At Joshua Tree National Park, a route named And Grooving Was Grooving invites climbers to an 80-foot trad climb woven through the granite’s natural channels. From the moment you reach the base, you’ll meet a stubborn screen of "cats claw" bushes—a natural guardian challenging your approach. The start demands care as you navigate through this dense scrub, stepping lightly but decisively into the groove of the climb. Two right-leaning water grooves carve their way up the face, shallow and inviting. Here, the rock feels alive under your hands and feet: the grooves urge you to jam and palm with precision, anchoring your movement in tight spaces that shift rhythmically as you ascend.

Midway, the climb demands a shift in technique as you meet an aplite dike cutting diagonally across the upper face. The dike’s sharp, contrasting texture offers a new line of movement. This section asks for steadiness and a confident eye for protection options. Although the upper face stands bare of direct protection, your eyes find small to medium cams fitting snugly in the water grooves below, where the rock’s natural fissures hold your gear with trustworthy firmness.

Finishing with an anchor placement similar to the well-known nearby climbs Shongo Pavi and Hans Solo, this route reveals its unpolished character: no flashy holds, no dramatic overhangs—just a straightforward, thoughtful dance with the stone. The surrounding desert landscape breathes in the warm California sun, the dry air carrying subtle scents of sage and creosote. A steady breeze offers relief as you work your way upward, the scrubby vegetation occasionally brushing your arms, reminding you that Joshua Tree’s environment is as tough as it is timeless.

For those preparing to climb this line, sturdy footwear with grippy soles, plenty of water, and patience to handle the starting bushes are essential. Timing your climb for early morning or late afternoon can mean the difference between battling the desert heat or climbing in pleasant shade. The single pitch’s moderate 5.9 rating feels solid but accessible, with the crux less physical and more about maintaining focus through the start and gear placements. It fits perfectly for trad climbers looking for a quiet route away from busier walls, offering a taste of Joshua Tree’s rugged charm with a practical challenge.

From the approach trail that winds through scrubland to the clean, compact granite, this climb remains a low-key highlight in the Zippy Rock area. A brief but engaging adventure for climbers looking to test crack climbing skills while absorbing the desert’s stark beauty. Proper preparation and respect for the route’s natural defenses will turn this scramble and groove into a smooth, rewarding ascent.