PRINT: Climbing in Indian Wave Boulders, Joshua Tree National Park

Indian Wave Boulders

California > Joshua Tree NP > Joshua Tree Bou… > Central Joshua… > Barker Dam Bouldering

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/…

Access Issue: Closures exist in this area, please respect the signage. Details

Many problems and even boulders are closed to climbing due to their proximity to native art and cultural artifacts. Please observe and obey all posted NPS signs.

Description

This collection of scattered boulders east of the Barker Dam parking area is centered around some ancient Native American artifacts and provides a good circuit of mostly moderate bouldering close to the car.

Some of the better problems here include Native Arete (V0), Fat Lip (V0+), Old Wave (V3), New Wave (V5) and The Lion's Cage (V10).

Getting There

Head northeast from the parking lot to pick up a trail heading east to the boulders which lie scattered about the trail. Plan on a 5 minute hike to reach this area.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Indian Wave Boulders 12/27/19

Indian Wave Boulders. San Gorgonio and Hunk Rock.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.

Indian Wave Boulders. San Gorgonio and Hunk Rock. Photo by Blitzo.

Native Arete Boulder. <br>
Photo by Blitzo.

Native Arete Boulder. Photo by Blitzo.

The Lion's Cage and Hunk Rock.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.

The Lion's Cage and Hunk Rock. Photo by Blitzo.

Indian Wave Boulder.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.

Indian Wave Boulder. Photo by Blitzo.

Indian Wave Boulders.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.

Indian Wave Boulders. Photo by Blitzo.

Entrance to The Indian Cave.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.

Entrance to The Indian Cave. Photo by Blitzo.

Indian Wave Boulders. Photo by Blitzo.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

RTM	[Hide Comment] To my knowledge, the entire Indian Wave area is now permanently closed to all climbing, with the sole exception of the Native Arête boulders. May 9, 2016

RTM	[Hide Comment] Thanks rp91320! The Park service has not updated their signage to reflect the closures. The NPS website, and also the 2015 superintendent's compendium both state these expanded closures. Aug 18, 2016