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24 Carrot: A Compact Trad Challenge in Joshua Tree

Twentynine Palms, California United States
finger crack
short route
desert climb
runout
technical trad
Length: 40 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
24 Carrot
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"24 Carrot challenges climbers with a tight finger crack crux and delicate face climbing atop a 40-foot pillar in Joshua Tree’s Rabbit Warren. Perfect for trad climbers seeking focused technique and desert views, this route demands skillful gear placement and steady nerves."

24 Carrot: A Compact Trad Challenge in Joshua Tree

24 Carrot offers a sharp, focused trad climb resting within the unique geology of Joshua Tree’s Rabbit Warren sector. This route stands out with its intense finger crack crux that demands precise jamming and steady balance across 20 gripping feet. Beyond the crack, climbers face a delicate series of face moves for another 20 feet to reach the summit, where open views stretch across the rugged desert terrain. The rock’s coarse texture gives both challenge and confidence, biting into fingertips as you place gear and advance upward. Protection here is sparse, relying largely on small finger-sized pieces, which test both your rack preparation and mental composure. Expect to carry a light selection of cams focused on the smaller spectrum—oversized gear won't fit the crack’s narrow width and could slow your progress.

The approach to Rabbit Warren is straightforward but requires attention to desert conditions. From nearby trailheads, expect dry, scrubby paths marked by occasional Joshua trees standing sentinel above the rocky ground. The sun plays a significant role in timing your climb: early mornings or late afternoons bring cooler temperatures and softer light, while midday heat can make both rock and desert air unforgiving. Sturdy, sticky shoes are vital here, as the transition from crack to face climbing demands precise footwork on granite edges.

Safety should remain front of mind on 24 Carrot. The 'R' rating highlights runout sections above gear placements, meaning a fall could result in a longer drop. Mind your gear placements carefully, especially on the finger crack where consistent, confident jamming locks protect your ascent. This route is a pure test of technical skill combined with mental focus, ideal for climbers who thrive on compact, intense challenges rather than endurance routes. The short length keeps the climb approachable but demands attention from start to finish.

After topping out, descend with care via a short walk off the east side, following well-worn descent trails that guide you back toward the trailhead. Joshua Tree’s openness offers a chance to absorb the desert’s expansive silence, broken only by occasional wind or distant bird song. Whether you’re stepping onto 24 Carrot as a warm-up or a technical gym test, this climb delivers a direct encounter with classic desert crack climbing framed by timeless terrain and practical desert adventure advice.

Climber Safety

Runout sections after the crux require solid gear placements made with finger-sized cams in a narrow crack. Climbers should be confident in placing small protection and comfortable with the possibility of longer falls.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length40 feet

Local Tips

Start early or late to avoid midday heat and enjoy cooler rock conditions.

Focus on precise finger jamming techniques to maximize protection opportunities.

Bring sticky rubber shoes to handle the transition from crack to face moves confidently.

Approach via marked desert trails with plenty of water; shade is limited.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8 R
Quality
Consensus:The 5.8 R rating clues climbers into the sparse protection and runout sections above gear placements. While the grade feels approachable physically, the mental game ramps up with the crux finger jam and the runouts. Compared to nearby Joshua Tree climbs, it feels a bit stiffer due to protection challenges rather than pure technical difficulty.

Gear Requirements

Light rack mainly featuring finger-sized cams is essential here. Larger gear won’t fit the narrow crack section, so prioritize small pieces to protect the crux moves effectively.

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Tags

finger crack
short route
desert climb
runout
technical trad