PRINT: Climb All Washed Up, Joshua Tree National Park

All Washed Up

V6, Boulder, 18 ft (5 m),

Avg: 3.9 from 38 votes
FA: John Bachar
California > Joshua Tree NP > Joshua Tree Bou… > Central Joshua… > Cap Rock Boulde… > Sandy Wash Corridor

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

The left side of the face, climb obvious small crimps up overhanging rock of excellent quality. At the higher horizontal somewhat larger crimps provide a bit of relief as you figure out how to negotiate the completely blank, rounded topout and get to that jug that's too far away :) Totally awesome problems and reasonably straightforward for the grade compared to some of Joshua Tree's classic "blank" nightmares!

Protection

Pad. A bit high - you face a 10-12 foot fall at the crux, make sure you have a good spot and/or don't miss your pad.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Nicole Grider

Josh on All Washed Up. Photo by Brandon Reedy.

Christian finishing up the top of All Washed Up

After the rain...

Yay for good crimps!

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Josh Beck

I have a question regarding All Washed Up and am hoping that someone can help, sorry if this gets anally into details: I know where it starts and I know that it goes to the top somewhere. I know where Soar Eagle is and where it actually tops out. However I've seen pictures of "Mr. X on All Washed Up" where Mr. X is going over the rounded top exactly above the starting holds and first few edges on the way up. I've seen pictures where Mr. Y is reputed to be on All Washed Up but is going over the top a few feet right. I've asked everyone I know who's done it and have received a fair mix of answers about where they went over the top. I know that there are at least a couple of variations / linkups that start on All Washed up or Soar Eagle and finish on the other or climb between them, or whatever. So all that babbling aside, does All Washed Up finish in one particular place or does it not matter if you go straight up vs. traversing right (I know there's one of the variations that traverses all the way right to Soar Eagle, which adds confusion). Not trying to be anal, I'm just really curious, as I worked it once on a drizzly evening and surprised myself by getting up to the good hold below the bulge before it got wet in just a couple of tries, and I figure if I'm going to go try to finish it one of these days I should try to direct my energy at the correct (or easier, or more aesthetic, or whatever seems worthwhile) finish if I'm going to be taking that fall a bunch of times, heh...

As an aside, I got your guide at the PBC, Robert, and it looks awesome so far. All the photos should greatly help with finding some of the obscure stuff that I've not looked for before because I didn't even know enough of the surround formations to start looking!

Anyways, thanks for any details you can provide, not trying to be anal and in the end I'll be happy getting over the top anywhere, but it's kinda a tall fall (for my wimpy self) and I figure I should try to find out where to flail around before I start taking it a lot!

josh Apr 29, 2003

RTM

V7 PG13

I'd have to say that most everyone (including myself), goes slightly right before going over, which is barely different from the uber direct because you end up going back left with your left hand to the same sloper as if you went direct. It seems that it would be possible to escape the crux entirely by going all the way to the right, but I have never seen anyone do it.

I also finish Bald Eagle the same as all washed up.

I once watched a little girl (maybe 5 or 6) work a low traverse on the horizontal crack 3 feet from the ground, it was crazy, she was doing "rose" moves, drop knees, and she'd get mad when she botched the sequence. I have never seen such focus in a small child before. Apr 30, 2003

Josh Beck

Thanks for the info! May 12, 2003

Andy L

youtube.com/watch?v=bPNrTUL… Dec 27, 2012

Erik Wessner
Joshua Tree, CA

Not sure I agree with the R rating, it's not that big of a fall and it's into a nice sandy landing. I've taken the fall with no pad and had no issues. Don't let the R rating scare you off, one of my favorite climbs at the park. Feb 11, 2017

Devon Arreola
San Diego

This climb has everything you love from Joshua Tree, sharp holds, a sloper top out, and it's a little tall.
youtube.com/watch?v=68yyY_h… Mar 14, 2021