PRINT: Rock Climb Amanda, Joshua Tree National Park

Amanda

5.10a, Trad, 70 ft (21 m),

Avg: 2.8 from 56 votes
FA: Todd Gordon & George Armstrong, October 1995
California > Joshua Tree NP > Hidden Valley Area > Rdside Rocks > Rdside Rocks -… > Hot Tub

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

This is the bolted face route just right of The Dharma Bums (5.8), and climbs past several horizontal cracks up a rippled face.

Protection

5 bolts, gear to 2", bolted anchor/rap

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Cool climb. (Pic: JS)

Joan following on Amanda.

Look close for the rapping climber...

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Matt Hagny

5.10a

Hmm, it's possible I've been following the wrong line the last few times I climbed this -- following what is shown in Miramontes 3rd ed. This would be using the first 3 bolts of We Never Get the Girls before doing a hand-traverse (protected by a #2 cam) to reach the bolts in the dihedral. Now I notice the photos on this page, one of which shows climbing straight up to that dihedral via thin seams (although TR'ing in the pic with only a directional) -- looks like it could be protected going that way (teeny cams), and plausibly 10a-looking. I kinda like my variation, but need to go try this direct line.

I also notice now the description for We Never Get the Girls, which states that only the first bolt is shared with Amanda (not 3 bolts). So maybe the original path of Amanda was thru this bolt, traversing left until directly under the dihedral, and up the web of thin cracks and plates near Dharma. Anybody know? Feb 15, 2019

Brandon R
CA

As Matt suggests above, the photo/topo in the Miramontes book is very wrong. There's a lower bolt not shown that is shared by this route and We Never Get the Girls. Amanda climbs straight up, and is well protected by 5 bolts, and a few small cams and medium nuts. Nov 28, 2022

J J
CA

5.10a

A really good climb, steep face to slab to mantle. Well protected. Apr 14, 2024