PRINT: Rock Climb Chernobyl Crack, Joshua Tree National Park

Chernobyl Crack

5.5, Trad, 50 ft (15 m),

Avg: 1.9 from 23 votes
FA: unknown
California > Joshua Tree NP > Pinto Basin > Jumbo Rock Area > Jumbo Rock West > Nuclear Reactor Rock

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

This is an excellent steep hand crack, and would be a good route for a novice leader. It is not in the 1992 Vogel guide.

Location

This is an obvious splitter hand crack near the left end of the southwest face. Approach from the left and start on a ledge.

Protection

standard rack

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From the bottom

Chernobyl Crack

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

DaveGustafson
Palm Desert, CA

Fun route... did it twice just to get good and warmed up. Good to practice the hand jamin' and an easy walk off. In the sun and kinda quiet on what seemed like quite a busy day at the Park. Nov 22, 2009

Rob Selter
running springs Ca

5.5

tape up!! Mar 28, 2012

Alex Wood
Flagstaff, Arizona

5.7

Easy route, but this isn't what I pictured a 5.5 crack to be. Its practically vertical and all hands (which is awesome). Compared to similar 5.7 and 5.8 crack lines at Jtree, I feel like this one should be around that grade. Nov 15, 2012

Matthew Pieper
Henderson, NV

5.6

A burly 5.5. Really got to jam that foot in the start of the second section or get it high. Mar 27, 2024