Murf at the crux of Tortuga. Copyright 2006, Randy...
Description
This is one of the more remote areas in Joshua Tree. There are at least nine small to mostly large formations clustered on the desert plains west of Geology Tour Road and southwest of Ryan Mountian.
A fair number of nice crack routes and some bolted face climbs are found scattered amongst the formations. Routes are located on various sides of the rocks, making it possible to chase the sun or shade, depending on the weather.
Formations include: San Cristabal and Santa Cruz Islands (the north-western most Galapogos formations), Boredom Rock, The Tortuga, The Iguana, Finch Dome, Evolution Rock, the Rainbow Wall and Darwin Dome (from north to south).
Getting There
There are two primary approaches for this area. Plan on an 1.25+ hour hike for either approach.
Approach 1: Park at Ryan Campground and from the very southern end of the campground take the California Riding and Hiking Trail southeast. Follow this through the pass south of Ryan Mountian to a point where the trail turns and heads northeast (2.4 miles). From here, hike southeast 0.6 miles to the reach the area (3.0 miles).
Approach 2: Park at Pullout No. 4 along Geology Tour Road and head pretty much directly west (passing south of Rocky Marciano) until you cross a large wash (Island in the Stream lies just north of here). Continue slightly uphill and west to reach this area (2.5 miles).
The Galapagos
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