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Old Woman Mountains Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Old Woman Mountains

Old Woman Spire aka Pk 5,164 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 1

Old Woman Statue 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 1

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Elevation:	4,748 ft
GPS:	34.52159, -115.16489 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	6,956 total · 35/month
Shared By:	Dave Daly on Jan 7, 2008 · Updates
Admins:	C Miller, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

For those who seek obscurities in extreme remote settings, this objective has your name written all over it!

Tucked in the Old Woman Mountain Wilderness (remotely located between Hwy's 62 and 40), the Old Woman Statue is an eye-catching pinnacle that begs the attention of the ever fanatical peakbagger, with both free and aid climbing opportunities.

When viewed from the east, this monolithic structure reselmbles the figure of an old woman draped in a shawl, hunched at the shoulders. The Mojave Indians first spotted this lone figure and identified "her" as 'Nomopeoits' (pronounced "no-mopo-wits"), which simply means "old woman".

In 1961, it was first sought out as an objective of the Sierra Club's Desert Peaks Section but didn't see a true first ascent until 1970 by first ascentionist, Dick Sykes, by means of direct aid.

Since that first ascent, the Old Gal sees very few visitors at her lonely desert lookout. But for those who endure the long desert approach and the near 2-mile hike up to her "hem line", she will reward you with her whispered stories of centuries gone by.

Getting There

For those coming from the west, head east on Hwy 62 to Twentynine Palms (highly suggested to make a gas top off here!). From Twentynine Palms, continue east until the intersection of Hwy 62 and Hwy 177 is reached. Turn left and continue on Hwy 62 for 18.4 miles. Look for a BLM dirt road on the left side of the highway. Turn LEFT onto this road (also known as Cadiz Road, which parallels the Cadiz railway). Once on this dirt road, follow the turn directions and distances below. Begin by resetting your odometer once you turn off Hwy 62 and onto Cadiz Rd.

- Once on Cadiz Rd, drive north 14.3 miles to an intersection (marked by transmission lines heading north)

- Turn RIGHT onto a good dirt road. Pass over the Cadez Railroad tracks at 14.8 and continue on this road (which parallels a set of power transmission lines).

- Turn LEFT at 30.9 miles onto a less maintained dirt road (high clearance vehicles a must! 4x4 vehicles are ideal, especially in the late winter and early spring rainy season).

- Veer right at the Old Woman Wilderness BLM sign at 31.1 miles.

- At 35.7 miles, be on the look-out for a dirt road that joins in from the right side. Be sure to stay on the left side of this section, since the two roads join.

- Reach an intersection with a locked gate on the right side (Painted Rock) at 36.0 miles. Park here and use the ridge above Painted Rock. More directions to follow. Please do not use the road with the locked gate to the right. This is private property and the land owner has politely asked folks not approach Old Woman from that direction.