Back Up Singers offers an invigorating taste of Joshua Tree’s famed trad crack climbing, carving a distinct path on the rugged face of Rattlesnake Buttress. This single pitch, stretching 180 feet, challenges climbers with a steady 5.8 grade that strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and reward. The route shares its starting point with the area’s better-known cracks but soon diverges, calling for a hand traverse to the right that pushes you along the edge of the buttress where splitter seams beckon. As you climb, the rock asserts its character—solid granite that feels alive beneath your fingertips, with cracks that invite precise jams and confident moves.

The environment pulls you in with its raw desert atmosphere; sun-warmed rock contrasts against the clear blue sky, and the dry air carries the faint rustling of scraggly brush below. The route’s line climbs near the middle of the three main cracks on the buttress, offering an engaging variation that rewards steady footwork and control. Because the climb skirts the buttress’s edge, the exposure adds a heightened sense of adventure without venturing into intimidating territory.

Protection calls for a standard rack extending to three inches, giving climbers a visual reminder to place thoughtfully as placements might require some searching in the splitter seam. The rock is generally compelling and secure, though the occasional flake or patch of lichen tests your commitment. Approaching the climb demands little more than a short walk from the well-known parking at Indian Cove, crossing desert scrub and uneven ground that sets the tone before your hands reach stone. For those wanting an alternative experience, the foot traverse around the line is possible but lacks the fluidity of the hand traverse and is less rewarding.

Back Up Singers presents a fantastic opportunity for trad climbers seeking to push their crack skills in a setting that blends subtle challenge with satisfying exposure. Big desert views, approachable climbing, and solid rock make this route a can’t-miss for your Joshua Tree tick list.