2nd Annual 29 PALMS ROCK RUMBLE ROYALE

More than just a climbing competition, the Rock Rumble Royale is a 2 day festival that fuses the spirit of climbing with the ethics, ethos, and environmental stewardship that define our community. Your presence is more than participation — it’s a vote for the planet and a stand for the wild places that sustain us all.

Yes, there will be plenty of pulling down — with competition divisions ranging from Youth to Pro, 11K in prize money, legendary old-school crushers, and the next generation of A-list climbers. But the true heart of this event reaches far beyond the crash pads. It’s about uniting the most passionate voices in the outdoor world — climbers, athletes, industry leaders, land managers, media, and YOU —

to amplify a shared message: that protecting our outdoor spaces is more important than ever before.

The festival HUB will be open on January 9th and 10th, located at Freedom Plaza in the heart of 29 Palms. Expect an incredible lineup of guest speakers over the weekend, including Katy Lamb, Ethan Pringle, and Alex Johnson. The hub will showcase vendors from across the climbing and conservation world, providing opportunities to learn about and connect with outdoor initiatives to preserve our public lands. The climbing competition will take place inside Joshua Tree National Park on January 10th from 8am-3:30pm.

Together, we’re not just competitors; we’re advocates, stewards, and storytellers for the landscapes that shape who we are. With your partnership, this annual gathering will continue to grow into a cornerstone event for the climbing community — come play with us, pull down, and make the world a better place!

Weekend Itinerary

Dates: January 9-10, 2026

Friday, January 9, 2026
5:00 pm – HUB opens
5:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Vendor Village Hours
6:45 pm – Opening Ceremony
7:00 pm – Andrea Hassler: Access Fund Stewardship & Education Director
7:35 pm – Wild for Climate: Circularity in Climbing panel
8:05 pm – Intermission
8:15 pm – Alex Johnson: 2X Climbing World Cup medalist
8:35 pm – Katy Lamb: Pro climber & barrier breaker
9:30 pm – HUB closes

 

Saturday, January 10, 2026
7:30 am: Route assignments for comp competitors
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Boulder Comp ***HUB closed and locked during this time period***
4:00 pm: HUB reopens 4:00 pm-10:00 pm: Vendor Village Hours
7:00 pm – Erik Murdock: Access Fund Deputy Director of Programs & Policy
7:15 pm – Jane Rodgers: JTNP Superintendent
7:30 pm – Ethan Pringle, Alex Johnson, Katy Lamb: A Conversation with Climbers
8:00 pm – Conservation Scavenger Hunt & Costume contest
8:25 pm – Awards Ceremony
10:00 pm-12:00 pm: After party @ 29 Palms Beer Co. featuring DJ The Disco Shaman is Real

 

Locations

Venue HUB Location:
Freedom Plaza Gymnasium 6547 Freedom Way,
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

 

After Party Location:
29 Palms Beer Co. 73565 29 Palms Hwy, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

*Immediately adjacent to HUB; DJ and drinks baby!

Competition Information

Competition Divisions

There are 6 different divisions to sign up for:

  • Recreational VB-V2
  • Intermediate V3-V5
  • Advanced V6-V9
  • Pro V8-V13
  • Grom (11-15 years old) VB-V5
  • Masters (50+ years old) VB-V13

Rules & Scoring

Competitors will track their progress during the competition with paper score cards. The top 6 routes climbed will be tallied, tracking flashes and attempts, from the competition. All ascents must be verified via 2 signatures from witnesses OR by recording a beta video. Competitors can use the Kaya App to upload their completed scorecards when they have finished climbing. Upon returning to the event HUB, final scores for all competitors will be ranked.

What Can I Win?!?!

11K total CASH prizes will be distributed to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place competitors in the Pro Division, and 1st place competitors in the Advanced Division. Pro Division: 1st Prize (Men & Women’s) – $2,500 2nd Prize (Men & Women’s) – $1,500 3rd Prize (Men & Women’s) – $1,000 Advanced Division: 1st Prize (Men & Women’s) – $500

Winning competitors in all other divisions will receive top-of-the-line climbing equipment courtesy of our industry partners. See our sponsor list below to give you an idea of the amazing swag we’ll have at the Rock Rumble Royale! Rock Rumble Royale Costume contest!!! Climbing in costume is near and dear to Joshua Tree climbing culture, and we want to keep this tradition alive. Anyone is welcome to participate. The climber awarded with Best Costume will receive $500 in climbing equipment, courtesy of our industry sponsors. Eligibility requirements: Contestants must arrive at Saturday’s competitor meeting in costume, climb in costume during Saturday’s competition & come in full regalia to Saturday evening festivities and the award ceremony.

Lodging Options for the weekend

We highly recommend staying in the town of Twentynine Palms over the weekend. There are plenty of excellent options here, all just minutes from the Event HUB and the North Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Take your pick from comfy chain hotels with all the modern perks, charming desert inns with tons of local character, affordable motels, cozy vacation rentals, and RV resorts. Peruse the Visit29 Lodging page for the full rolodex of digs.

We’ll be working closely with the city and hoteliers over the next weeks, in hopes that we can secure discounts in hotel bookings for Rock Rumble attendees. We’ll send more info on this as soon as we can!

Title Sponsors

Additional Sponosrs & Partners