The Cemetery

The Cemetery. The Black Tower is visible in the c...

Description 

The Cemetery is a large collection of crags spread across an area to the southeast of the Horseman's Center. One has only to walk around for a couple minutes to find the grade and sun exposure they like. It is home to many nice sport routes on fine granite reminiscent of the domes of Joshua Tree. Although most of the crags stand only about 30’ to 40’ high, the climbing is great, the protection excellent, and there is a nice variety of routes generally between 5.8 and 5.11, making this a great destination for the moderate/advanced climber. Most routes have chain anchors for top rope/rappel. Due to the quality of rock and routes, as well as the protection, this is a good area for leaders just breaking into these levels of difficulty.

Getting There 

From the dirt parking lot, walk to where the chain link fence ends at the hillside and go left into the park. Follow the rock-lined path around to the right, passing the Lightning Bolt formation on your right and the equestrian arena on the left. Continue straight towards the far hillside, picking up the trail that heads south (right). Follow this trail up and over a small rise. From here you can see the Cemetery to the southeast. Continue along the trail into the heart of the formations, or take another obvious trail that leads around the south end of the Cemetery, circling left around the twin pillars of Despair and Hope. Allow about 15 minutes of easy hiking from the parking lot.

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