropes they leave behind. The Park is currently working with the climbing community to establish routes and rules to reduce the impact.

The photo shows climbing at Quail Springs near the West Entrance. It's a convenient site with BBQ and picnic equipment right by the parking lot.

Equipment: Bring spiderman (only do it with the experienced).

You are seeing a very happy guy. He must feel like he's on top of the world. The best moment of rock climbing is when you set foot on the top. This appears to be a challenging route. And I can't imagine the view up there...

After chilling in the tavern's air conditioning, drive back to Highway 62 and head east about eight miles to the town of Joshua Tree.
Look for the Park Boulevard entrance to the national park. Park Boulevard, west entrance road, leads to the heart of Joshua Tree's most famous geologic and historic attractions, including the rock climbers' nirvana surrounding Hidden Valley Recreation Area.
Magnificent granite boulders and rock outcroppings with names like Cyclops Rock,
Fire Me A Burger Rock and Astro Dome invite thrill-seeking climbers .

After chilling in the tavern's air conditioning, drive back to Highway 62 and head east about eight miles to the town of Joshua Tree. Look for the Park Boulevard entrance to the national park. Park Boulevard leads to the heart of Joshua Tree's most famous geologic
and historic attractions, including the rock climbers' nirvana surrounding Hidden Valley Recreation Area.

Joshua Tree is a rock climbers paradise. Oddly shaped round and vertical boulders are perfect for climbs of all difficulties. Many spots especially around Jumbo Rocks and on the turn off to Keys View as well as Quail Springs are great for climbing. Many of the routes already have bolts in them.

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The Hall of Horrors is on the road to Keys View and is another popular spot for rock-climbing. The name sounds intimidating. I did not climb this (those days are in the past for me).

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Can anyone please inform me where these three pictures were taken in Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree National Park. Does this boulder/s have a name?

Many many thanks everyone! ;0)