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Gunsmoke Area

California > Joshua Tree NP > Central Joshua… > Barker Dam Area
Warning Access Issue: NEW RESTRICTIONS DetailsDrop down
Warning Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures DetailsDrop down

Description

The Gunsmoke Traverse (V3) is the main attraction here, but several other quality problems can be found in the vicinity. Southern exposure makes this a hot one during mid-day.

Note: A large boulder fell off to the right of Gunsmoke in February 2003. The routes Fists of Fury and Enter the Dragon no longer exist, as well as a newer bolted line that had been put up several weeks before; Gunsmoke was unaffected.

Getting There

Bike, walk, or drive to Barker Dam Day Use Area, 1.5 miles northeast of Hidden Valley Campground along newly paved road. From the parking area, walk the Barker Dam Loop Trail clockwise until you see an interpretive sign for 'Manzanita - Little Apples'. (If the first sign you pass says 'Turbinella Oak - Co-Evolution', you're going the wrong direction). Bear right (north) off main trail for approximately 150 yards to the Gunsmoke alcove, or just follow the throng of other boulderers.

Routes from Left to Right

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 2
Die-Hedral
Trad
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 4
Fists of Fury
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 2
Enter the Dragon
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 2
Jack the Ripper
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 2
Jack the Chimney
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Die-Hedral
 2
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
Fists of Fury
 4
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
Enter the Dragon
 2
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
Jack the Ripper
 2
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Jack the Chimney
 2
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Chris Sharma setting up for the crux sequence on the infamous fallen block.<br>
Photo: Alex Shainman
[Hide Photo] Chris Sharma setting up for the crux sequence on the infamous fallen block. Photo: Alex Shainman
Looking west from near Gunsmoke, Joshua Tree NP
[Hide Photo] Looking west from near Gunsmoke, Joshua Tree NP