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The Crypt Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Crypt

L › R R › L A › Z

	Cryptologists, The T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Mummy Dearest T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c R
	Mummy's Curse, The T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
	Sepulcher Explorers T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
	Serf City T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Serf's Up variation T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Tomb Raiders T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Your Tomb or Mine? 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.

GPS:	33.99824, -116.15358 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	7,275 total · 28/month
Shared By:	Bob Gaines on Apr 24, 2005 · Updates
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

The climbs are on the southeast side of the rock (facing the main road) and get sun until mid to late afternnon. In addition to the fun face climbs, there is some great bouldering in the immediate vicinity, including the classic Ilicit Sweetie Boulder (5.7 - V2), and the notorious Nicole Overhang (V8).

Getting There

You can easily spot The Crypt from the main road as you drive past Ryan Campground toward Hall of Horrors. Look for an 80 foot high rock pile located about equidistant between the Love Nest and King Dome. It is located about 100 yards east of the Planet X Formation.If you stand in the right spot at the Hall of Horrors parking lot, you can see the formation.

The best approach is from the Hall of Horrors parking lot. Walk west between the first two rock piles (North Horror Rock will be on your left) then follow the trail as it curves around to the right, to the vicinity of the slab with Hemroidic Terror, Casual, Doin' Life, Jaws, etc. Look for a 20 ft. high, solitary boulder off to the left (NW). From the boulder, follow a sandy wash (heading west) that takes you directly out to The Crypt.