All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Central Joshua… > Comic Book Area

Sphinx Rock Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Sphinx Rock

L › R R › L A › Z

	Afterthought T 5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Cherry Blossom T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Cleopatra T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Don't Touch That Flake T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Riddle of the Sphinx T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
	Using Your Nose T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a

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Elevation:	4,356 ft	1,328 m
GPS:	34.01466, -116.14454 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	6,128 total · 23/month
Shared By:	Randy on Jan 17, 2003
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures 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.

For a complete list of climbing rules and closures visit:
nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/…

Description

This formation is actually the very "toe" of Mary Worth Buttress; and the first climbs you will reach in the Comic Book Area from the car. The trail passes within a few feet west of it, near the routes Cherry Blossom and Don't Touch That Flake.

A great place to begin or end your visit to the Comic Book Area.

Two routes make this spot particularly worth the visit: Cleopatra (5.11b***) and Afterthought (5.11a/b**). Cherry Blossom (5.10a*) is a good warm up.

Getting There

From Echo Rock turnoff (used to be Echo Tee, but the road just curves here now), drive east on the road to Barker Dam (Big Horn Pass Road) for approximately 0.4 miles. Turnouts located on both sides of the road will be found here.

A marked trail heads south which leads to the Comic Book Area. This is the first rocks you will encounter at the actual Comic Book Area; the trail literally passes a few yards west of the base.

The Sphinx is named after the large squarish block sitting upper left (Cleopatra is located on this block). The other routes on the slab down and right, nearer the trail.