Rock Climbing in Indian Cove

Rock climbing in Indian Cove

NPS / Hannah Schwalbe

Indian Cove provides many popular rock climbing routes in the northern area of Joshua Tree National Park. Indian Cove is located between the West and North Entrances and can be accessed by its own entrance from Highway 62 and is not connected by road to the rest of the park. Some of the popular rock formations including Billboard Buttress, Pixie Rock, and Short Wall. With a range of difficulties, there are a variety of options around Indian Cove for technical rock climbers of all abilities.

To access climbing areas please use existing climbing access routes to minimize your impact. Learn more about rock climbing on the park website and follow any climbing closures. Climbing guidebooks and hiking maps are available for purchase at park visitor centers. Consider hiring a guide or taking a class if you are learning to climb. Joshua Tree National Park does not maintain anchors or climbing routes, you are responsible for your own safety.

Details

Activity

Rock Climbing

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Indian Cove

Reservations

No

Season

Winter, Spring, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

Climbing routes are not wheelchair accessible, but the base of some climbing routes may be accessible by wheelchair, especially if using off-terrain wheels. However the ground is not even and is not paved so wheelchair users should use caution. The terrain in Indian Cove tends to be mostly hard packed dirt, especially on roads and around picnic areas, but there are locations with soft sand. Terrain can be steep and may have obstacles like boulders. 

Technical rock climbing is a strenuous activity on rugged and difficult to reach terrain. It is important for anyone participating to know their physical capabilities. Always know how to get off of a rock formation before climbing to the top. Most rock formations in the park do not have rap rings and require a specific walk-off, which is often steep, and requires 4th or 5th downclimbing. 

Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed more than 100 feet away from the road or parking area, but service animals are allowed throughout the park. Many formations in Indian Cove are next to a road or campsite where pets are allowed. Pets cannot be left unattended, so please only bring a pet if you plan to have at least one person wait at the base of a climb with the pet. Pets must be on-leash at all times. Crags that may be appropraite for your pet include: Short Wall, Pixie Rock, and Billboard Butress. Many of the climbing routes in Indian Cove are south facing and receive lots of sun. The heat, cactus, and other environmental factors may not be suitable for your pet- consider leaving them at home.