About FOJT

Joshua Tree National Park (formed as a Monument in 1936, and designated National Park status in 1994) has long enjoyed a reputation as a world-class climbing mecca. For many decades climbers from around the world have come to experience its steep cracks, exposed slabs, and huge granite domes.

As rock climbing became more popular, it became apparent that a private, non-profit organization was needed to work with varying issues such as ecosystem preservation, wildlife preservation, and endangered species protection, and how those issues relate to climbers’ access. Simply put, the park and its climbers needed an activist group.

Local climbers responded to the challenge, organized, and in 1991 formed Friends of Joshua Tree (FOJT) to represent climbers’ interests in Joshua Tree National Park. This dedication that first formed Friends of Joshua Tree continues today.

Our Mission

Friends of Joshua Tree is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the historical tradition of climbing in Joshua Tree National Park. Friends of Joshua Tree advocates, communicates, and encourages ethical and environmentally sound climbing practices. We work to educate park management and visitors on climbing and climbing-related issues.

Our Goals

The Friends of Joshua Tree works to keep the rock in Joshua Tree National Park open to climbers. We recognize this depends on the cooperation of rock climbers and land managers. Our goals are to educate all Josh climbers to recognize and limit the impacts of their climbing practices on the environment, and to partner with the park service to create a climbing management plan that best represents climbers’ interests.