Any route or boulder problem that starts out of or near an occupied campsite may not be done without first obtaining the campsite occupant's permission.
Short Wall is a long formation in the southeastern part of the campground. It didn't get it's name by accident, but it features some very nice routes and you can knock off quite a bit of climbing here without a lot of effort. This is also a very nice toprope wall (easy scramble up the back) and is quite popular for that purpose. Short Wall used to be the quintissential "bumper belay" rock in Joshua Tree. You could quite literally end up with dents in your hood from topropes chucked down off the top. The campsites at the base of the wall have been eliminated and the parking moved a bit farther away. Figure on a hideous (not) ten-second approach time.
Short Wall is in the southeastern part of the campground, out the long road that goes east from the central area. When driving into the camp ground, take a left past Billboard Buttress and stay left. Short Wall is about 250 meters farther and 30 meters north of the road (on the left). Parking spots provided.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Short Wall:
If you want to climb on the right of this formation (the REALLY "short" area), get there EARLY. Boy scouts and church groups love to to gang-rope this one.
By Mike Morley Administrator From: Oakland, CA Oct 26, 2003
There are 6 fun cracks 5.6 and under on the Short Wall that make for a fun early morning or late afternoon solo circuit. From left to right: Mad Race (5.4), Linda's Crack (5.2), Double Crack (5.3), Toe Jam Express (5.3), S.O.B. (5.6), and Donna T's Route (5.5). Chockstone Chimney makes for the quickest descent.
the Short Wal as most know is usually crowded and of course really short. I have taken many, many groups there and feel it is a great formation to get newbies started. The easy walkup the back side and the many pro possibilities ad to this rock being a great one for teaching gear and the rest. It also is a fun rock to solo. Almost everyone that is reading this already knows all of what I have written. But the comments are few on this rock so I figured I toss some at it.............
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