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Mt. Bob

California > Joshua Tree NP > Indian Cove > Sneakeye Canyon
Warning Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures DetailsDrop down

Description

High up on the hillside above Gunsight Canyon lies Mt. Bob. It's the tallest point you see from the Nature Loop / Gunsight Trailhead.

Traditionally climbed via the south where a 3rd class route to the summit exists, recent exploration though has opened 5th class options on the North Ridge. With a near mile of 3rd class scrambling as an approach, this massif above Gunsight Canyon offers a feeling of alpine climbing higher above the desert floor. 

Getting There

Please check the map to see the scramble routes for Mt Bob.

Starting at the Nature Loop TH, head out past Jailhouse Rock and turn right on a footpath leading towards Sneakeye Canyon. Follow this path to the base of the canyon and begin your scramble upwards. There are many paths up the canyon so find your route and try to make steady progress as you move through obstacles. It is complex and enjoyable scrambling for the next 3/4th of a mile.

After passing a slot canyon, stay in low terrain past the house sized boulders, and continue upwards until you gain the sandy benches. These are a series of water-carved hole features that you will find in the upper canyon after passing a prominent scrub oak.

At the Sandy benches you will begin your off trail travel uphill to the right. Do not be fooled by the pinnacles you currently see above you as Mt Bob will not be visible for some time. Try to remain low as you navigate the terrain, and you will have less sideways travel to do later.

Staying with the low navigation will send you through a small flat meadow, over another boulder field and deliver you to the notch below the NE Ridge.

Routes from Left to Right

Easy 5th 1+ 3 I 5 M 1c
 1
Northeast Gully
Trad 2 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 3
A Rattlesnake in the Dark
Trad 3 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Northeast Gully
 1
Easy 5th 1+ 3 I 5 M 1c Trad 2 pitches
A Rattlesnake in the Dark
 3
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 3 pitches

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