"Let go with your feet and now chalk up," were the exact words of Skip Garibaldi before taking the picture. And no, I wouldn't lead "Cryptic" like that, but it was great fun anyway. Good thing I was following.

This is my buddy Chris rappen' off the top of Headstone...on a typical beautiful JTree day.

Climbers finishing the classic SW Corner of Headstone Rock. Photo by troutboy.

I know that it's not the first photo of someone on this climb on this site, but what can I say, it's a pretty photogenic route and probably some of the best exposure at 5.6 anywhere. I wouldn't say that it's run-out, but I wasn't the first climber to comment on the trip between the 2nd (a ways under the roof) and the 3rd (a ways over the roof) bolts. Once you get it clipped you can enjoy the view!

Nice slopy problem in the Ryan Campground area. Jump to a high hold then finish on slopers with a nice high step to make those holds feel less secure.

Bird prepares to consume climber as a pre-thanksgiving day feast.

I just snapped this picture on the way to headstone. It was a great day for climbing. About an hour after i took this photo I would be on top having just completed my first sport lead. It was a great day that day.

I am leading this route a second time. This is the day after my first lead climb on the same route. I can say it is much easier climbing when you can actually see the holds. This is my Profile pic till i find one more suiting to me.

climbing at Joshua tree

Janet Lee on the best photo-op in Joshua Tree, Southwest Corner, (5.6). Photo by Su Kim.

This was my first outdoor climb. The wind was up, I was petrified and excited all in one!

The South West Corner was the first route I got on during my short one week visit. It was a great experience and a thoughtful route. Definately a classic route that I'll visit when I'm in the area.

Fiddleman's arete (aka Bullwinkle arete) located under Headstone Rock just east of Ryan Campground. Climb the overhanging arete to a easy top out.

Andy Milani, Seth Zaharias (great guide) leading us to our next climb. I'm thinking as I'm taking the picture, I hope he's not leading us to climb that impossible rock.

Ryan is about to finish Riff Raff, a fun double arete problem located near the base of the headstone in Ryan Campground.

Ryan working on the beginning moves of the problem. We(him and I) both got the problem that trip. Although there aren't that many moves to it, they are all quite long, making the aim are critical part of the problem.

The start of this problem is what makes it V4.....a hard crank sideways from a sloping edge to the rail I'm standing on. After that, it's pretty cruisy

My partner and I tackled the Southwest corner on a very cold and windy day. I did the lead because his fingers were numb, so I was able to take this awesome photo of him climbing the arete.

My partner Rick and I were the first climers on Headstone Rock this cold, windy winter morning. We set up a belay anchor before starting the climb. I did slip a bit at the crux, which drew some gasps from the onlookers in the campground. I almost took my first hard fall, but I made it the rest of the way with no more incidents. This is me biting the rope just before clipping the third bolt. (photo taken by trickster)

Picture of Climberdee leading SW Corner, a ***5.6 on the south face of the Headstone Rock, Ryan Campground, Joshua Tree, CA. Photo taken by Jim T.

Andy Milani going up the sw corner of headstone on a perfect march day.

Thought I'd add yet another incredible Jtree sunset to the photo section...this one was taken just outside of Ryan campground around mid-March

A classic Josh climb, the S.W. Corner of Headstone. Although it is a sport climb, a number 6 nut is great for a directional at the top.

One benefit to the "overflow" campground at Ryan's is that you're close to Headstone with it's moderate but head-spinning routes.
Joshua Tree, Ca.

one can't help the urge to solo when visiting J-Tree, science found this short top-rope crack with the anchors pulled out. photo credit: SIGHT-PRODUCTIONS-06