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Rat Rock Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Rat Rock

L › R R › L A › Z

	Arraignment, The T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Bad Lizards T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	False Rat Ledge T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Graduate and Don't Look Back T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Jarheads and City Slickers T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a R
	Mirage T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Rat Ledge T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c

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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.

Elevation:	4,277 ft	1,304 m
GPS:	34.031, -116.1466 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	8,365 total · 32/month
Shared By:	Adam Stackhouse on Feb 5, 2005
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

Rat Rock is mostly made up of trad routes with a couple good sport routes as well. With just a short hike from the new Barker Dam parking lot, it is just across the dam as you walk the nature trail. Hosting at least 14 routes, there is anything from easy to moderate climbing on sun soaked stone with wonderful views of the dam and park area surounding it.

Some crusty stone can be found on the less traveled routes but rock quality is fine all around. For a tour of this rock, climbing up from the dam on Rat Ledge (5.8) and then over the top to a short but fun single bolt line of Damm Dike (5.7) to set a toprope (or drop down for inspired trad lead) on a beautiful right-facing dihedral of Winnin' Time (5.10a). Finally a couple of wild, moderate sport routes can be found with a shared two bolt anchor, just down the rock above The Way It Should Be and Oasis of Eden, Direct Start to finish off the visit.

Getting There

Park at the new Barker Dam parking lot and hit the nature trail toward Barker Dam. Once at the dam, the routes can be reached either by crossing the dam itself (don't fall in...) or by skirting the water around to the east, along the base of Lakeside Rock.