Red Obelisk in Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Wonderland of Rocks area. Small but fine this obscure 30 feet formation screams to be climbed as it towers above the high desert floor. No problem for our Swiss friend Martin Clalüna.
Don Juan Boulder in Wonderland of Rocks in Joshua Tree Nationalpark. This route is called “the Duke” and is given an A0/5.9 rating. A0 is the lowest rating on the aid climbing scale. Aid climbing means ascending a rock with the help of gear. In this case it is a fixed rope that needs to be lassoed over a horn at the lip of the boulder! YES… Get your cowboy on and lasso the horn – ascend the rope – then enjoy beautiful and classic 5.9 Joshua Tree slab climbing. With this climb being the easiest way to get up “Don Juan”, not many people can claim to have been up there (it may take forever to actually sling the horn on its sweet spot). Who’s up for a try? Gotta love these shenanigans!
Climbing “figures on a landscape” a stunning 3 pitch ultra Classic in Joshua Tree Nationalpark. This, like many of the J Tree routes is a must do climb. Here on the money pitch #1
Climbing “Figures on a landscape” a stunning 3 pitch ultra Classic in Joshua Tree Nationalpark. This, like many of the J Tree routes is a must do climb. Here on the money pitch #1
“Fireman’s” belay. While rappelling you should always be backed up in case you are not able to hold your (break) rope anymore. There is a variety of friction hitches that do the job perfectly. However, in case you have your partner already down at the ground/anchor station – you can have him/her hold both (brake) ropes as a back up. As a fireman’s belayer you just have to pull the ropes tight to bring an unwanted descent to stop. I hope you won’t find yourself in that situation ever but be aware of the importance of having a backup.
