All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Pinto Basin > OZ Area > Magic Mtn Area

The Tusk Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map This is our best guess at this area's location.
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Routes in The Tusk

L › R R › L A › Z

	Black Rhino T 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
	Endangered Species T 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13
	Flakey Friends T,TR 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Oatmeal Eating Aardvarks T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Poaching Ivory T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c

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Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

GPS:	34.06911, -116.04105 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	4,675 total · 21/month
Shared By:	C Miller on Feb 17, 2006
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

The Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent's Compendium states that:
1. Vegetation is not allowed to be used as an anchor.
2. Only neutral or rock colored bolt hangers are allowed.

For a complete list of climbing rules and closures visit:
nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/…

Description

The Tusk is a prominent 50' tower of good quality rock sitting atop a rubble pile just inside the Park entrance. Despite it's small size there are lots of routes on the formation and a good half day can be had here close to the car. Be aware that the exposed nature of the formation makes this a poor choice if windy. Despite the all-bolted nature of the climbs there are no fixed anchors. An easy downclimb off the northeast side is the descent.

Getting There

Park in a large pullout with an exhibit 0.5 miles south of the Park entrance and hike 200 meters to the formation which sits atop a small rubble pile; the easiest path through the boulders at the base is by heading for the southwest corner of the formation. Allow 5 minutes for this casual approach.