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Touch and Go Face Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Touch and Go Face

L › R R › L A › Z

	Brown Out TR 5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
	Cornerstone, The T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Credibility Gap T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Gilded Lump, The T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Gold Hunk, The T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Hit and Run TR 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Kills Per Minute T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13
	Thrash or Crash T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Touch and Go T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	When Lightning Strikes S 5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a

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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.

Elevation:	4,246 ft	1,294 m
GPS:	34.02559, -116.1574 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	30,412 total · 105/month
Shared By:	Mike Morley on Jun 24, 2002 · Updates
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

Touch and Go

(5.9) is the 3-star classic must-do. However, direct morning sunlight can cause this 5.9 to feel a full grade harder. Vogel lists 6 other routes on the Touch And Go face, ranging from 5.9 to 5.12b/c, none of which see 1/1000 of the traffic of the main attraction.

Getting There

From the "Echo Tee" (where the road branches off to Barker Dam or Hidden Valley Campground), hike north (10 min?) along the wash between Echo Rock (Stichter Quits, Double Dip) and Echo Cove. Touch And Go Face will be on your left (west). Scramble up boulders to get to the base of the routes.