There are a lot of big rocks in what the climbing community refers to as the "Lost Horse" area, and most have very unusual names. If you like rocks, this is a great place to spend some time. The main parking area for this location is signed "Hemingway," after one of the more notable chunks of quartz monzonite that stands nearby.

The rocks at J Tree have always fascinated me and I thought I'd like to get to know some of them on a first-name basis. So I decided to visit and interview them, get their story, take their picture and then post their tales. There are a number of books available, as well as a great climbing website, that list many of the climbing rocks and routes to the top. I doubt these posts of mine will add much, if anything, to the knowledge base that's out there regarding the art of rock climbing. However, I hope they at least entertain and perchance awaken a desire in my constant readers to veer off the beaten path and visit some of my new found friends. The map below is a general guide to where they live.