"Hollow Point offers a purposeful slab climb on the southwest face of Target Rock within Joshua Tree National Park. With a 5.8 rating and minimal bolt protection, it challenges climbers to balance technical footwork and confident moves on clean desert granite."
Hollow Point cuts a deliberate line up the west face of Target Rock, sitting just left of the modest Heffalump route in the Oyster Bar Area of Joshua Tree National Park. This single-pitch climb rewards those looking to move confidently across a moderate slab with smart gear placements and minimal fuss.
Expect a steady climb through a textured slab that demands balance and precise footwork more than brute force. The rock’s subtle angle invites careful reading of each move, with two bolts providing safety as you ascend past the crux at 5.8. After the technical section, the route eases dramatically, allowing climbers to relax into easier terrain, but the challenge of mental focus stays intact as the protection thins out.
The handful of bolts and a 2-bolt anchor secured with 3/8” hardware offer dependable protection, so gear can be kept simple—this isn't a run-and-gun test piece but a thoughtful route that combines safety with the element of boldness. Target Rock’s southwest face catches morning sun before shifting into afternoon shade, making it ideal for climbs during cooler parts of the day, particularly spring and fall.
Accessing Hollow Point means a straightforward approach through the Oyster Bar and Sheep Pass area, where the desert scrub and sun-baked granite shape the landscape. The trail to the base is a well-worn path, roughly 15 minutes from the parking area, requiring only moderate hiking over firm ground. Climbers should prepare with shoes suited for slab and bring enough water to navigate Joshua Tree’s dry conditions.
After summiting, anchors allow a smooth rappel back to the base. Downclimbing is possible but not recommended due to the slab angle and limited holds. There’s a quiet satisfaction in this climb’s simplicity—no flashy moves or steep overhangs, just steady, deliberate slab climbing complemented by the raw quiet of the park's rugged granite environment.
Whether you’re familiar with Joshua Tree’s legendary granite or chasing solid moderate routes, Hollow Point brings an approachable challenge with a classic desert rock feel. Prepare well, keep your pace measured, and enjoy the focused movement that this slab demands.
The slab section after the bolts has sparse protection and polished rock, so maintaining focus on footwork is critical. Rappelling from the fixed anchor is recommended over downclimbing due to minimal holds and exposure. Sun exposure can intensify in the midday hours, so plan accordingly.
Start early to avoid the midday desert heat as the southwest face gains full sun by late morning.
Wear sticky rubber shoes designed for slab to maximize grip on polished granite.
Hydrate thoroughly; water sources are scarce in the Joshua Tree area.
Use the established 2-bolt anchor to rappel safely; downclimbing the slab is exposed and less secure.
Two bolts protect the initial slab section, with a 2-bolt anchor fixed for rap descent. Bring standard trad gear but expect mostly slab placements that reward precise pro sizing and careful placements.
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