Woodbury Crags Road Climbing Site ~ Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area

Rock climbing is a popular sport out west and there are plenty of sanctioned climbing sites that are perfect for a day trip venture. In the Desert Southwest, the winter season is the best time of year for doing some serious rock climbing, because the extreme heat of summer and the monsoon storms will not be a factor. The dry cool crisp winter air provides a climbing experience that literally is no sweat!

The Woodberry Crags Road Climbing Site was mentioned in a previous article about the Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Backway and directions to this road were provided. From the starting point at the intersection of Old Highway 91, just follow the Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road for about 3 miles and keep your eyes peeled for the BLM sign. The face of the towering rock outcrop will probably be recognized long before seeing the sign, because this natural rock formation absolutely looks perfect for climbing! 

The BLM managed Woodbury Crags Road Climbing Site is difficult to find on maps, but there are several local rock climber websites that provide good information, especially about organized events. There are a couple of BLM primitive campsites next to the climbing area and there is a large patch of flat ground for RV campers, so doing an overnighter at this destination is an option. The Woodbury Crags Road Climbing Site is in the vast Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area, so do not be surprised to see Desert Bighorn Sheep doing some rock climbing too. The towering vertical bluff is filled with crags, spires and caves, so anybody that takes on the challenge will discover something new.

For the rock climbing enthusiasts who are passing through Las Vegas, Mesquite or St George, the Woodbury Crags Road Climbing Site is a good option for getting out in the great outdoors. The BLM climbing site rules, safety precautions and choice of gear are all things that a visitor should be familiar with before taking on this venture, so doing some research may be necessary. Contacting a local rock climbing club is the best way to go and they may even have upcoming events planned for Woodbury Crags. Once there, the sky is the limit to the fun that can be had!