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Geology Tour Road Bouldering Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Geology Tour Road Bouldering

[Redacted] Tank 0 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 2

Berdoo Canyon 0 / 0 / 0 / 4 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 4

Damo's Roof 0 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 2

JERBMFP Cluster 0 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 2

Obtuse Oyster 0 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1

Towers of Uncertainty 0 / 0 / 0 / 30 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 30

Virgin Islands Area 0 / 0 / 1 / 65 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 66

Western Belt 0 / 0 / 1 / 34 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 34

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Elevation:	4,000 ft	1,219 m
GPS:	33.9536, -116.0786 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	136,681 total · 576/month
Shared By:	C Miller on Jan 15, 2007
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

This covers the extensive bouldering along the Geology Tour Road. While a majority of the problems are close to the road some problems require hiking as much as 30 minutes or more. Good coverage exists in the Joshua Tree Bouldering Guide (Miramontes) but lots of new stuff has gone up since it's publication.

The unpaved, but occasionally graded, Geology Tour Road is a fairly good dirt road with lots of washboards and ruts in the first few miles and then a fair bit of soft sand after that. While having a 4WD vehicle is not a necessity it is advisable to have a vechicle with a bit of clearance and one that you feel comfortable driving over the odd rough spot. Be aware that some of the parking spots have a fair bit of soft sand which can spell trouble for those without 4WD, especially if trying to turn around in it. Better to keep the vehicle pointed downhill and drive the extra bit to Squaw Tank where a good turnaroud exists.

* Below is a list of mileage for various spots along the road (mileages listed from the start of the Geology Tour Road).

1.5 - Backcountry Board (on left/east side of road)

3.2 - Western Belt (on right/west side of road)

3.6 - Western Belt (on right/west side of road and at marker #5)

3.8 - Shark Fin Area (on left/east side of road)

4.2 - Volcano Boulder Area/Human Sacrifice Cove (on either side of road at marker #6)

4.5 - Tour Boulders/Dike Boulder (on either side of road)

5.3 - Squaw Tank (on left/east side of road at marker #9)

Getting There

Approach by driving down the Geology Tour Road and park as noted in the particular bouldering area description.

141 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Geology Tour Road Bouldering

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

V0 4 17 ● Slash Babyface Boulder Western Belt > Baby Face Boulder
V0 4 4 ● Unnamed Boulder Towers of Uncer… > Stoney Point Boulder
V0 4 7 ● 3-Star-Crack Boulder Western Belt > Star Boulder
V1 5 4 ● Dripper Right Boulder Virgin Islands… > … > Human Sacrifice… > Dripper Boulder
V1 5 13 ● Purple Helmet Boulder Western Belt > Purple Helmet
V1-2 5 4 ● Base Layer Boulder Towers of Uncer… > Base Layer Boulder
V2+ 5+ 7 ● Dripper Left Boulder Virgin Islands… > … > Human Sacrifice… > Dripper Boulder
V2-3 5+ 14 ● Mirage Boulder Western Belt > Mirage Boulder
V3 6A R 138 ● Slashface Boulder Western Belt > Slash Boulder
V5- 6C 21 ● Dike Face Boulder Virgin Islands… > Lechlinski Crac… > Dike Boulder
V5 6C 14 ● Tips Be Gone Boulder Western Belt > Tips Be Gone Wall
V6 7A 21 ● Pinched Loaf Boulder Western Belt > Pinched Loaf Boulder
V6 7A 5 ● 4-Star Dyno Boulder Western Belt > Star Boulder
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a V0- 4- 15 ● 3-Star Lieback Boulder Western Belt > Star Boulder
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a V0- 4- 4 ● Tumbleweed TR, Boulder Western Belt > Flood Zone