All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Pinto Basin > Jumbo Rock Area

Cunning Rock, Northwest Face Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Cunning Rock, Northwest Face

L › R R › L A › Z

	Live at Leeds S 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Odds And Sods T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Out Of The Wind T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Pure and Easy T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b PG13
	Quadrophenia T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R
	Who Are You? S 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
	Who Came First T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Who's Next T 5.9- 5c 17 VI 16 HVS 4c

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GPS:	34.00249, -116.05927 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
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Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures 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.

For a complete list of climbing rules and closures visit:
nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/…

Description

Cunning Rock is a long formation, north of the road, between Jumbo Rocks Campground and Live Oak Picnic area. The Northwest Face is shady most of the time. As with most other formations in the Jumbo Rocks area, the rock is quite coarse (even by Joshua Tree standards). This formation is called False Moosedog Tower in the 1992 Vogel guide.

Getting There

You can easily walk to this formation from the road. Park at the exhibit sign pullout between Skull Rock and Split Rock / Live Oak intersection. Walk northwest down into a wash and thru a gap in the domes, passing Exhibit Rock on your right. Follow the distinct trail that bends slightly left, and goes past The Wedge and Top Secret Tower (both on your right) before Cunning Rock (also on your right). Continuing along this trail, it bends around Cunning Rock and takes you to the backside of Isles in the Sky.

8 Total Climbs

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Location:	Cunning Rock, Northwest Face Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Cunning Rock, Northwest Face

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 7 ● Live at Leeds Sport

● Live at Leeds

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport

More Classic Climbs in Cunning Rock, Northwest Face »

Sun & Shade

Sun Angles Details:

Routes Mostly Face: Northwest

Details: 'Who's Next' gets sun from ~1 pm to sunset in late Feb. 'Who Came First' is sunny from ~2:30 till sunset. The other routes farther around the corner get sun for an hour or less.