All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Hidden Valley Area > Hidden Valley C… > Old Woman > Old Woman - W Face

Double Cross

Name: Double Cross
Rating: 3.5

5.7+ YDS 5a French 15 Ewbanks V+ UIAA 13 ZA MVS 4b British

Routes in The Old Woman - West Face

L › R R › L A › Z

	Band Saw T 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b R
	Bridwell-Sustad T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Cavity, The T 5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
	Dandelion T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Dandelion Stem TR 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Dandelion Wine TR 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Dogleg T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Double Cross T 5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Double Start T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Fang, The T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c R
	Iron Man's Traverse T 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b R
	Little Old Lady T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Lower Band T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R
	Middle Band T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
	Northwest Chimney T 5.2 3 8 II 8 D 2c
	Orphan T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Route 499 T,TR 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Sexy Grandma S 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Sexy Grandpa T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Treinte Anos T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R

Order Wrong? Sort Routes

Type:	Trad, 95 ft (29 m)
GPS:	34.01659, -116.16383
FA:	FFA: Woody Stark, Bill Briggs and Dick Webster, 1967
Page Views:	88,500 total · 303/month
Shared By:	Mike Morley on May 9, 2002 · Updates
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

You & This Route

1,968 Opinions

Your To-Do List: ·

Your Star Rating:
Rating

Your Difficulty Rating:
-none- Change

Your Ticks:Add New Tick

-none-

Explore this route 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.

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

One of the best and most accessible of the easier moderates, Double Cross is perhaps the most climbed (i.e, crowded) route in the entire Park. Those who have not yet developed basic jamming technique will find this route quite difficult. Although easily protected, this route has been the site of several serious injuries and a few fatalities over the years.

Begin by climbing 25' up and then traverse left to gain the main crack. Continue for another 70' of stellar hand to fist crack. Belay from 3-bolt anchor.

If crowded (as it often is), consider Double Start (just to the right), Dogleg, or Sexy Grandma.

Descent: Rap to ground (a single 50m rope just barely makes it).

Many, many pages of discussion about the route have been moved to the ?Double Cross Discussion? in the Southern California Forum.