All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Indian Cove > Rattlesnake Canyon

Indian Country Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Indian Country

L › R R › L A › Z

	A Good Day to Die T 5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a R
	Custer's Last Stand T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Flamboyant Arrow, The T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Last of the Gohegans, The T 5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
	Little Big Horn, The T 5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
	Little Big Man, The T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Tribal Gambling T 5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
	Welcome to Indian Country T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a

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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.

Elevation:	3,879 ft	1,182 m
GPS:	34.08111, -116.14794 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	7,038 total · 27/month
Shared By:	Vernon Stiefel on Dec 15, 2003 · Updates
Admins:	Greg Opland, Mike Morley, C Miller, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes, Gunkswest Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

Access Issue: Temporary Closure in effect from April 3 to June 15, 2024 Details

Temporary Closure for Nesting Raptors
Date Posted: 4/4/2024
Due to the presence of nesting raptors, the following rock climbing areas are temporarily closed: Slatanic Area, Rattlesnake Buttress, Margaret Thatcher Spire, The Stepping Stones, The Bulkhead, The Dunce Cap, and Commissioner’s Buttress.

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

Indian Country consists of a series of steep north facing cliffs in the upper northern reaches of Rattlesnake Canyon. The south facing portion of this large expanse of rock is Cactus City and has a few multi-pitch routes.

Indian Country was developed in the late 80's primarily by Kris Solem, Jan MacCollum, & Herb Laeger. Currently there are about ten established routes ranging from 5.9 to 5.12 and 80' to 120' in length. Many are on impeccable dark gray patina and ascend cracks and steep faces.

The hour long approach involves hiking over rugged terrain and boulder hopping but several of the routes are classic!

Getting There

The shortest approach (but quickest elevation gain)is to veer right off of Rattlesnake Canyon towards the Corral Wall. Pass the base of the Corral Wall and continue into a steep west southwest running boulder strewn drainage. At the top of the ridge lies the easternmost end of Indian Country. Upper Dodge City can easily be seen to the east southeast.

There are many large boulders at the base of the routes which remain shaded for most of the day.