| Morbid Mound |
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BETA PHOTO: Morbid Mound - South Face
Description Crappy choss-pile out in the middle of the desert (north of the Indian Cove family camps and east of the group camps). Morbid is small (20-30 feet tall), grainy, and crumbly and, while there are a decent number of climbs, none of them are much to write home about. Neither Vogel nor Bartlett has much good to say about this rock, and it deserves its reputation. Despite all of this, it is inexplicably popular with large TR groups -- park the van and unload the kids out to Morbid Mound. Fine, that's one less crowd on the better climbs.
Getting There Morbid Mound is located several hundred yards north of Short Wall (or, alternatively, a couple hundred yards east of the intersection of Indian Cove Road and the group camp road). Easiest approach is probably to pull over onto the side of the Indian Cove Road near the group camp area and head east. A better idea would be to skip this one and climb something else.
Featured Route For Morbid Mound
BETA PHOTO: Fly in the Ointment
| Morbid Mound, Joshua Tree NP
| Morbid Mound, Joshua Tree NP
| Morbid Mound. Photo by Blitzo.
| Roadrunner on top of Morbid Mound. Photo by Blitzo...
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By Locker From: Westminster, CO Aug 22, 2003
| There are some good, fun, short routes that are worth going at it if you don't mind the short hike. Also some good soloing. |
By Locker From: Westminster, CO Nov 27, 2004
| Right at the base of Disapearing Belayer in the crack is a rather large bee hive. They appear to be regular old bees because when disturbed, they do not go full bore on your exposed areas. But to be on the safe side, don't disturb them and for sure if they fly around your head and such, don't panic................chances are, they'll leave you alone..... |
By Blitzo Sep 29, 2006
| A fun place for easy soloing. Watch out for bees! |
By Brian in SLC From: Salt Lake City, UT Jan 4, 2010
| Fun routes for the grade, short approach, nice location, warm on a sunny cold day, with pretty ok rock. Added bonus is there's no road traffic. Good little place to take a few folks for some mellow, easier climbs. |
By Mary Moser Jan 31, 2011
| It's kind of funny how the initial description makes Morbid Mound sound so much more morbid than it is. Especially since those who have climbed here have given the routes some stars. Just a silly observation! |
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