The Astro Domes - North

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Figures On A Landscape (5.10b), Photo 2 Climber - ...

Description 

These awesome domes lie in the heart of the Wonderland of Rocks and sport some of the longest routes in the park, including possibly the most-famous J-Tree climb, Figures On A Landscape (very exciting 10b). The climbing is characterized by steep face climbing on small edges protected by bolts. Remember though, that these climbs were put up in the days of the bolt-on-lead ethic, and ARE NOT SPORT CLIMBS. Just because these routes aren't given an "R" (by tradition) doesn't mean you won't encounter significant runouts with dangerous fall potential: a small rack is usually useful to supplement the fixed gear on these routes. The majority of the routes on these domes face northeast and thus can be quite cold in the winter and see little sun. That being said a warm day in January brings ideal climbing conditions if you don't mind being a little chilly.

Guides for North Astro Dome claim it can be descended via two 75 foot rappels down the south side of the NE face, though we could not locate any anchors on the summit. We ended up descending the NW shoulder (exposed 4th class) and returned to our packs.

Getting There 

Directions are difficult in the Wonderland. It is best to bring a good map to help locate the Astro Domes.

From the Barker Dam parking area, follow the trail north towards the Dam. When you reach the lakebed, continue north through the lakebed (if dry) or cross at the dam. Continue north through the Wonderland until you reach the enormous Don Juan Boulder. At this point veer towards the South Astro Dome and clamber up slabs to a notch which provides an excellent vantage point of the walls. Descend to the route of choice.

Featured Route For The Astro Domes - North

Astroturf 5.10d  CA : Joshua Tree National Park : ... : The Astro Domes - North

Pitch 1: Begin on Figures On A Landscape. At the 5th bolt on the first pitch, instead of traversing right, climb straight up (5.10a R) to a huge flake, then lieback (5.9) up to a small ledge with a bolt belay. (35m rap/TR)Pitch 2: Up, then left (10+) on steep face past 6 bolts to the top....[more]

Add Photo Photos of The Astro Domes - North

BETA PHOTO: Capri Slacks points out the Don Juan boulder. An e...	North Astro dome is a massive bulk of granite. Fig...	North Astro Dome. Peter Croft on the first pitch o...