Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

The Astro Domes

California > Joshua Tree NP > Wonderland of R… > Wonderland South > Wonderland Valley > W Wonderland Valley
Warning Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures DetailsDrop down

Description

These two immense formations at the western edge of the Wonderland Valley absolutely dominate the entire region and are visible from afar as easily recognizable landmarks.

One of the most popular destinations in the Wonderland, The Astro Domes hold an amazing collection of high quality routes on mostly excellent quality stone. Routes here range from 5.1 to 5.13 with single, two, three and even four pitch routes to challenge both body and mind. Climbing here is altogether different experience that will challenge your notions of Joshua Tree as nothing more than grainy slabs with it's soaring flake systems and intricate face climbing up steep thin crimps and edges.

South Astro Dome has many stellar routes including Breakfast of Champions (5.8+), Solid Gold (5.10a), Piggle Pugg (5.10c), Such a Savage (5.11a R), Middle Age Crazy (5.11c/d), Stone Idol (5.12a R), Middle Age Savage (5.12a/b) and Mamunia (5.13a).

North Astro Dome has it's share of quality routes as well - Figures on a Landscape (aka Monkey on My Back) (5.10b R), Astroturf (5.10d), Unknown Soldier (5.11b), Power Fingers (5.12a R) and the Gunslinger (5.12a/b).

Getting There

Park at the Uncle Willie's dirt lot and follow an old road east to a fork in the road and then make a left, bearing north, towards an old pink building (Uncle Willie's Health Food Store).

Head left into a wash and some trees and follow the wash as it curves left (west) and then just past an old retaining wall/dam makes a right heading north. Continue along the wash/trail as it meanders between formations forming a narrow valley. After 0.5 miles or so and just past Foolproof Tower you'll reach the southern end of the expansive Wonderland Valley where the impressive Astro Domes will come into view.

Shortly after entering the valley the trail will fork - take the left fork heading west. A bit of scrambling through some rocks will gain level ground near the base of the massive
. Circle around the north side of the boulder heading towards the South Astro Dome aiming for the left of two gold streaks on the face and follow slabs uphill that parallel the base of the dome.

The North Astro Dome is reached by continuing along the base of the South Astro Dome and then down a bit of rocky terrain to the base. The approach usually takes between 30-45 minutes assuming no route-finding errors are made.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Peter Croft starting Figures.<br>
Photo by Bob Gaines.
[Hide Photo] Peter Croft starting Figures. Photo by Bob Gaines.
Mike Njoten nearing the finish of pitch one on Figures on a Landscape (5.10b), Joshua Tree NP
[Hide Photo] Mike Njoten nearing the finish of pitch one on Figures on a Landscape (5.10b), Joshua Tree NP
Astro Domes from the north
[Hide Photo] Astro Domes from the north
Figures on the cover
[Hide Photo] Figures on the cover
North Astro Dome. Peter Croft on the first pitch of Astroturf (5.10b R)
[Hide Photo] North Astro Dome. Peter Croft on the first pitch of Astroturf (5.10b R)
Darin leading the 2nd pitch. April, 2006.
[Hide Photo] Darin leading the 2nd pitch. April, 2006.
Looking back across the traverse from the first below
[Hide Photo] Looking back across the traverse from the first below
First ever attempt of the Astrodomes line.  April, 2005
[Hide Photo] First ever attempt of the Astrodomes line. April, 2005
Astro Domes<br>
photo by bob gaines
[Hide Photo] Astro Domes photo by bob gaines
bolt one at knees, bolt two a foot below top of pic
[Hide Photo] bolt one at knees, bolt two a foot below top of pic
Astro Domes from the trail
[Hide Photo] Astro Domes from the trail
Astro Domes.<br>
Photo by Blitzo.
[Hide Photo] Astro Domes. Photo by Blitzo.