JOSHUA TREE
Joshua Tree Bouldering
Jtree is one of the most unique and challenging places I’ve ever bouldered at, and every trip out there reminds me why it’s such a renowned climbing spot. The rock quality is pretty amazing, it’s textured perfectly and forces you to really think about every single move before leaving the ground. You can’t just throw yourself at a climb and hope for the best, JTree makes you earn every top-out.
The process of workshopping a problem for hours, testing different beta, refining movement, and then finally topping out feels unreal. One second, you’re struggling, doubting if it’s even possible, and the next, you’re standing on top, completely in disbelief that you actually did it. It’s even crazier knowing that the park has been a renowned climbing destination for decades, home to some of the hardest and most historic outdoor problems.
The history of climbing in Joshua Tree goes back to the 70s and 80s, as it was a proving ground for some of the best climbers, with major climbing legends putting up some of the most iconic routes. Climbing in general, and bold highball bouldering started here, and you can still feel that energy when you're on the rock. The no-fall mentality is what made JTree so respected in the climbing world. It’s not just about being strong, it’s about being technical, precise, and mentally tough. The mix of old-school ethics, crazy movement, and just the raw desert environment makes it one of the most famous climbing areas in the world.
I’ve climbed here a few times, and each season brings a completely different experience. The summer can be brutal because the desert heat can kill. The sun bakes the rock, and just being in the light can drain your energy so fast. On hot days, I usually stick to climbing in caves or overhung problems to stay in the shade, but even then, it’s still a fight. Last June, I hopped on White Rastafarian (pictured), and it was such a sick standout from that trip. It’s a tall, committing highball that really makes you dial in your movement while also fighting off that mental fear of being so high up. You can’t just hesitate, you just have to trust yourself and commit.
In the winter, it is the complete opposite and very cold and crisp. I went back this past January, and the temperature changes were wild. If you’re in the sun, it’s perfect, but step into the shade, and you’re freezing. It’s was the kind of cold that stiffens your fingers and makes every hold feel sharper. This trip, I got on JBMFP, a technical slab climb that immediately became my favorite outdoor boulder I’ve ever projected and sent. Slab climbing is a different type of style compared to steep or overhung problems, it’s all about balance, footwork, and keeping your body tight to the wall. There’s no pulling hard or muscling through, it’s just pure technique. On this climb, every move had to be so precise, standing on tiny crystals and keeping my hips close, or else I’d slide right off. The last two moves felt huge for me, being short, and I had to mentally commit even though I was exhausted. As soon as I topped out I sort of went into a state of confusion, just in disbelief, and I still can’t believe it actually happened. (filmed below)
The challenge of Joshua Tree boulders is part of what makes it so special. Every problem is a puzzle, and the supportive energy from friends and other climbers makes a huge difference. Being out there with people who hype you up, encourage you, and celebrate the wins makes climbing so amazing. The climbing community is so welcoming, whether it’s friends you came with or random people you met there, it’s that energy that makes these trips even more memorable. No matter how many times I go, Joshua Tree always delivers. The climbs, the history, the community, and the whole desert environment makes it one of my favorite places to climb. It challenges you in ways that make you a better climber, mentally and physically. Whether I end up getting my projects or not, every trip leaves me feeling stronger and more psyched to come back.