All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Central Joshua… > Echo Rock Area > Big Hunk

Poker Face Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Poker Face

L › R R › L A › Z

	Aces & Eights S 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Bluff, The T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Busted & Broke S 5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c
	Card Sharp, The T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Comp T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Dealer's Choice T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
	Double Down TR 5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
	Flop, The T 5.2 3 8 II 8 D 2c
	Gambler, The TR 5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Jackpot T 5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c
	Liquor in the Front S 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Lucky 7 S 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
	Pair of Jacks T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Pit Boss S 5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Played S 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Poker in the Rear S 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	River, The T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13
	Slot Machine T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Turn, The T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13
	Well Played S 5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Whale S 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b

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Explore this area in 3D

Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	4,327 ft	1,319 m
GPS:	34.02749, -116.15106 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	26,765 total · 203/month
Shared By:	Gunkswest on Nov 8, 2015 · Updates
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes, Salamanizer Ski Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

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 shady face sits behind the Rich and Famous Cliff on the back (NE) side of the Big Hunk. This cliff gets almost no sun from early November onward, so go in warmer weather.

Many of the routes have fixed anchors.

Getting There

The Poker Face may be approached from the Barker Dam parking area or the Echo Rock parking area.

From Echo Rock parking area, follow the trail past Swept Away and past the west end of the Big Hunk (ZZZZZs and the Shady Grove). Continue toward the Barker Dam trail to reach the Rich and Famous Cliff. Go up around the left (E) side of the Rich and Famous Cliff into a small canyon with boulders. Directly behind and slightly west (right) of the Rich and Famous cliff is the Poker Face.