One of my most memorable bouldering experiences was at Joshua Tree National Park, California—a true paradise for climbers. The unique monzogranite formations, crisp desert air, and endless problems make it an unforgettable spot.
I spent most of my time at Hemingway Buttress and Hidden Valley, working on classic routes like White Rastafarian (V3) and the slabby but technical Stem Gem (V4). The friction on J-Tree granite is unreal, but it also chews up your fingertips fast! One of the biggest challenges was adapting to the high footwork precision required—no easy jugs or bomber pockets here. Every move had to be intentional, and trust in those tiny edges was key.
One of my favorite moments was sending Pinhead (V2) near Cap Rock at sunset, with an epic golden glow washing over the desert. Nothing beats topping out a problem and soaking in those panoramic views of Joshua Tree’s alien-like landscape.
What are some of your favorite bouldering spots? Anyone else had the “slab panic” moment at J-Tree?
@Nakisa, you hit on a sweet spot. I was at Joshua Tree this time last year and did some bouldering.
Cap Rock was one of the first places I tried bouldering in Joshua Tree. It humbled me fast. I walked up thinking I’d knock out a few problems, no problem—yeah, no. The rock felt grippy but also unforgiving, and I kept slipping off holds that looked way easier from the ground. One move in particular had me stuck for way too long, just dangling there, trying to figure out what to do with my feet.
But after a few tries (and a couple of hard landings), I finally sent it. The balance moves and tricky crimps kept me on my toes, but that’s what made it fun. The vibe was super chill, too. I ran into a few other climbers who gave me some pointers and let me borrow an extra crash pad.
Did you go with a group or solo?