All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Hidden Valley Area > Hidden Valley Campground

The Blob Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in The Blob

Blob - West Face, The 13 / 0 / 1 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 16

Blob - Southeast Face, The 7 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 8

Blob - East Face, The 5 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 5

Blob - North Face, The 6 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 6

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:	4,200 ft	1,280 m
GPS:	34.01822, -116.16435 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	158,812 total · 545/month
Shared By:	Mike Morley on Jun 17, 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

The Blob is the next large formation north of The Old Woman in Hidden Valley Campground.

On the East Face (facing the campground), Papa Woolsey (5.10b) is one of the few true JT "sport routes". Mama Woolsey (5.10a R) lies just right of Papa Woolsey, and is tricky to protect (think RP's) below the crux and a serious lead. Buissonier is a fun 5.7 around the corner left of the previous routes. Descents for these routes is an exposed walk-off to the south.

On the West Face, The Bong is an easily-protectable 5.4 that makes for an excellent first trad lead (Others include Beginner's Two (5.2) and Beginner's One (5.3). Hobbit Roof (5.10d) is short but sweet, and the crimpy crux is protected with a bolt.

Getting There

Buissonier

and the Woolsey routes are approached through campsite (#21) along paved loop of HVCG. Be sure to ask for permission before charging through an occupied campsite.

35 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location:	The Blob Change
Type:	to Trad Sport Toprope
Quality:
Pitches:
Sort by:	then:

Classic Climbing Routes at The Blob

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c 878 ● The Bong Trad Blob - N Face
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b C2+ R 6 ● Perfidious Trad, Aid Blob - E Face
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 401 ● Buissonier Trad Blob - Southeast Face
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a R 82 ● Mama Woolsey Trad Blob - Southeast Face
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b 248 ● Papa Woolsey Trad Blob - Southeast Face
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b 77 ● Surrealistic Pillar Trad Blob - E Face
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b 7 ● The Wonderful World Of Art Trad Blob - Southeast Face
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b V1- 5- 402 ● Hobbit Roof Trad, Boulder Blob - W Face
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c 5 ● The Persian Room Trad, TR Blob - E Face