"At Your Pleasure offers a hands-on trad experience amid the stark, sun-baked walls of Joshua Tree. This moderate single pitch challenges with solid cracks and natural features, delivering a pure desert climb that’s as much about technique as it is about the setting."
At Your Pleasure provides a straightforward yet rewarding introduction to the traditional climbing landscape of Upper Walt's Rocks within Joshua Tree National Park. The single pitch rises 120 feet steadily uphill, branching off left from the landmark White Rain route. From the base, climbers find a hand crack peeling away from a broad chimney framed by chockstones. This climb challenges you to engage with classic crack techniques as you ascend through an inviting jamming section, rewarding steady hands and measured movement.
The journey continues through a narrow slot highlighted by a resilient nolina plant clinging to the rock’s edge, a subtle reminder of the desert's quiet persistence. Beyond the slot, a patch of brush breaks the rock’s uniformity before easing to the top. Despite the apparent simplicity, At Your Pleasure demands focused footwork and solid protection placements throughout its moderate pitch.
This route calls for a standard trad rack extending up to 2.5 inches, supplemented by nuts and plenty of runners to manage gear efficiently. Anchoring is handled by traditional gear, but a rappel option is conveniently available via bolts placed for a nearby sport climb—ideal for climbers descending with a 60-meter rope.
The setting itself delivers the dry, crisp desert air fans seek, punctuated by the scrape of rock underfoot and distant bird calls that give life to this stark landscape. This climb strikes a balanced chord between accessible challenge and the raw beauty of the Mojave backdrop, offering both a satisfying physical effort and a moment to connect with the rugged terrain.
Approaching the route is straightforward, with Upper Walt's Rocks sitting prominently near the base of Queen Mountain. The terrain here mixes loose scree and scattered desert shrubs, so sturdy footwear and careful footing for the short approach are essential. Early morning or late afternoon climbs are ideal to avoid the full intensity of the desert sun, especially in warmer months.
At Your Pleasure is perfect for climbers seeking to sharpen their trad skills on a moderate route that doesn’t shy away from natural features demanding respect and attention. Its moderate 5.8 rating is approachable but genuine, making it a solid step up for those building confidence before tackling more complex lines within the park's varied offerings.
The route traverses some loose rock and a brushy slot—watch for unstable holds and footing near these sections. The approach includes loose scree, so sturdy shoes and cautious steps are essential. Prepare for desert conditions, including sun exposure and hydration needs.
Start early or late in the day to avoid intense desert heat.
Wear stiff-soled shoes for secure footing on the approach's loose scree.
Ensure a full trad rack to protect the hand crack and chimney sections.
Carry a 60-meter rope if you plan to rappel from nearby sport route bolts.
Standard traditional rack up to 2.5 inches is necessary, including nuts and runners. The route features a trad anchor suitable for building solid protection. A rappel is available using bolts on a nearby sport route, best suited with a 60-meter rope.
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