Located on Jimmy Cliff’s rugged East Face within Joshua Tree National Park, Bad Boy Club offers climbers a crisp, engaging test of technique and nerve. The route sits roughly 150 feet to the left of the lesser-known 10a face climb called I Forgot?, marked by a striking wall riddled with horizontal cracks that invite careful negotiation. From the first hold, this 50-foot single pitch demands commitment to a sequence of layback moves, navigating narrow seams and flakes that challenge your balance and gear confidence. The rock’s texture holds the history of countless climbers, rough and inviting under your fingertips, while the desert sun casts sharp shadows adding depth to features that guide your ascent.

Climbing Bad Boy Club feels like you are in conversation with the rock itself—each horizontal crack dares you to find the right placement, each seam challenges your precision. The route’s character leans into traditional protection, requiring a rack stocked with small stoppers and RPs for secure placements. These protections don’t just hold; they become essential allies on the more committing sections where the holds feel marginal and the moves extend.

Despite its moderate 5.9 rating, the route demands a clear eye and steady hands to work through the crux layback sequence. Its approachable length is perfect for climbers looking to sharpen traditional climbing skills in an iconic desert setting. With only a single pitch, Bad Boy Club can fit neatly into a day of exploration within the Lost Horse Area, leaving ample time to soak in the panoramic views of the spindly Joshua trees, granite domes, and distant desert floor.

When planning your climb, expect a short but steep approach over mixed sandy and rocky terrain that rewards with solitude and a chance to acclimate to the desert’s warmth and dry air. Early morning or late afternoon ascents are ideal, as they provide cooler temperatures and softer light to read the rock better. Given the rock’s sharpness and temptation for tenuous placements, sturdy climbing shoes with a precise fit and a handful of experienced small gear placements will elevate your success. Hydration is critical, as the desert sun quickly saps your energy.

Joshua Tree’s East Face offers more than just a climb; it provides a slice of the desert's unyielding spirit embodied in granite. Bad Boy Club is an opportunity to refine layback technique while surrounded by one of California’s most legendary climbing environments. Whether carving out your beta for new traditions or looking to challenge your protection skills, this route strikes a balance between adventure and achievable goals with a raw, elemental vibe.