Climbing Old Woman in Joshua Tree National Park feels like nature has handed you a giant granite playground and dared you to see how far your arms, legs, and questionable decision-making can take you. The rock looks intimidating from below, but once you start scrambling upward, every handhold and foothold becomes a little victory, and the desert scenery seems to get better with every few feet of elevation. There’s a satisfying mix of excitement and nervousness as you pull yourself over the rounded granite, wondering whether you’re actually climbing confidently or simply refusing to look down. Reaching the top brings that wonderful combination of accomplishment, relief, and the realization that getting back down is still part of the adventure.
