Climb The Spire in Joshua Tree National Park

Twentynine Palms, California

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

0.75 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The LA Field Guide

This striking rock pillar is a great photo spot for those brave enough to stand on top! No rock climbing experience necessary.

Park at the Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead. Instead of going into Hidden Valley, follow the obvious climber's trails to the Southwest for about 3/4 mile keeping the rocks of Hidden Valley on your right. The trail wraps around the outside edge of Hidden Valley, turning Northwest. After about 20 minutes you'll be there! You can't miss the distinctive spire sticking up from the rocks.

To get to the top, scramble around the backside of the spire and make a few easy 5th class moves to the summit. Although not very difficult, the climbing is exposed and dangerous. A fall could lead to serious injury. Know your limits, exercise good judgement, have your buddy spot your landing, and stay safe out there.

Don't forget to snap a picture!

**although this can be done year round, Joshua Tree is absurdly hot during the summer. This is most enjoyable as a Spring or Fall trip**

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Rock Climbing

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Groups

Picnic Area

Scenic

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Turn off of Park Blvd near Intersection Rock (there will be signs for the turn) and follow the paved road for about a minute. There is a large parking lot with many picnic tables. The trail begins with a slight uphill of around 100 ft and continues through a opening between two large rocks. After this opening the trail comes into a wide valley. This loop can be done in either direction, so ...

Rock Climb Locomotion in Joshua Tree National Park

Locomotion is a great spot to set up for the day and enjoy the world class climbing that Joshua Tree has to offer. Camp at the nearby and coveted Hidden Valley Campground and you'll be within walking distance to Locomotion and a dozen other quality climbing spots. Joshua Tree really is a camping/climbing paradise. If you're not camping but have the luxury of making a day trip to Joshua Tree, pa...

Climb at Intersection Rock in Joshua Tree

Intersection Rock is located in the Hidden Valley Campground with lots of parking!Overhang bypass route5.72 PitchesStandard Trad RackIntersection Rock has many classic routes- I found right ski track and overhang bypass to be 2 of my favorite routes in j tree.Start left of the flake in a crack, there are several different options for the first pitch- we did this climb twice and took 2 different...

Camp at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is known for its world class rock climbing, out of this world landscapes, and some of the darkest skies around. Having a base camp inside of the park is incredibly important as it's quite massive and I found that Hidden Valley Campground is strategically placed smack dab near the centre of the park. It's also extremely photogenic, as is the entire park, actually. Scout...

Watch the Sunset from Echo Rock

Park your car at the Echo Rock Parking Area. The trail starts next to the outhouse and heads north. As you walk through the sand, there is a large rock pile to your right, the top of that is your destination. Continue walking until you've reached the far north end of the rock formation and then turn right and walk along the northern end of the pile until you find a good spot to start your sc...

Climb at the Hall of Horrors in Joshua Tree

The Hall of Horrors is across the road from the well-known Saddle Rocks. There is good space in this crag, so don't be discouraged with a full parking lot. Like most places in Joshua Tree, the weather is the largest dictator on when and where you'll climb. There isn't much shade here, so waiting for the cooler months is your best bet. Most of the routes here are trad, but there are some nice sp...