PRINT: Rock Climb Ain't Nothing but a J-Tree Thing, Joshua Tree National Park

Ain't Nothing but a J-Tree Thing

5.6, Trad, 40 ft (12 m),

Avg: 1.9 from 273 votes
FA: Steve Shearer, July 1987
California > Joshua Tree NP > Hidden Valley Area > Real Hidden Valley > Thin Wall

Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures 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.

For a complete list of climbing rules and closures visit:
nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/…

Description

Fun Solo! All there and a real kick. Also a good one for those wishing to lead something solid, easy to protect, easy approach and so on. I give it a "Star" from a solo standpoint.

Protection

This route protects well with a set of stoppers and cams up to 3 inches. Save the your larger pieces of pro to setup bely/top rope in the large crack at the top.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Aint Nothing But A J Tree Thing

Looking up route from below. Short, juggy, and fun!

Brian Hackler

Bill P topping out on Ain't Nothing.

Neale showing his JT style

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Kellen Holt

5.6

A great first lead, with almost no jamming needed and excellent gear. Pretty short though, otherwise it would get more stars. Dec 31, 2005

Nathan Scherneck
Portland, OR

5.5

Agreed. If a friend is looking for their first trad lead, this is a good route. Mar 14, 2010

Matt N

First few feet are pumpy to place gear for a new leader, in my opinion. Oct 31, 2011

RockyR
Encinitas, CA

Was there a month ago. Fun lead! Yes, the 1st 5 ft can be strenuous for a new leader such as myself on placements. Had a great climbing partner/teacher too!! It helped a lot! Overall a great route! May 20, 2012

Bob Klaasic
Westminster, CA

5.6

Lead this on 01/05/2018. Great climb for a beginner leader. Lots of protection opportunities for both nuts and cams. Lots of good gear stances. I used a block and a thin crack sitting about 6 feet over the edge to build my gear anchor. The 5.6 grade is pretty mellow for J-Tree standards in my opinion. Scramble off to climbers right or scramble up and left to setup a top-rope on some of the other bolted anchors. Jan 8, 2018

Triana G
San Marcos

Great first Lead! So many places to build anchors up top, easy walk off, easy stances. May 26, 2019

Da Zip
Pacific Beach

I thought the approach was the crux. I came in from the lower left. Maybe I should have traversed in from the right?
Lots of fun, easy to protect and anchor. Down climb pretty reasonable. Mar 21, 2021