All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Indian Cove > Rattlesnake Canyon > Valley of Kings

The Cranium Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map This is our best guess at this area's location.
Fix Location

Routes in The Cranium

L › R R › L A › Z

	Alchemy T 5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
	Melon Cracker, The T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a

Order Wrong? Sort Routes

Explore this area in 3D

Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

GPS:	34.07334, -116.14192 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	2,702 total · 10/month
Shared By:	David Evans on Nov 17, 2003
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes, Salamanizer Ski Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

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 proud crag is one of the two highest points of "The Valley of the Kings." When standing in the valley and looking up at the "Corregated Wall" it is easily seen up and right and is the highest thing visible. There are two obvious crack systems and to the right of these a big patch of perfect brown varnish.

Getting There

Best approached from the "Rattlesnake Canyon shortcut" (past "Librarian Lust") or from the normal approach, which is all the way up Rattlesnake. If you are at the Witch Hunt, it is the next crag to the south. This whole area is a bit tricky to figure out and usually requires two visits to get the lay of the land.