The view south from Hidden Valley Campground. Joshua Tree National Park.
Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
I love Joshua Tree National Park (JTree). I have lived in California since 1974 and have been all over the state, but I had never been to JTree until 2009, shortly after I started rock climbing outdoors in ernest. I have visited JTree many times since that first trip in January 2009.
My second climb ever in Joshua Tree, 2009. Learning the fine art of friction climbing. Photo credit: Emily Barry
This last November I attended the 5th Annual JTree Tweetup (#JTreeTweetUp). Yes, it is just like it sounds, a gathering in Joshua Tree of climbers who met on Twitter. I had no idea when I started using Twitter that it would be my most productive climber network. I met Eileen (@rockgrrl), the originator of the #JTreeTweetUp, early into my Twitter life. She is very friendly and helpful and has a great website. Three years ago she encouraged me to come to a #JTreeTweetUp. So, off I went for the first time to climb with a group of climbers I had never met in-real-life. I had a great trip and I have returned every year for the #JTreeTweetup. For this #JTreeTweetup, we were met with fabulous weather and awesome climbing! We spent some time in favorite areas like Thin Wall, but also climbed areas that I had never been to before. This trip was about more than climbing, though. For example, my husband (the Huz), Sport, and I spent a week camping in Ryan campground with our new R-Pod trailer. In 33 years of marriage we always camped in tents or backpacked, but finally decided this year we would upgrade to a trailer. I may never camp in a tent again! I slept well, cooked actual meals, and stayed remarkably clean. I’m sold!
Sport loves our new R-Pod. We occasionally let him up on this bed… unlike at home! Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
I had several other objectives for this trip. First, I am a 2013/2014 Stonewear Designs Ambassador, and brought several pieces along to product test and review. I had hiking, running, and climbing plans for product testing. Second, I wanted to devote some serious time to using my Cannon 60D camera. The Huz & Sport went off to the Colorado River for a few days so I had some time alone before the TweetUp. I brushed up on my photography skills by taking a hike up Ryan Mountain at sunset to take photos. The hike up Ryan Mountain was great, I highly recommend it. I returned by headlamp as it was getting dark. That alone made for a wonderful hike.
Sunset from atop Ryan Mountain. Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
My last objective was to get some serious running in while on the trip since I was training for the California International Marathon in December. A friend suggested taking Keys View Road for my long run, which was a great workout. Except for a few spots, the grade is not too steep, just enough to get your attention. I wanted to run on a road because I was alone. In addition, many of the trails in Joshua Tree are sandy, so running can be a bit of a challenge. This route was beautiful and just about perfect for what I had in mind.
Beautiful run on the Key View Road in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
That night I met up with Eileen’s group to get the climbing schedule. People came and went according to their own schedules, but climbing was planned for each day Friday through Sunday. We started Friday at Atlantis Wall, which was exciting since the year before we were unable to climb that wall, but climbed Minotaur Wall instead. The climbs at Atlantis Wall were great – I climbed Solar Technology (5.6), Men with Cow’s Heads (5.5) and Wet Pigeon (5.8) and I attempted Ceremony (5.10c). I will definitely be back to this area on a future JTree trip!
#JTreeTweetUp folks climbing on Atlantis Wall, Joshua Tree National Park.
Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
We spent most Saturday at Thin Wall. I’ve climbed at Thin Wall more than anywhere else in JTree, but I always enjoy the routes. Plus, it was verging on hot in the sun but chilly in the shade so the shade was very welcome! The route difficulty ranges from 5.6 to 5.11a. I’ve climbed or attempted to climb every route on this wall, so each trip I have a comparison to make. I was very happy with how familiar the routes felt. Part of our group spent the afternoon at Brown Wall and climbed Captain Kronos 5.9 and Brown and Serve 5.11a.
Thin Wall, right side. Joshua Tree National Park. Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
Thin Wall, left side. Joshua Tree National Park. Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
Sunday the group split with some going to Hemingway Buttress – East Face Left and my group going to Hemingway Buttress – East Face Right. This was a completely new area for both me and Eileen. We wandered around looking for it until we saw some of our group climbing on the routes. This part of Hemingway Wall is located in an alcove, almost like a grotto. It’s quiet and hidden, pretty fun on a very busy and crowded day in JTree. The routes were really fun, but be warned, we all agreed that the ratings on this wall seemed a little sandbagged. We climbed For Who the Poodle Tolls 5.9, A Farewell to Poodles 5.9, and Head Over Heals 5.10a.
Hemingway Wall – East Face Right Side. Joshua Tree National Park. Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
Eileen on Head Over Heals 5.10a Hemingway Wall – East Face Right Side. Joshua Tree National Park. Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
This was my first time at JTree as a Stonewear Design Ambassador and I was really looking forward to testing out my selections. I brought my Lola Hoody, Alpha Hoody, Crossback Top, Rockin’ Pants and Sprinter Capris. It turned out that I basically lived in my Stonewear Designs clothing this trip, especially my Rockin’ Pants, Crossback Top, and Alpha Hoody which I wore every day to climb. These pieces were so comfortable and perfect for the weather that I just didn’t want to change! It was chilly in the shade so I needed layering and a warm – but not too warm – top. The Alpha Hoody layered with a silk weight thermal was perfect. Joshua Tree rock is rough, like really rough sandpaper, and I tend to use my elbows and knees to brace when I climb in general, but neither the Alpha Hoody nor the Rockin’ Pant pilled or tore and the dirt brushed off really easily. I have to add that the Alpha Hoody/Rockin’ Pant combination is also great for hiking in chilly weather. It was perfect for my sunset Ryan Mountain hike.
My first self portrait with my Cannon 60D and my tripod. My Alpha Hoody and Rockin’ Pants were perfect for this hike! Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
From Left: Thin Wall climbing rocking the Alpha Hoody and Rockin’ Pant.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Shapiro. Ready to climb in my Alpha Hoody and Rockin’ Pants!
Photo Credit: Eileen Ringwald
When it was warmer I put on my very favorite Lola Hoody. And, as my earlier review of this top said, it continues to perform like a champ. I did my long run in my Sprinter Capris, and Crossback Top. I have found that the Crossback Top is so comfortable that I it feels like it was custom made for me. It has become my long run go-to sports bra. I always make sure it’s ready to go when I have anything over 6 miles to run. It has been washed and washed and washed countless times, yet it still looks and feels new. The Sprinter Capris are lightweight and breathe well. They also have a pocket in the back that is perfect for a key + one container of Gu. That outfit was a perfect combination for the weather that was unseasonably warm in the sun. Ladies, have a look at the Stonewear Designs catalog. Great clothes perfect for climbing, running, and hiking. And, it is important to me that the their clothes are assembled in the US.
Me and Sport on a run at home – not Joshua Tree but I wanted to show off my Lola Hoody and Sprinter Capris! Photo Credit: Dan Ledesma
This was one of my best trips to JTree. I didn’t necessarily climb many routes, but I enjoyed what I did climb. I got to visit with my #JTreeTweetUp friends. I explored new areas, I did several really nice runs, the hike up Ryan Mountain was beautiful and I learned new photography techniques. I look forward to the trip every year now!
Campfire fun! #JtreeTweetUp 5 Photo Credit: Terrell Barry
Check out my post on climbing in Indian Creek with Eileen in March 2013!
rockmaven56 