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Located in the
High Desert outside of Los Angeles,
Joshua Tree is the premier Southern
California bouldering area, as well
as one of the top climbing destinations
in the world. With over 6000 Rope climbs
as well as 1000+ boulder problems found
on literally millions of boulders and
outcroppings that span 30 miles across
the desert, Joshua Tree is a true mecca
for the sport.
Jtree also has a bouldering history
that is as old as the sport itself.
Spanning over 50 years back to the time
of Royal Robbins, Yvon Chounard and
other pioneers of Yosemite, generation
after generation of aspiring climbers
have plied their meddle on the often-times
unforgiving rock. The legendary Bob
Kamps, touted as one of the fathers
of free climbing in the U.S., was known
to frequent the area back in the 70’s.As
well as other Toulumne Meadows adrenaline
junkies like Charles Cole, Dale Bard,
and Darrel Hensel. |
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The bold
and free era of the late 70’s and 80’s
also left its mark, with climbers like Lynn
Hill, John Bachar, John Long, John Yablonski,
Jerry Moffat, and even Johnny Woodward. Many
of the Mega-classics were put up during this
time period. The 90’s even had its share
of climbing celebrities putting up boulder
problems, such as Scott Cosgrove, Peter Croft,
and Kevin Thaw. Although not as popular with
the hard-core modern boulderer, Joshua Tree
still seems to attract a who’s who list
of climbers adding problems. Wills Young,
Lisa Rands, Fred Nicole, Chris Sharma, Leo
Holding, and Ethan Pringle are a just sample
of some of the individuals adding to the character
and history of Jtree in the new millennium.
This rich heritage has led to strong ethic
of pure and bold bouldering.
Stiff ratings have also
become a tradition in the park. Coupled with
highly temperature-dependant rock, and tall,
blank top-outs, Josh can be a humbling experience.
Many people hate climbing at Jtree, to many
others it holds a cult-like status. Friction
and manteling skills are essential for topping
out many of the problems. The majority of
the rock is coarse, egg-shaped granite boulders,
with pockets of high quality stone. Josh is
so vast that many of the different circuits
offer different characteristic rock and features.
Notably different areas include the fine grained
granite of the Outback, the many slashes and
slots of Geology Tour Road, the prolific black
knobs at the Arctic Circle, and the dense
and glassy patina of the Underground.
For those seeking solitude,
adventure bouldering, or exploring for new
bouldering, Josh is Ad Infinitum.
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Weather
Joshua Tree is considered by most to be
a late fall, winter, and spring climbing
area. The weather during these seasons can
be fantastic, with temps. averaging in the
70’s. Rain is seldom a factor either,
falling only a couple of days out of the
entire year. The only real worry being occasional
high winds that can make conditions seem
like an arctic winter. It can get pretty
hot in the summer. Pleasant conditions in
summer are not unheard of, just hit or miss,
and probably not recommended. Given its
close proximity to Palm Springs, the Palm
Springs weather report can be a deceptive
indicator, with temps. usually being 25
degrees cooler. Summer temps. average in
the 90’s
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Directions:
Joshua Tree is located roughly 100 miles
to the east of Los Angeles, just North
of Palm Springs. From the Los Angeles
Area, travel East on the Interstate
10. Turn left or North on hwy 62. A
sign for Jtree will mark the turn. Drive
the 62 for another 30 miles into the
town of Joshua Tree. Turn right on Park
Boulevard and travel 10 miles up the
winding road into the Park. If coming
from San diego, head North on Interstate
15, take the 60 East and then connect
to the 10. From Vegas, take Interstate
15 South to Victorville, take the 18/247
South, continue on the 247 at the junction.
Travel for approx. 40 miles to Yucca.
Turn left on the 62 and head to Jtree.
From Arizona, head West on |
Interstate
10, from the Cali border continue
for approx. 100 miles to Chiriaco
Summit. Keep an eye out for the sign
to Joshua Tree National Park. If coming
this way, be sure to have food and
gas before entering the park, because
the drive to the other side of the
park is about 90 miles, and there
are no conveniences en route.
Article by: R. Miramontes
Photos by: R. Miramontes and C. Anastasi |
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Copyright 2008©
SoCalBouldering |
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