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Elephant Arches Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Elephant Arches

L › R R › L A › Z

	Black President T 5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
	Vice President T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R

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Elevation:	4,404 ft	1,342 m
GPS:	34.04998, -116.1449 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	5,098 total · 19/month
Shared By:	Randy on Nov 19, 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 west facing formation lies in the Southern Wonderland of Rocks in a small north-south valley (Secret Valley). Secret Valley lies northeast of Disneyland Dome and southeast of Diarrhea Dome/Bighorn Mating Grotto. Inauguron Dome and Hard Rock are also found in Secret Valley, to the south and north, respectively, of Elephant Arches.

Elephant Arches is named for the natural arch found on its southern shoulder. Of the 5 recorded routes, the best are Black President (11a) and Vice President (10b R). A rappel anchor is found atop Black President. Alternatively, you may downclimb the southern shoulder of the formation (5.6) traversing over the arch.

Getting There

The most straightforward approach is to walk out the Wonderland Valley from Uncle Willey's, continuing north past the Freak Brothers, Disneyland and Duckwaddle Domes. At a point approximately 400 yards north of Duckwaddle Dome, you should turn right (east) into a valley/wash [this is before the wash you turn into to reach Diarrhea Dome/Bighorn Mating Grotto]. Head east for about 350 yards (passing Gumby Dome). The terrain becomes more jumbled near the end; boulder hop over and down into Secret Valley. Elephant Arches will be to the left (north) and Inauguron Dome to the right (south).