Desert Views: Rattlesnake Canyon

A little climbing in Joshua Tree, along with a hike.

My friends Steve and Patti go climbing with me from time to time and Steve wanted to take his son Jesse out to experience climbing. We agreed to go to Joshua Tree and on December 10, 2012, off we went. Since the weather was on the cool side, we opted for Indian Cove and much to our surprise, we were the only people at the Short Wall when we arrived. Very unusual for there not to be a climbing class there on a weekend during the "season".

The Short Wall, Right Side

We did a few climbs and then a large group showed up and changed our desert solitude into more of a inner city experience. I decided that Jesse wasn't really enamored with the rock climbing and maybe he'd enjoy a hike. So I talked everyone into changing gears and heading up Rattlesnake Canyon, always one of my favorites.

The beginning of the hike is confusing for many folks, because you walk out into a wide open wash and it really doesn't look very interesting. Since the hike goes up the wash, it's the best way to start, but it appears you're going the wrong direction and not to where it looks as if it will be interesting. Soon you find yourself in the wash and it gets much better.

In the lower canyon

Once in the wash, it quickly gets rocky and in no time at all you find yourself in the canyon. All doubt is removed, you have reached the interesting place and it just gets better. After a a short distance and around a few corners, you come across the most amazing feature. The water has eroded a channel through the granitic rock and in the process created a must amazing series of natural sculpture of pools, cascades and waterfalls.

Checking out the nature's sculptures

The canyon soon opens up, straightens out and has a sandy bottom. In a short distance there is a notch off to the north that leads to the "Gunsight". This notch has some nice views towards the campgrounds and the desert, including 29 Palms Marine Base.

The wash opens up and straightens out

In that notch is a great viewpoint known as the "Gunsight"

As we continued up the canyon we stopped to check out what appears to be some pictographs, but they are so faint that it's difficult to make them out.

Possible pictographs

After checking out the rock art and little more exploring, it's time to head back. But as we are headed down the wash, the boys notice a boulder that while not too big, presents a challenge in that there is no easy way to get on top. Of course that quickly becomes a competition and soon everyone makes it to the top.