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Jailhouse Rock Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Jailhouse Rock

L › R R › L A › Z

	A Snitch In Time T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c R
	Cell Break T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a PG13
	Cellbound T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
	Downsoloist, The T 5.0 2- 4 I 6 MM 1c X
	Gaucho and Crusader T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Home Field Advantage T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13
	Jail Bound T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b PG13
	Jailbreak T 5.3 3+ 10 III 9 VD 3a
	Jailhouse Chimney T 5.0 2- 4 I 6 MM 1c
	Margarita Crack T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c

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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:	3,411 ft	1,040 m
GPS:	34.09376, -116.16885 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	8,978 total · 33/month
Shared By:	Brian Reynolds on Apr 28, 2004 · Updates
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes, Salamanizer Ski 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

Jailhouse Rock is a jumbled up kind of an area at the far west end of Indian Cove. The cliff is sunny most of the day and a short walk from the parking area.

Getting There

Park at the far west end of the campground road, a couple hundred yards southwest of Moosedog Tower. The small parking area is typically used for those hiking Sneakeye Canyon (aka Gunsight). Looking left (east) from the parking, you will be looking at a north-facing, low angle slab with a couple of prominent dikes cutting through it. A lot of people call this slab Jailhouse Rock, but it's not -- it's Nature Trail Wall.

For Jailhouse Rock, walk south on a well-established trail about 50 yards or so and hang a left behind the corner of the formation. There is a small flat area, but you have to do a little bit of scrambling up the wide gully to get to the climbs.

Cellbound (5.5) is at the top of gully (right side of the south face), and the other climbs are a bit left of Cellbound.

To descend the formation, head north from the top of the climbs to the obvious descent through the gully between Jailhouse and Nature Trail rocks.