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The Tusk Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map This is our best guess at this area's location.
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Routes in The Tusk

L › R R › L A › Z

	Black Rhino T 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
	Endangered Species T 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13
	Flakey Friends T,TR 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Oatmeal Eating Aardvarks T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Poaching Ivory T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c

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GPS:	34.06911, -116.04105 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	4,837 total · 20/month
Shared By:	C Miller on Feb 17, 2006
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

The Tusk is a prominent 50' tower of good quality rock sitting atop a rubble pile just inside the Park entrance. Despite it's small size there are lots of routes on the formation and a good half day can be had here close to the car. Be aware that the exposed nature of the formation makes this a poor choice if windy. Despite the all-bolted nature of the climbs there are no fixed anchors. An easy downclimb off the northeast side is the descent.

Getting There

Park in a large pullout with an exhibit 0.5 miles south of the Park entrance and hike 200 meters to the formation which sits atop a small rubble pile; the easiest path through the boulders at the base is by heading for the southwest corner of the formation. Allow 5 minutes for this casual approach.