All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Wonderland of R… > Wonderland North > Grey Giant Area

Grey Giant Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Grey Giant

L › R R › L A › Z

	5 Crying Cowboys T 5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
	DMB, The T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Hyperion T 5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
	Illusion T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Jewel of Denial, The T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Liver Brothers S 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Two Left Feet T 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a

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Elevation:	4,329 ft	1,319 m
GPS:	34.06395, -116.15202 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	8,213 total · 33/month
Shared By:	Vernon Stiefel on Dec 20, 2005
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

The Grey Giant was one of the first crags in the Wonderland to be developed by several world renowned climbers (e.g. John Long, Tony Yaniro, Tobin Sorenson) in the early 70's. It is home to the three pitch classic Hyperion, a physically and mentally demanding route that travels along an arching crack underneath a roof for the first two pitches. Other worthy crack climbs include Lithophiliac, Transfusion, The Coliseum, and Dawn Yawn. There are also good slab routes on the south face.

The view from the summit boulder on top of the Grey Giant is all encompassing and should not be missed.

Getting There

Begin in the parking lot near Key's Corner where the Boyscout trail to Indian Cove is located. Head northeast on the well-marked trail for about a mile. When the trail forks, take the trail that veers northeast. The trail ends in a wash that branches northeast and south after another 1.5 miles.

The Atom Smasher Boulders and Timbuktu Towers lie to the northeast. Take the wash that veers in a southerly direction and follow it as it meanders towards the Grey Giant. The adventurous portion of the approach begins where numerous large boulders suddenly appear in the wash. Time consuming boulder hopping and tunnelling is required to reach the south facing base of the awe-inspiring Grey Giant.