The Sawtooth Ascent - Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National ParkRock ClimbingScramblingDay HikeWanderlust

Dec 10

Explor Date: November 20 of 2022

This particular formation and area of the park seems to have some kind of draw to me. I’ve always been fascinated with that huge diamond shaped chunk over on the left side of this photo. But before even getting close to that area, the large group on the left has one of the largest dikes that I’ve seen in the park. The material that makes up the diagonal slice are huge, much larger than your average intrusion. And this one seems to create a jagged, sawtooth-like set of steps that lead from the bottom of the pile up towards the right. Why haven’t I ever tried to climb those steps to see what’s on top, I asked myself.

“I dunno.”

Which lead to this plan, diagramed above. Should be easy.

As I made my approach, I was confident that in a short matter of time I would be standing on top of the pile.

So far, so good.

The size of these chunks was amazing, and they seemed to lead the right way.

However, once I had climbed the Sawtooth Ladder as high as it went, just up to that overhang at the top of the photo above right, that was the end of the road. Someone more nimble than I could have probably managed to jump from the end of the ladder over to another area of rock and continue on, but that person wasn’t me. But it’s not like I’ve never been quartz thwarted before. I headed back down and swung wide around, then ascended a small canyon to get to the viewpoint below, which shows at the bottom left corner that overhang that stopped me.

Since I was already quite a ways up, why not go higher. Imagine my surprise to peer up over a small jumble of rocks and spot a Pteranodon!

An example of why this region is one of my favorites. Less than a five minute walk from a pullout on Park Blvd and you’re in areas like this, an explorer’s delight.

I would have my try at that formation, the Balanced Rock of Spooky Hollow, later in this journey.

While taking this shot of Diamond head, I noticed another diagonal dike of huge proportions leading up towards the top right corner of this photo. Perhaps this would be a chance to redeem myself against the rocks.

And this looked like an even easier climb than my earlier try. Let’s see how this goes.

Well, when I had climbed the staircase as far as I could, I was turned away again at the end. It would have taken some shimmying and clinging, and the steepness of this area doesn’t show well in this shot. Discretion won and I returned down the staircase. Rocks 2, Exploratographer 0. Better safe than injured, as I haven’t yet reached medicare age.

But even though the staircase was a flop, this view was worth the climb.

After a brief rest for a drink and some snacks, it was time to continue on and see what else I could find.

Two eyes, or three?

Life imitates Geology

Was delighted to finally find “Bucktooth Arch.”

After a bit more aimless wandering, I someone found myself on the trail that takes you past Face Rock. I had been looking for the Evil Bunny, but he evaded me this trip.

I often wonder how much different this area must have looked, back when there was enough water and forage for livestock. The early day ranchers always seemed to find places to dam up, creating reservoirs of varying size throughout the park. So where was the spring or reservoir that kept this water trough filled? As it’s along the side of a major wash, water must have been available somewhere nearby.

Bonus points if you know where this gnarly boulder is.

And this is what a typical track of mine looks like when I’m out in the boonrocks. A little over three miles wanderclimbing, roughly three hours. I saw maybe half a dozen people during this trek, most when I was along the trail towards Face Rock. Check the area out, it’s just a bit east of Skull Rock. You’ll see a bunch of neat stuff without the crowds.

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