Set at the eastern edge of the fourth ridge south of Devil’s Punchbowl creek, Behind the Scenes wall offers a focused experience for sport climbers seeking sustained routes in a compact, approachable setting. This north-facing crag catches the cooler side of the ridge, providing refuge from the harsh California sun, especially welcome during the warmer months. The wall’s altitude at 4,552 feet grants crisp air and lends a slight desert high country vibe, punctuated by scrubby vegetation and the steady murmur of the nearby creek.

Approach is straightforward but essential to plan: starting at the parking area, hikers follow the main trail descending to the creek, then proceed east along the creekbed—left downstream—until the terrain opens and the hillside no longer flanks their right side. At this juncture, a faint trail veers south, threading through a small valley that runs over and around the scrubby ridges past Purgatory Wall and the third ridge. Behind the Scenes reveals itself after roughly 10 minutes of hiking beyond this point. To reach the base of the routes, head slightly uphill and right, where the bolted faces come into view.

The wall is distinguished by two subtle, softer corners that tilt diagonally to the right, providing the routes’ moderate anchors — including a 5.8 and a 5.9 — perfect for climbers honing their sport technique or warming up before tackling steeper terrain. Just to the right of the second corner lies a feature aptly nicknamed the Ear, a prominent bulge that offers steeper climbing challenges in the 5.10 to 5.11 range. This section houses the wall’s harder routes, demanding precise footwork and confident clipping on sustained vertical faces.

Classic climbs include Into the Spotlight (5.8) — ideal for those stepping up into desert sport climbing variety — Lucifer’s Tooth (5.11c), and Vulcan’s Ear (5.10d), the latter rated with three and a half stars and prized for its steeper movement and engaging sequences near the Ear feature. The physical setting of the wall, framed by the arid southern California desert environment, combines sharp rock textures with the tranquil sounds of running water nearby, creating a balanced, grounding adventure.

Unlike sprawling climbing resorts, Behind the Scenes offers a concentrated dose of sport climbing fine-tuned for short focused sessions or a half-day outing. Remember that while the wall is north-facing, making it welcome during hot seasons, attention to weather is essential—summer heat can still build in the nearby scrublands, and winter storms may drape the ridge in brisk chill. The simple access trail means lightweight packs suffice, though sturdy shoes for creek-bed walking and some scrub navigation are advised.

To descend, climbers generally use the several bolted anchors equipped for rappel, ensuring a safe and efficient return to the base and trail. This spot fits well within the Devil’s Punchbowl South area’s diverse climbing options, a high desert niche known for solid rock, relatively low traffic, and expansive sky views from ridge to valley.

Behind the Scenes rewards climbers who appreciate streamlined, quality sport routes away from crowds, offering just enough complexity with its corners and bulges to keep each ascent engaging without overwhelming beginners. With established anchors and manageable access, it is well-suited for those chasing a dependable day of climbing with crisp desert surroundings and distinctive route character.