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Hell Rock Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Hell Rock

L › R R › L A › Z

	Bolters are Weak T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c R
	No Rest for the Wicked T 5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
	Route of All Evil T 5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a

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Elevation:	4,141 ft	1,262 m
GPS:	34.06458, -116.21087 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	291 total · 9/month
Shared By:	Gunkswest on Nov 22, 2023
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 cliff is located about 3/4 of a mile as the raven flies from Quail Springs Road/Park Boulevard. It is in the shade first thing in the morning and in the sun in the afternoon.

Getting There

While there is a more direct overland route, the following directions are arguably the most straightforward for first time visitors to Hell Rock:

Park in the paved pullout on Quail Springs Road that is southeast of the Negropolis hill and roughly halfway between the main Negropolis hill and Vagmarken Buttress. From the paved pullout on the northeast side of Quail Springs Road, walk northeast around the first couple of small, rocky hills until you reach a large wash. Walk up the wash, passing a large grove of oak trees on the left (about a 1/2 mile from the paved pullout). Continue up the wash past another rocky hill to a narrow, rocky constriction in the wash. On the upstream side of the narrow, rocky gap, bear slightly left and go about 30 yards to intersect with the eastern end of the Window Loop Trail. Go left (northwest) on the Window Loop Trail for approximately 200 yards. You will then see Hell Rock up on your right (ENE) of the trail. Scramble about 100 yards from the trail up through boulders to the base of the crag. The total approach is just less than a mile from the paved pullout and mostly flat.