Real Hidden Valley Circuit

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Al Liu getting it done

Description 

Once a spot for stolen horses and cattle to graze, this area is now a popular destination with it's loop trail and excellent roped climbing. Good bouldering is also here scattered throughout the area, but the majority of documented boulders happen to lie within a short walk of the parking area making for short and painless approaches. A very popular area with climbers and non-climbers alike, so be prepared for people unfamiliar with the sport stopping to watch and ask (what may seem like) silly questions. Families with children, as well as grandparents, are common in this area so it's best to avoid using profanity and making rude comments; a little civility can go a long way towards good public relations.

There are some good problems here which can be incorporated into a nice circuit or enjoyed on their own. Notable problems include the highball Betty Jo Yablonksi (V0 R) up a vertical face with horizontals to an exciting finish, Saturday Night Live (V4) a much photographed and kinesthetically pleasing dyno problem and Kirkatron (V5) a shorter but more difficult version of the ever popular Gunsmoke.

Getting There 

Park in the Real Hidden Valley parking area (it can get very crowded on the weekends and during the holidays and spring break) and make a short walk to the boulders. Betty Jo Yablonski and the aptly named Entrance Boulder are visible at the start of the nature trail, while the Saturday Night Live Boulder lies to the west along a trail on the way to Houser Buttress.

Featured Route For Real Hidden Valley Circuit

Saturday Night Live V4  CA : Joshua Tree National Park : ... : Saturday Night Live Boulder

This is an entertaining boulder problem 20 yards from the Real Hidden Valley Parking lot. Park and walk west, as per Loose Lady. After 5-6 seconds of hiking, look over your right shoulder. You'll see a big scoop with a chalky handhold on the left. Grab the hold, smear your feet and dyno to the lip. Then make an easy mantel to finish the job.A rating on this one is pretty meaningless......[more]