Grey Giant

Grey Giant. Photo by Blitzo.

Description 

The Grey Giant was one of the first crags in the Wonderland to be developed by several world renowned climbers (e.g. John Long, Tony Yaniro, Tobin Sorenson) in the early 70's. It is home to the three pitch classic Hyperion, a physically and mentally demanding route that travels along an arching crack underneath a roof for the first two pitches. Other worthy crack climbs include Lithophiliac, Transfusion, The Coliseum, and Dawn Yawn. There are also good slab routes on the south face.

The view from the summit boulder on top of the Grey Giant is all encompassing and should not be missed.

Getting There 

Begin in the parking lot near Key's Corner where the boyscout trail to Indian Cove is located. Head northeast on the well-marked trail for about a mile. When the trail forks, take the trail that veers northeast. The trail ends in a wash that branches northeast and south after another 1.5 miles.

The Atom Smasher Boulders and Timbuktu Towers lie to the northeast. Take the wash that veers in a southerly direction and follow it as it meanders towards the Grey Giant. The adventurous portion of the approach begins where numerous large boulders suddenly appear in the wash. Time consuming boulder hopping and tunnelling is required to reach the south facing base of the awe-inspiring Grey Giant.

The Classics

Featured Route For Grey Giant

Hyperion 5.11d  CA : Joshua Tree National Park : ... : Grey Giant

Begin at the left end of the south face and climb a low angle crack (some loose rock) that eventually becomes steeper and arches right underneath a large roof. The crux (11d), protected by a #00 TCU, black alien, or small stopper, entails committing moves to the portion of the crack where the roof begins. From here, underclings and hand / fist jams for 80 ft. lead to the anchors (sustained 5.10).Pitch #2 (5.10) is a short traverse and...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA