Ben Scabbyface is an unpolished trad climb on the rugged buttress just right of Weo in Joshua Tree National Park. This 80-foot route offers a gritty, straightforward ascent that beckons climbers seeking a low-key, somewhat raw experience off the beaten path. The quality of the rock is famously uneven, with patches that demand caution and clear-headed movement rather than flashy technique. Protection can be unreliable—expect to lean on your trad rack throughout, reserving quickdraws for a fixed pin and a single bolt near the top. Despite its modest popularity and a rating that includes a PG13 caution, this climb carries a quiet draw for adventurers who appreciate a challenge unbuffed by the usual polished handholds and features.

Approaching the climb, you’ll find a short yet exposed approach across Joshua Tree’s cracked desert ground, where the sun can be intense and shade scarce. The rock’s weathered faces tell stories of the desert’s persistent wind and sun, with holds that test your steady hand and foot placement. The single pitch rises with a steady rhythm—nothing overly technical but requiring commitment, especially on less-than-perfect rock sections. The belayer's position at the base offers a wide view across this iconic desert landscape, grounding the climb in its unique environment.

Ben Scabbyface is not scripted for speed or ease; it invites patience and respect for the rawness beneath your fingers. Bring a solid trad rack, focusing on smaller cams for tricky placements hidden in the rock’s cracks. Quickdraws come in handy near the top, where a fixed pin and bolt offer some reassurance through a moderate crux. The anchor is trad-based, requiring climbers to trust their gear placements. While this route doesn’t sparkle in every way, it gives a rare taste of Joshua Tree’s less-tamed side and a chance to climb with space and quiet.

Given its route features and rock condition, this climb appeals to those who look beyond star ratings and polished lines, drawn instead to climbing that feels genuine and grounded in its environment. The desert air carries a steady stillness punctuated only by the whisper of wind brushing over rough stone. Prepare for fewer crowds and bring ample water; the exposure to sun means sweat and dehydration can arrive quickly. Early morning ascents reward climbers with cooler temperatures and clearer air.

Always scout the top section carefully: protection there is sparse, demanding confidence and steady nerves. And despite its rawness, Ben Scabbyface offers a unique moment of solitude within the busier Joshua Tree zones. This route’s sparse popularity might just be its greatest asset for those seeking a quietly challenging trad experience in one of California's most iconic climbing landscapes.