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Circle Crag Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Circle Crag

L › R R › L A › Z

	A.A. T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Baltimore S 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
	Gin Fizz T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R
	Haberdashery, The T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Have a Beer with Fear T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Mega Missy Makes Manhattans T 5.3 3+ 10 III 9 VD 3a
	Missy Makes a Mess T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
	N.A. T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Peanut Butter and Crimp Sandwich TR 5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
	Pugs in the Tub S 5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c
	Scotch T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R
	Scotch with a Twist T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c R
	Whiskey T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b

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Explore this area in 3D

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.

Elevation:	3,168 ft	966 m
GPS:	34.09637, -116.15769 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	11,864 total · 41/month
Shared By:	Brian Reynolds on Jun 23, 2002
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures Details 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. A permit is required to replace or add new bolts: nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/…

Seasonal Closures:
The presence of a nesting owl in very close proximity to a variety of climbing routes, "Right On," "Orange Flake," "Kid Caligula," requires closure until the nest has been abandoned to ensure the protection of the species for the duration of the nesting activities. This closure will be in effect from February 17, 2026 until June 7, 2026; or until the nest has been abandoned.

The presence of a prairie falcon nesting in very close proximity to a variety of climbing routes requires closure of "Fat Freddie’s Cat,” “Freak Brothers Dome,” “The Weenie,” “Pea Brain,” and “The Red Obelisk." This closure will be in effect from February 17, 2026 until June 7, 2026; or until the nest has been abandoned

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

Description

This small formation sits in the Indian Cove amphitheatre (between the group and family camp areas). There are a handful of short, fun routes in the 5.6 to 5.8 range.

This is one of the most popular areas for beginner groups, and on any given weekend you will find about a mile of webbing wrapped around the tops of the rocks, and a half dozen or so TRs set across the small bowl. There's nothing too staggeringly fun here, but a few routes that are worth doing on a leisurely day sometime.

Be warned, though, this south-facing bowl pretty much channels the sun. It can be HOT!!

Getting There

Circle crag is the small, short bowl at the north side of the Indian Cove amphiteatre, closest to the benches. Drive into the family camp area and turn right -- stay to the right and there will be a small parking area (often full of Boy Scout vans and the like).

Alternate approach: park at Billboard Buttress and head west.