[pct-l] San Jacinto, 111 and the Palm Springs Tram

[don_wilson at mac.com (Don Wilson)]

Joshua Tree is actually about 40 miles north and east of the junction 
of the 111 and Interstate 10.  You take Highway 62 up to Joshua Tree.  
There are over 5000 published climbs in JT, and it is a superb place to 
learn to climb.  I'd suggest you take a class in Joshua Tree if really 
interested in learning.

There is a lot of good bouldering on the rocks at the top of the Palm 
Springs tram. This has become a popular bouldering locale over the past 
few years.  It is not a good place to learn about rockclimbing though.  
There is also good bouldering at Black Rock Campground near the PCT.

Yes, people do free climb Half Dome (free climb means climbing without 
artificial aid like hanging on ropes or equipment,  but does not mean 
climbing without a rope). Climbing without a rope on long climbs is 
generally referred to a "Free Soloing" and is practiced by exceptional 
climbers with zero margin between life and death.  But, the vast 
majority of Half Dome ascents are mixed free and aid climbing taking 2 
or 3 days.  The speedy folks can do it in a few hours.

Happy climbing,
Lobo