The Climbs
 
Joshua Tree has an endless supply of top quality one pitch traditional gear climbs, as well as many bolted sport routes. The rock is a unique granite that is solid, and extremely coarse. We were able to get in around four climbs a day, and mostly stayed in the 5.7 to 5.9 range. I scrapped my way up one 5.10C trad climb, and quickly realized the ratings mean something totally different at J-tree than they do at the climbing gym in Seattle.

 

Tim pulling a cliff hanger on the Headstone.
Tim rapping off Headstone.

Tim thinking "I wish I had longer arms" - Headstone 5.8
Dave climbing 5.6 on the Headstone. Even a 5.6 at Joshua Tree can make you stop and think.

Climbing through the last light of the day. - 
Loose Lady 5.9
(photo by TM)		 Josh Hanging out on the Headstone
Sylvester Stallone's got nothing on me. OK, maybe a few more muscles...
(photo by TM)

For maybe the first time of my life, I was wishing I was thinner so I could fit my whole body inside of this unprotectable off-width. - Hex marks the Poot 5.7
(photo by GS)
Rich showing good slab technique. The slab climbs at J-Tree can be quite thrilling with nothing more positive than the edge of a quarter to hold onto, and less than comforting spacing between bolts. - 5.9

An enjoyable trad climb in the chill of the morning shade. The interesting curve to the right gives it it's name. - 
Dogleg 5.8 (photo by GS)
Look mom, I'm wearing my helmet...
(photo by GS)

Tim, trying to get his "head into it". - Double cross 5.7
The climb is called double cross because of the two horizontal cracks that intersect the climb near the top. It is a very nice 4 star climb.
 

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