All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Lost Horse Area

S-Crack Formation Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in S-Crack Formation

L › R R › L A › Z

	Furthest Right S Crack T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Jingus Con T 5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
	Left S-Crack T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Middle S Crack T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c R
	Right S Crack T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a

Order Wrong? Sort Routes

Explore this area in 3D

Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	4,190 ft
GPS:	34.01591, -116.18946 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	5,613 total · 22/month
Shared By:	Brian Reynolds on Feb 10, 2003
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

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

Although it is relatively small, the S-Crack Formation's slightly overhang and constantly shaded dark rock give it a slightly ominous appearance on first glance. This is a great little crag, however -- if not for its relatively remote location out past the Lost Horse Ranger Station, it would probably get a lot more traffic than it does. The solid, well-textured rock is some of the best I've climbed on in Joshua Tree.

The centerpiece of the wall are (surprise, surprise), the Left, Middle, and Right S-Cracks, which go at 5.8, 5.11, and 5.9, respectively. (To be perfectly fair, the Middle S Crack is the only one that's really shaped like an S, but I'm willing to overlook that if you are ...) A small pinnacle just to the left offers another 5.11 and a couple more climbs in the 5.8/5.9 range.

The S-Cracks are a bit of a hike, and don't get much traffic, making them a great destination for crowded weekends. They face north-northwest, so the climbs are in the shade most of the day. There's an easy walk-off back and west from the top of the main formation.

Getting There

Park on the Lost Horse Road, at the point where the gate prevents you from driving any further. This parking area is shared with Atlantis, Super Creeps, and a host of other formations, and it usually fills up early. Continue hiking down the road past the gate. After 5-10 minutes, the road turns left and passes below the Lost Horse Ranger Station. Keep walking, keeping to the right at a fork, going up the dirt road to the right of a weather station.

In a couple more minutes, the road will start to loop back around to the right and the S-Crack Formation will appear on your left. A short cross-country walk will get you to the base of the climbs. This formation is approximately 250 yards south of the weather station. If you keep walking up the dirt road for a few more minutes, you'll find a small picnic area and a pit toilet).