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Emerald City Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Emerald City

L › R R › L A › Z

	Baby Rattler (aka In the Green Room) T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Gypsy Boots T A2+
	Is that a Munchkin in your Pocket S,TR 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Rattler, The T 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
	Snake Book T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Tick Attack T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Wicked Witch of the West T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Yellow Brick Road S 5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a

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Elevation:	4,122 ft	1,256 m
GPS:	34.03185, -116.04173 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	12,744 total · 47/month
Shared By:	C Miller on Nov 8, 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

This is the very attractive brown wall with several excellent crack and face lines. Hidden from view until almost at the base, this is a crag well worth seeking out.

Despite many of the climbs receiving multiple stars in various guidebooks, this is still a place where you won't see many people.

Once also known as the Reptilian Roost.

Getting There

Hike up the main wash from the northern parking area and make a left up the second gully on the left at some giant boulders (the Poppie Field Boulders).

Wander up a trail along the right edge of the boulders and continue upward until leveling out into a flat valley.

Emerald City is the attractive west-facing wall on the hillside to your left.

The approach takes about 45-60 minutes.

8 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Emerald City

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

5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b 28 ● The Rattler Trad
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c 30 ● Snake Book Trad
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c 10 ● Is that a Munchkin in your Pocket Sport, TR