PRINT: Rock Climb Tumbling Dice, Joshua Tree National Park

Tumbling Dice

5.10a R, Trad, 40 ft (12 m),

Avg: 1.9 from 9 votes
FA: David Kozak and Linda Pritchett, May 1987
California > Joshua Tree NP > Central Joshua… > Sheep Pass Area > Cap Rock Area > Cap Rock > Cap Rock - Southeast…

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

Rope up on a ledge that is about 60 feet up and to the right of the start of Nobody Walks in LA. This route starts at the remains of a large, right-facing flake (a brown stain can be seen on the rock showing the original size of the flake). Most of the flake broke off several years after the first ascent, making the climb a bit harder than what it was originally rated and scarier (you used to be able to get gear in the flake).

Get stood up on what is left of the flake and clip a bolt. Pull up onto a ledge and make a couple moves to reach the second bolt. Continue to the top and the communal bolt anchor.

Protection

Two bolts, two bolt communal anchor.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Val mid crux on Tumbling Dice 5.10 R. The first bolt on the route marked above.

Catch a Falling Car (white line), Tumbling Dice (green line) and Dicey Tumbling (yellow line).

Outline of where the flake used to be at the start of Tumbling Dice.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

C Miller
CA

5.10a

Decent climbing, but not as long, or as good as the routes more to the left.

Tumbling Dice

is track five from Exile On Main Street (1972). May 23, 2007

Adam Kimmerly

5.10a PG13

One, scary crux mantel move right before the first bolt, then a couple of delicate slab moves to easy scrambling to the second bolt, then a few more smears to the top. The fall off of the crux would be painful if not an ankle breaker. Deserves at least a PG if not an R. Not really worth the time or the effort... Jan 12, 2009