"Bitches Love Cake offers a compact, purposeful sport climb that combines steady mantling moves with a flowing slab finish. Perfect for those looking to sharpen technique in the stark beauty of Joshua Tree’s Back Rocks."
Bitches Love Cake offers an engaging introduction to sport climbing within the sun-drenched expanse of Joshua Tree National Park. Situated at the edge of the Back Rocks near White Tank Campground, this route stretches 35 feet up a steep, textured face where precise footwork meets controlled power. The climb begins with a reach across a narrow corridor, demanding focus and balance to mantle onto the initial steep face. From there, the line moves leftward and upward, transitioning onto a more forgiving slab that allows for rhythm and flow as the climb concludes.
This route thrives in its simplicity and directness, making it an excellent pick for climbers seeking a quick but rewarding challenge. The three fixed bolts provide solid protection, while the bolted rappel anchors offer a safe and straightforward way down, eliminating the need for any complex descent maneuvers. The rock's characteristic Joshua Tree grit offers reliable friction, ideal for smearing and edging. Being a short single-pitch route, it fits well into a half-day climbing plan or as a warm-up to other walls in the area.
Joshua Tree's Back Rocks sector is known for its rugged, sun-exposed granite faces that demand both attention to technique and respect for the desert’s heating midday rays. For Bitches Love Cake, the best approach is early morning or late afternoon when the sun casts long shadows, keeping temperatures manageable and helping climbers preserve energy on the warm rock. The proximity to White Tank Campground means easy access to base camp essentials: water, shade, and a spot to rewind after a climb.
Strategically, choose shoes with sticky rubber to capitalize on the slab sections, and stay hydrated as the dry air can sneak up on you despite the route’s short length. The climb’s rating of 5.8 reflects a moderate challenge, suitable for sport climbers comfortable with vertical moves and mantling techniques. While the rating is fair and approachable, the initial mantle move serves as a crux that rewards careful body positioning and smooth execution.
In all, Bitches Love Cake is a neat slice of Joshua Tree’s climbing palette — accessible, well-protected, and textured with enough variety to keep fingers and feet engaged. Whether you’re fine-tuning your sport technique or layering it as part of a larger day on the rock, this climb delivers an efficient dose of desert adventure backed by practical logistics.
The route is protected by three bolts, but the mantle requires confident body positioning to avoid slips on the steep granite. Be cautious of the exposed nature of the initial moves, and ensure your rappel gear is properly set at the bolted anchors.
Start early or late to avoid the desert heat on the exposed face.
Stick to shoes with excellent friction for the slab and mantle moves.
Use the nearby White Tank Campground to stage your climb and refill water.
Focus on body positioning during the mantle move to minimize energy expenditure.
The climb is equipped with three fixed bolts protecting key sections and a bolted rappel anchor at the top, ideal for a secure top-rope or descent.
Upload your photos of Bitches Love Cake and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.