California · Rock climbing · Desert Hot Springs

The Cuckoo's Nest

Cuckoo's Nest, The in California has 8 climbing routes across 6 grades.

The Cuckoo's NestPhoto: David Balmer, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
8 routes
5.6 – 5.10b/c
Sport · Trad

Is Cuckoo's Nest, The open right now?

Alert in the area

The National Park Service lists 3 alerts for Joshua Tree National Park.

  • Partial Trail Closure of West Side Loop

    Park alert covering Joshua Tree National Park · NPS · Joshua Tree National Park

  • Inaccurate Third-Party Apps

    Park alert covering Joshua Tree National Park · NPS · Joshua Tree National Park

  • Oasis of Mara Trail Partial Closure

    Park alert covering Joshua Tree National Park · NPS · Joshua Tree National Park

As of · Source: NPS · Joshua Tree National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit The Cuckoo's Nest

Best months: October–May. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    58° / 38°

    4 wet

  2. Feb

    61° / 39°

    3 wet

  3. Mar

    67° / 40°

    3 wet

  4. Apr

    73° / 46°

    2 wet

  5. May

    82° / 52°

    1 wet

  6. Jun

    91° / 59°

    0 wet

  7. Jul

    96° / 66°

    2 wet

  8. Aug

    96° / 68°

    2 wet

  9. Sep

    89° / 60°

    2 wet

  10. Oct

    80° / 50°

    1 wet

  11. Nov

    66° / 41°

    2 wet

  12. Dec

    58° / 34°

    4 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Yucca Valley, CA, 14.6 mi away at 3,249 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

The Cuckoo's Nest is a climbing area in Joshua Tree National Park in California, managed by the National Park Service. It sits among a cluster of bouldering and climbing spots in the park, with several other named areas within a short walk. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from the nearby Yucca Valley weather station show April highs around 73°F and October highs around 80°F, while summer highs climb into the mid-90s. A fee is charged for climbing at this area. The closest climbing neighbors are Pixar Wall and Lost Mule Wall, each about 0.1 mile away, and Echo Rock Area is about 0.3 mile off. Barker Dam Trail is roughly 0.8 mile away for a walk after climbing.

Routes (8)

Facts about this crag

Rules & access

Fee
Yes

Source: National Park Service API

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