PRINT: Rock Climbing in Cap Rock, Joshua Tree National Park

Cap Rock

California > Joshua Tree NP > Central Joshua… > Sheep Pass Area > Cap Rock Area

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

One of the best and most popular places for taking beginning climbers, a great moderate boulder circuit and some of the most classic boulder problems in the park make this a popular destination. A good selection of routes of all sorts (slabs, cracks, faces), blissfully short approaches and a great concentration of boulders mean you probably won't be alone but also mean that there's always enough to go around.

Getting There

From Hidden Valley, head east on Quail Springs Road/Park Boulevard about a mile to the Keys' View intersection. Turn right onto Keys' View Road and drive a couple hundred yards. Turn left into the large Cap Rock parking lot. The south face of Cap Rock (where Slim Pickings is located) is directly in front of you, and the southeast face (where Catch a Falling Star is located) is a bit to your right.

To the east of the parking area is a nature trail that provides access to bouldering areas and other rock formations with climbs.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Kurt Smith on the FA of Duncecap (5.13b), Joshua Tree NP<br>
<br>
Photo - K. Smith Collection

Kurt Smith on the FA of Duncecap (5.13b), Joshua Tree NP Photo - K. Smith Collection

Cap Rock as viewed from the nature trail.

Joshua Trees near Cap Rock, Joshua Tree NP

Claret Cup cactus near Cap Rock, Joshua Tree NP

Cap Rock and a touch of color, Joshua Tree NP

Joshua tree and Cap Rock.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.

Joshua tree and Cap Rock. Photo by Blitzo.

The "cap" atop Cap Rock.
<br>
Photo by Blitzo.

The "cap" atop Cap Rock. Photo by Blitzo.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Anonymous Coward

What about the routes to the right of Catch a Falling Star? All of these routes can be toproped from two separate fixed anchors. There seems to be mistakes in Vogel p.362.

Catch me at the Bar isn't 5.10a (Leeper bolt then on to bolt on Catch A Falling Star).

Catch a Falling Car isn't 5.11a (start at flake to two bolts). Have the two routes been switched?

Lastly, where is Tumbling Dice? If this routes goes up the face, there are no bolts except for the high bolt on Event Ho Apr 20, 2005

Randy
Lassitude 33

One of those classic Vogel guide screw ups. Another item to be corrected in Vol. 2 (I am fixing all this stuff).

Route marked 2436 is in fact Catch a Falling Car (10c or so, not 11a).Route Marked 2437 is Tumbling Dice (10a or so).There is no route were 2438 is shown.There is no route called Catch Me At The Bar.

I always appreciate these things being brought up, so I can be sure that I correct every mistake (and not make too many more). Apr 20, 2005