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Doug Dornelles
Santa Barbara, CA
udornd00@mcl.ucsb.edu

�����ԹϺ��� Adviser: California’s Joshua Tree has become a winter outpost of sorts for top American sport climbers as well as wet-behind-the-ears novices. And it’s no wonder, considering the not-so-cold temperatures (50s and some 60s during the day); smooth, steep-sided granite outcrops; and plenty of challenging, technical routes. Many of
the most popular climbs are in the Hidden Valley area, between the north and west entrances. Renowned route pioneer Bob Gaines runs a four-day Rockcraft Seminar in early January in the Sheep Pass area. This is a course you’d be wise to consider, as it could have you leading carefully supervised 5.9s by the last day. Food, water, and accommodations are BYO; most clients camp
with the instructors at the Sheep Pass group site. The class costs about $285 per person. Call Bob at 714-854-6250 for details.

As for backpacking, unless you’re willing and able to schlep in all your water–and I mean all your water–I’d steer clear of a three- to four-day backcountry trek and opt instead for a shorter day hike, of which there are many. What little stream and spring water there is in Joshua Tree is strictly off-limits to humans. Thanks to minimal annual rainfall (so far this year
there’s been a measly 1.035 inches) all water must be saved for the resident animal population. All this explains why there are only two multiday trails in the park: the 38-mile California Hiking and Riding Trail from the north entrance to Blackrock, and the 16-mile Boy Scout Trail from Indian Cove to Quail Springs. Call the visitor center at 619-367-7511.