Outback Bouldering

The Outback. From atop Lizzy Boulder

Description 

The Outback is the large open valley to the north of Hidden Valley Campground that features several notable formations as well as lots of excellent bouldering. The rock varies in quality from average to excellent, but the fun stuff is a smooth, tan-colored rock with abundant, dark patina patches that form incredible holds not unlike sandstone. Problems of all grades are to be found here all within a short walk of each other and the Campground.

Highlights of the area include the Hobbit Hole Offwidth (V0-), False Hueco (V1), Chuckawalla (V1), Powell Face (V3), White Rastafarian (V3), How's Your Mama? (V4), Scorpion Roof Direct (V6), Relic (V9) and Tidal Wave (V11).

Getting There 

The western portion of The Outback is easily approached by walking past the west face of The Blob or through the apex of the western loop of Hidden Valley Campground, along the east face of The Blob. Problems in the eastern portion of The Outback are more easily approached from the back loop of Hidden Valley Campground, by walking between the east side of Outhouse Rock and the west face of Rock Hudson.

The Classics

Featured Route For Outback Bouldering

White Rastafarian V3 R  CA : Joshua Tree National Park : ... : White Rastafarian Boulder

This problem is located on a large boulder at the Southeast end of Rock Hudson. Climb a juggy crack on an overhanging arete until it dies out 15 ft. up. Lean out left, onto the overhanging face, to a large flake. Finishes with an easy mantel 25 ft. off the deck. One of JTree's finest problems....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Outback Bouldering Slideshow

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Cole Boulder, False Hueco Boulder and The Blob. Ph...	The Outback. Photo by Blitzo.	Tital Wave, Chuckawalla, Rock Hudson. Photo by Bli...
Desert Rock Pea (Lotus rigidus) in the Outback, Jo...	BETA PHOTO: Fun problem on the Peyote formation	A cool-looking boulder in the Outback, Joshua Tree...