Climb through The Chasm of Doom, Joshua Tree National Park, California

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The Chasm of Doom is more of a tight secret passage than a large open chasm that traverses through a large mountain of boulders in the Hidden Valley area. This place is NOT for the faint of heart or the claustrophobic. Not only you’ll need to be comfortable and able to fit in tight spaces, but you will also need to be able to climb, scramble, and boulder in the semi-dark spaces. Start at the Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead. At the first junction turn left and walk for 20-30 stesp. Look off to the lfet to see a bunch of boulders. Venture off trail to these boulders and you are there. It starts with a steep climb up the chasm that requires a fair amount of bouldering. At the top there are great views of Hidden Valley. Then backtrack to a seemingly endless black hole off to your left. The spcae get very tight and steep as you chimney downward. Next is The Coffin (aka the Birthing Canal), a small slot that requires you have to lie flat to wiggle through. After The Coffin, the space is still extremely narrow. Continue to descend the boulders until you reach daylight. TIP: Go with a guide if this is the first time. Otherwise plan on gettting off track, lost, or stuck. Wear grippy shoes and bring extra headlamps with you.

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