Bish offers a compelling sport climbing experience on the imposing Northeast Face of Escape Rock, located in the rugged Barker Dam Area of Joshua Tree National Park. Starting from the summit of Lubricated Goat, this route challenges climbers to navigate a twisting traverse that moves right across a broad dike, intersecting with the well-known Emotional Rescue route. The movement is punctuated by multiple fixed points and bolts, requiring steady footwork and deliberate body positioning as you cross two distinct crack systems. The first pitch ends at a secure double-bolt belay stance, giving you a chance to catch your breath and prepare for the next stretch.

The second pitch offers a change of pace by stepping left into a comfortable, wide crack system. This segment climbs about 40 feet to the top of the route, where another two-bolt belay awaits. The textured crack invites you to engage with traditional crack climbing techniques while still relying on solid sport protection. Reaching the summit here gives a satisfying conclusion to the technical climbing and a clear spot to anchor.

Descent requires care and planning. Unlike simpler rappels, you cannot descend Lubricated Goat’s face in a single rope drop. Two ropes are necessary, or you must break up the rappel into two sections—first down to a pronounced flake in a nearby gully, then a shorter rappel or a sensible downclimb for the final stretch. Some climbers choose to rappel directly from the belay at the end of the traverse to start the descent sequence. Whatever your method, avoid rappelling off the ends of your ropes to ensure safety.

Escape Rock itself sits in a unique area of Joshua Tree, offering sun-drenched, textured granite perfect for climbers seeking varied routes with moderate grades. Bish’s 5.8 rating situates it well for intermediate climbers looking to sharpen skills on traverses and crack climbs without excessive exposure. The 150-foot length spread across two pitches creates a dynamic climb with enough diversity to hold interest and test technique.

For gear, pack a collection of quickdraws—around ten will cover the fixed points along the traverse—and be ready to trust the bolts that pepper the route. The combination of sport fixed protection and crack climbing keeps the gear lite but demands vigilance in clip placements. Planning water, timing your climb for the cooler morning hours, and wearing solid footwear with sticky rubber are all straightforward steps to keep your climb smooth and enjoyable.

This route balances a moderate technical challenge with the raw beauty of Joshua Tree’s boulder-strewn deserts and distant mountain views, making it a worthy addition for anyone exploring the Barker Dam area. Its moderate commitment and varied features provide an excellent learning ground for climbers eager to move beyond single-pitch sport climbs and engage with multi-pitch movement under open skies.