All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Pinto Basin > Stirrup Tank > Stirrup Tank West

Stirrup Rock Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Stirrup Rock

Stirrup Rock - North Face 9 / 2 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 12

Stirrup Rock - South Face 5 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 6

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Elevation:	3,565 ft	1,087 m
GPS:	33.96036, -116.02043 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	21,271 total · 75/month
Shared By:	Alan Nelson on Jan 29, 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 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

Stirrup Rock has something for everyone, anytime of the year. The south face is a wind-sheltered sunbowl on the most frigid days of winter, while the north face catches shade in the warmer seasons. The crag is notable for its bulletproof dark-brown patina, which is flawless, with a smattering of light-colored stone, which isn't. On the south side, Peter Eater Pumpkin Eater is a tricky .10 finger crack with a low crux, while Overpowered By Funk just to the right is an ultra classic 5.12b toprope (or exciting lead). On the north face, Jugular Vein (5.8) is an amazing moderate that swallows gear, while Freckle Face (5.11a) will elicit a smile even as your fingers and forearms pump out for the finishing crux.

Getting There

From the parking area, head west to Zippy rock, then turn right and head north to the major big brown crag with the long tall fingercrack. Scramble around the right(east) end to access the routes on the north side. Descend the slab on the east end to a rap from bolts or a couple easy fifth-class smears down to the boulders.

18 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Stirrup Rock

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

5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b 94 ● New Toy Trad Stirrup Rock - N Face
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 25 ● Jugular Vein Trad Stirrup Rock - N Face
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b 9 ● Australian for Beer Sport Stirrup Rock - N Face
5.10c/d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b 38 ● Peter Eater Pumpkin Eater Trad Stirrup Rock - S Face
5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c 12 ● Freckle Face Trad Stirrup Rock - N Face
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c 4 ● Seebolt Trad Stirrup Rock - N Face
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a 4 ● Overpowered By Funk Trad Stirrup Rock - S Face