The Sentinel Rock Climbing

The Sentinel is the largest, tallest and most impressive formation in the Real Hidden Valley, although it is outdone for title of highest cliff, that honor being taken by the Tumbing Rainbow Formation.

One of the few rocks in Joshua Tree that lends itself to multi-pitch routes, it has a good selection of routes from intermediate to advanced. There are also some bolted routes for the hardman who doesn't mind supplementing fixed gear with some additional pro. The rock is generally solid and clean, with very few exceptions. This large, triangular fin of rock faces primarily east by northeast and west by southwest - as a result, there is almost always something to choose in the shade or sun, whichever suits the season and/or weather. The north and south facing aspects are narrow ridges that provide an scambling descent from most of the routes, or access to a rap station.

There are some classic lines on this rock, but the majority of the better lines are intermediate to advanced in difficulty. By reputation, Fote Hog (5.6) is the wall's best easy line. If you can climb a little harder, there are better routes to start your tour with - the under-appreciated Western Saga (5.9), the thought-provoking Ball Bearing, (5.10a) and a must-do super classic Illusion Dweller (5.10b). Still harder classics include Desert Song (5.11b) a bold line across the lip of a huge roof and Where Eagles Dare (5.11d) a bouldery thin crack start with a challenging face finish.

Hardman routes such as The Chameleon (5.12b), The Tarantula (5.12c), Some Like It Hot (5.12c) and The Scorpion (5.13c) are reputed to be great, although seldom see traffic.