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Human Sacrifice Boulder Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Human Sacrifice Boulder

L › R R › L A › Z

	Defenders of the Farce T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a R
	Dictators of Anarchy (aka The Skinhead Arete) S 5.12c/d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b PG13
	Human Sacrifice T 5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
	New World Order S 5.13c 8a+ 30 X- 31 E7 7a

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Elevation:	4,000 ft	1,219 m
GPS:	33.94714, -116.07409 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	3,529 total · 13/month
Shared By:	C Miller on Nov 7, 2003 · Updates
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

This large block, with it's distinctive and overhanging south face, sits high atop a rubble pile with a somewhat level shelf beneath it providing a convenient spot to drop the packs.

Four known routes are found here, including two of Joshua Tree's more classic sport routes - Dictators of Anarchy (aka The Skinhead Arete) (5.12c) which takes a striking line up the sharp southwest arete and New World Order (5.13) which heads directly up the swell of the impressive south face. The burly and steep crack of Human Sacrifice (5.11c) is found on the southeast face while the northwest face houses the runout Defenders of the Farce (5.10a R) which also happens to be the easiest route to the summit.

Getting There

Walk east passing the Volcano Boulder to this formation, an obvious square block with a overhung south face which resembles a breaking wave.

The easiest way to the formation is a bit tricky - walk along the rubble pile until you reach a house size boulder down low which has split into two, skirting it on it's east (right) side and then continue uphill past it heading right, with minimal scrambling, until just beneath the formation where an easy but exposed scramble will get you to the base.

Should you nail the approach you'll do very little scrambling and boulder hopping but if not you'll end up marooned between massive blocks with huge drop-offs which will slow you down considerably.