Intersection Rock Fall - Flake and West Chimney closed

Lol same. Both me and my partner stood on it at the same time!!!     

Yesterday, a bunch more signs appeared, surrounding Intersection Rock. I think the final NPS assessment may be a done deal?

Good god, I hope it’s not “Close the area for the next millennium.” But if that is the case, I think the current federal administration might be receptive to an argument that the NPS is suppressing the gonad-motivated aspirations of climbers. 

Note to self: Do not report ANY rock fall to the park.

Half a dozen workers were on top of the rock yesterday for a planned trundle. Road was closed. 

Here’s the trundle. Not sure it went like they planned?

Yes the Park team did trundle the problem flake but it wasn't a clearly safe situation along the route or base in the aftermath. The Park will do another reassessment this week and move from there. 

Bob Gaines wrote:

Here’s the trundle. Not sure it went like they planned?

Certainly more alpine now 

Bob Gaines wrote:

Here’s the trundle. Not sure it went like they planned?

They're gonna need a bigger jack.

“Professionals”   

I for one applaud the nps for taking somewhat quick and appropriate action on this. If it was in the wonderland ,obviously who cares. People stand under this spot all the time and ask how do you get the ropes up there.  It took 7 seconds of pry barring to make sure no hippie got mouse trapped in the west chimney so thank you josar. The rock is resting now on the solid rock lookers right side of the west chimney but the left base is still very precariously balanced on a decomposing brick. I think people advocating for embracing the inherent risk of our sport are not wrong but at the end of the day this rock in this location should probably reach the ground. ✌

Thanks for posting the video, Bob Gaines.

From Luke W Brigham: “… the left base is still very precariously balanced on a decomposing brick.”

Sounds not very much different risk wise. Are the routes open now?

They only did half the job. Lower down some more and keep working. 

Honestly a total hack job

No expert, but I would not say it was a total hack job. The NPS went with the easier less costly initial option of manually trying to trundle the rock with their own staff. It did not work out. I do not fault the NPS as they are severely underfunded. At this point a recovery crew will need to be brought in. They will probably use air jacks which logistically is going to take some planning. More over will not be cheap. Thus taking monies away from other needed maintenance. So before heading out to the park. Take a shit beforehand cause some of the toilets may not be open as the monies had to be spent elsewhere so climbers can climb safely.

Where’s DOGE when you need it 

As someone who goes there sometimes and doesn't have every route in the park memorized, If I saw that I'd think "huh that looks a little sketchy, BUT a million people climb it every day so it's probably fine". So I don't think I'd mind a warning sign or two near it. Maybe someone could update the MP pages... https://www.mountainproject.com/route/105721654/the-flake 

Here's the thing... Who cares. The NPS went out there to try and appease the climbers of Joshua Tree, by finding a way to keep the route open and not expose themselves to stupid lawsuits. It didn't work. Just close it, don't allow guiding on it, and occasionally write tickets to people who climb on it so they can say that it was indeed closed in court if someone gets hurt. 

The route was/is mediocre and you all know it. 

The Joshua Tree "climbing community" is truly toxic. 

J E wrote:

Here's the thing... Who cares. The NPS went out there to try and appease the climbers of Joshua Tree, by finding a way to keep the route open and not expose themselves to stupid lawsuits. It didn't work. Just close it, don't allow guiding on it, and occasionally write tickets to people who climb on it so they can say that it was indeed closed in court if someone gets hurt. 

The route was/is mediocre and you all know it. 

The Joshua Tree "climbing community" is truly toxic. 

Troll alert. 

grug g wrote:

Troll alert. 

Nah dude. There is a lot more childish whining and entitlement that comes from jtree than any other climbing area. Go read the boards from other areas and compare.