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Volcano Boulder Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Volcano Boulder

L › R R › L A › Z

	Hot Lava S 5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
	Magma TR 5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
	Obsidian TR 5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b

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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:	4,109 ft	1,252 m
GPS:	33.9462, -116.0762 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	3,767 total · 13/month
Shared By:	Vernon Stiefel on Oct 26, 2003
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes, Salamanizer Ski Page Updates (admin only)

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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 Volcano Boulder actually consists of two large boulders adjacent to each other on the southwest facing slope of the massive rock pile known as The Volcano. The Volcano is a conglomeration of rocks north northeast of the Lechlinski Crack Formation and is easily seen from the Geology Tour road. Most of the routes ascend bolt protected faces on the largest boulders.

Getting There

Drive south on the Geology Tour Road for about 4.5 miles and park along the side of the road. Don't go too far down the sandy hill unless you have 4 wheel drive! Hike east along the south side of the obvious rubble pile and then boulder hop up to the base of the boulder - the approach takes about 10-15 minutes from the car.