Our first four climbs were set up within short walking distance of our camp site in Indian Cove. These first two were specifically chosen by the guides to get all of us neophytes up to speed on basic climbing techniques. Two ropes were set which provided a variety of routes to the top. The first six frames show each of the gang pushing up along different routes rated an 'easy' 5-6. The last two frames show Kurt and Steve making the grade up a dihedral climb, where two rock slabs come together with an inside corner. Click on each thumbnail to see the full scale photo, then return using the browser's back arrow.

Marshall

Marshall

Steve

Steve

Jason

Gary

John, Kurt, Greg

Steve

Climb 3 was located in a neighboring camp site within Indian Cove. We asked and received permission to climb this wall right behind a three tent encampment. From the ground it looked easy. However, despite numerous hand and foot holds, it turned out to be very challenging in spots. Right about where Steve is (second frame) the face bulges out and there is no choice but to go over it. Not everyone made it to the top of this one.

Jason

Steve

Kurt

Marshall

Directly adjacent to our camp site was this imposing rock face. If you had told any of us when we arrived that we would be free-climbing it by afternoon the next day, no one would have believed you. Pictures don't do it justice so you'll just have to trust me that even up close there were few discernable hand and foot holds and the angle of attack was damn steep. The last foot to the top involved clamping my knee to a sharp knob on the face and swinging my alternate leg out to catch the final foothold. Those with fewer miles on the odometer were able to do the splits and avoid scarring their knees. Despite these difficulties, everyone was able to tag the top. Level of difficulty was rated a 5-8.

Gary

Jason

John

Jason

Our second day in Joshua Tree NP began with a series of climbs near Cottonwood camp ground deep inside the park. The rating on this climb depended on route but varied between a 5-8 and 5-9. Most attempted both routes with success. We were all getting better.

Jason & Steve

Marshall

Steve

One of the more difficult climbs attempted by just about everyone in the crew is this one located inside the park. It is a 'crack' climb requiring more arm strength than any of the others. Steve and Jason inch their hands up the crack and follow with there feet. About half way up, Jason puts on a move that even the experienced guides don't believe and becomes a human flag! Ah, to be 16 again.

Steve

Jason

Jason

The first two frames show a 5-10a difficulty rated climb. Bryan (guide) is setting the safety rope and Kurt is attempting to follow the rout set by Brian. The second pair of frames on the first row below are of Greg (guide) and Jason attempting the most difficult climb of the weekend, a 5-11d!! On the lower rank from left to right are John relaxing in the bed of Kurt's pickup truck, Steve under a Joshua tree and finally, the whole weekend adventure gang.

Brian

Kurt

Greg

Jason

John

Steve

The Gang