All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Hidden Valley Area > Outback > Steve Canyon Area > Steve Canyon > Sidewinder Rock - W Face

Sidewinder

Name: Sidewinder
Rating: 3.5

5.10b YDS 6a+ French 19 Ewbanks VII- UIAA 19 ZA E2 5b British PG13

Routes in Sidewinder Rock - West Face

L › R R › L A › Z

	Diamondback T 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13
	Invisible Touch T 5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
	Jumping Jack Crack T 5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	King Pin T 5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Kingsnake T 5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
	Munchkinland T 5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
	Rattle and Hum T 5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
	Sidewinder T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b PG13
	Skinny Dip T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R
	Skinny Pin T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a X
	Venucian Fece T 5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c

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Type:	Trad, 70 ft (21 m)
GPS:	34.01865, -116.16611
FA:	Kevin Worral & Eric Schoen, June 1974
Page Views:	14,030 total · 49/month
Shared By:	C Miller on Jul 14, 2002
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

Begin in the center of the formation at a left-facing flake and climb up this to a bolt. Thin face past the bolt is the crux and leads into a left leaning arch to slanting crack which ends at the obvious dike. Mantle up, clip a solitary bolt and make a long, thought-provoking traverse up and left until able to get some gear in a slanting crack before the top.

To descend downclimb/leap across a gap to reach a pinnacle with rap anchors located to the climber's left.

Although not as scary as it might look, it's still somewhat run out and not recommended unless solid at the grade.

Location

Approach from Hidden Valley Campground by skirting along the south end of The Blob and then following a trail along the west face (passing Hobbit Roof) to the mouth of Steve Canyon. As an alternative park on the Quail Springs Road (the main road) and follow a trail leading east towards The Blob and Steve Canyon.

Sidewinder climbs face and cracks up to an obvious left-slanting dike system on the large west-facing formation at the mouth of Steve Canyon.