Conrad Rock

Josh Higgins onsights Heart of Darkness (5.11a), S...

Description 

On the far right (south) end of the Cowboy Crags is Conrad Rock. It features a few routes but the reason most people come here is for the excellent and aptly named splitter Heart of Darkness (5.11a), contained in a very narrow (4-6 feet wide) very cool and shaded corridor.

Getting There 

Same initial approach as for the Oyster Bar - park in the lot just past Ryan Campground on your right and follow the trail to the base of Target Rock. Make a right and follow the trail south to the next formation, which is Conrad Rock (identified by a visible crack on the west face). Continue up through boulders to access a slab which leads into the southern entrance of the corridor. The southern approach (towards Ryan CG) is much easier than coming in from the north.

Featured Route For Conrad Rock

Heart of Darkness 5.11a  CA : Joshua Tree National Park : Conrad Rock

A striking splitter on perfect, varnished rock that runs from fingers through small hands (this route favors those with smaller hands). The unique location and high quality rock make this a three (out of five) star route; were it longer this would garner more stars. ...[more]