Climbing in East Siberia, JTNP

After hiking a little over a mile into the North Wonderland of Rocks in Joshua Tree (avoiding the crowds of a holiday weekend), James and I arrived in "Outer Mongolia." We scrambled up a gully and climbed a half dozen routes between 5.9 and 5.10 on the buttresses of the "East Siberia" rock formation.

James leads Bull Gas (5.9+). Love Gas (5.10a) to the right proved to be a more aesthetic line.

The first pitch of Dos Chi Chis (5.10a) was outstanding---thin and sustained moves.

The second pitch got tough...steep friction and no hands.

The third rappel station of the route is semi-hanging.

James, only 100' left after multiple single-rope rappels from the top of Dos Chi Chis.

Nearly all our climbs were on the first and second buttresses of East Siberia (both fulled shaded in this late afternoon shot).