2-13-24
THE ORAL HISTORY OF ROCK CLIMBING from www.nps.gov/jotr Read about the history of rock climbing from the climbers themselves in these transcripts which result from a rock climbing oral history project. For this study, researchers spoke with Joshua Tree climbers who provided a picture of the park’s rock climbing from the mid-1900s into the present […]
2-12-24
INTRODUCING THE OFFICIAL NPS APP YOUR ULTIMATE NATIONAL PARK COMPANION! Park Superintendent Jane Rodgers shares, “Hey friends! Get the inside scoop on Joshua Tree info by downloading the NPS App and setting up Joshua Tree National Park module for use off line. It works without cell service! It’s got accurate maps! It sends you alerts if […]
1-9-24
DEADLINE JANUARY 30! UPDATE …This may be the last week to make substantive comments to our federal management agencies to affect proposed changes to how fixed anchors are managed nationwide. This is MISSION CRITICAL for the climbing community (see Access Fund FAQ). CRITICAL…What is important is that comments be aimed at being ‘Substantive’, meaning not […]
10-24-23
Public meeting on bolting policy on January 4, 2024 at 5 pm.6448 Hailee Road, #9, Joshua Tree(north of Sam’s, across from Post Office) Plenty of eats, drinks and Q&A with open comments on bolts in wilderness areas.
4-15-22
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK RANGERS WIN TWO NATIONAL AWARDS: THE TILDEN FREEMAN & THE EXCELLENCE N WILDERNESS STEWARDSHIP News Release Date: August 24, 2023 Contact: Hannah Schwalbe, 760-367-5555 For their contributions to interpretation, wilderness stewardship, and volunteerism, five park rangers from Joshua Tree National Park received two separate national awards during a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. […]
1-27-22
TODAY We want your input on the Climbing Management Plan! Comment Period DEADLINE: March 13, 2022 Friends of Joshua Tree is asking the general public and the climbing community to help comment on the Climbing Management Plan that the National Park is currently working on. NOW is the time for climbers to be heard! We […]
9-13-21
The climbing season will kick off soon in JTree, and this is an incredibly meaningful season in the history of climbing. Why? Well for one, JTNP has embarked on forming a Climbing Management Plan, the first time since the last millenium to address challenges, opportunities and management of climbing in the Park. CS21 will be […]
5-7-21
In order for you to ‘Know Before You Go’, FOJT and Access Fund have teamed up to help put some important context into play before encouraging commentary from the climbing community to this process, that will shape climbing policy for many years to come (like, twenty). Friends Of Joshua Tree is a joint member organization […]
12-9-20
Heads up all you Josh lovers! Though the Park remains open to the public, camping is not being permitted due to COVID restrictions. If you have reservations, you’ll likely hear from Recreation.gov. Visit our resources page for alternate outdoor venues for camping and dispersing safely. the Park website is updated now – see here Recreate Responsibly […]
10-16-20
Friends Of Joshua Tree’s board of directors has decided to push the Climb Smart event in Joshua Tree to April 16-18, 2021. The rising new case count in San Bernardino County has been moving in the opposite direction for events to stage responsibly, although this event is 100% outdoors and all safety protocols were […]
3-16-20
UPDATE MARCH 23– here’s some coverage via USA TODAY and KCRW radio interview featuring our own John Lauretig (Executive Director). Joshua Tree National Park still closed; FOJT strongly recommends not coming out to JTree at this time. UPDATE MARCH 21- PARK IS NOW CLOSED. ALL CAMPERS MUST EXIT BY NOON. This is shared on firsthand information […]
11-11-19
The 24th staging of the FOJT Climb Smart Festival in Joshua Tree was a great gathering of climbers, outdoor enthusiasts and those who love and work to protect our unique treasure of the high desert (Joshua Tree National Park). Over 300 climbers came to sharpen their skills, build out their network and give back to […]