PRINT: Rock Climb Glory Road, Joshua Tree National Park

Glory Road

5.12a, Sport, 50 ft (15 m),

Avg: 2.6 from 11 votes
FA: Mike Paul & Paul Borne, March 1988
California > Joshua Tree NP > Hidden Valley Area > Rdside Rocks > Rdside Rocks -… > Glory Dome

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

Enjoyable moves on smooth grey rock characterize this route with the crux coming near the top where one encounters a random, and all natural, perfect two-finger pocket. These rare pockets form on occasion and it's the odd route which features one (see Elephant Walk for another example). Bolted anchor/rap.

Well-protected climbing up a steep slab/face within staggering distance of your vehicle make this an obvious choice, yet it rarely sees any action. Two stars out of five.

Location

On the formation just left of Coarse and Buggy, climb up a smooth face with bolts to the right of a left-arching crack system.

Protection

5 bolts, FP, bolted anchor/rap

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Screenshot of AB leading Glory Road

Vanessa Shih on Glory Road.

"Glory Road". Photo by Blitzo.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

RTM

5.12a

I'm usually not one for balancy slab climbing but I found this route to be great fun. Bouldery .11+ edging leads to a seam. From there, excellent .10+ and .11 smears leads to a short vertical headwall with a balls-out crux move (dyno for me). An eye-opener to what your rubber can do when you trust it. Jul 25, 2009

isevil lapelli

5.11d

I love this climb!!! Well protected and not much if any litter after the first bolt. At 5’3”, the crux sequence was amazing. With some serious balance and high feet, it went static for me. Do this climb. Apr 7, 2023