All Locations > California > Joshua Tree NP > Indian Cove > Rattlesnake Canyon > Valley of Kings

The Cranium Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map This is our best guess at this area's location.
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Routes in The Cranium

L › R R › L A › Z

	Alchemy T 5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
	Melon Cracker, The T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a

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GPS:	34.07334, -116.14192 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	2,533 total · 10/month
Shared By:	David Evans on Nov 17, 2003
Admins:	Greg Opland, C Miller, Gunkswest, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Temporary Closure in effect from April 3 to June 15, 2024 Details

Temporary Closure for Nesting Raptors
Date Posted: 4/4/2024
Due to the presence of nesting raptors, the following rock climbing areas are temporarily closed: Slatanic Area, Rattlesnake Buttress, Margaret Thatcher Spire, The Stepping Stones, The Bulkhead, The Dunce Cap, and Commissioner’s Buttress.

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 proud crag is one of the two highest points of "The Valley of the Kings." When standing in the valley and looking up at the "Corregated Wall" it is easily seen up and right and is the highest thing visible. There are two obvious crack systems and to the right of these a big patch of perfect brown varnish.

Getting There

Best approached from the "Rattlesnake Canyon shortcut" (past "Librarian Lust") or from the normal approach, which is all the way up Rattlesnake. If you are at the Witch Hunt, it is the next crag to the south. This whole area is a bit tricky to figure out and usually requires two visits to get the lay of the land.