The Block/Gully Variation on Corpse Wall offers a rugged and slightly unconventional challenge set within the Santa Monica Mountains, just outside Los Angeles. This sport climb ventures up a series of large, weathered blocks and a loose gully, demanding focused movement through terrain that feels alive with its own character. Unlike polished sport routes, this climb embraces its imperfect edges — loose rock shifts underfoot and the grit of the approach keeps you honest. Starting just right of the Roof Route, climbers share the opening moves before veering left, traversing across the broad block formations that give the climb its name. The bolts, spaced intermittently, punctuate the path but remind you that gear placement and route-reading are part of the experience here.

The route’s topout is an awkward crack crowned by a stubborn manzanita bush, whose roots curl through the stone like a living guardian. It’s a tricky mantle that requires care and respect — the bush itself is protected, so climbers must navigate this finish without disturbing the natural growth. For those seeking more fluidity at the top, extending the traverse left to link into the Roof Route’s finish offers a smoother, though longer, conclusion.

Corpse Wall sits in a dry, sun-baked stretch of the mountains where the rock carries the warm hues of drought-hardened formations. The approach is straightforward but demands caution; loose scree and sharp desert brush frame the trail, and the dry air reminds you to hydrate well before and after pulling on gear. Given the PG-13 rating of 5.8, this route blends moderate technical moves with an element of adventure — it’s not for beginners who shy from loose rock, but offers a gratifying challenge to those comfortable with gritty terrain and less polished protection.

Drawing on mid-size cams for pinning the runout crack at the top is essential; while bolts protect much of the climb, the sparse placements reward careful gear management. Expect some exposure, with the gully below daring you to stay focused even as the sun beats down. The single pitch route packs a lot of diversity into its short length, combining blocky movement, crack climbing, and navigating natural obstacles.

Before you push off, prepare for the gritty contact of rough stone under your fingers and the arid warmth of Southern California’s dry mountain air. Sturdy footwear with solid edging will help you balance on the less-than-perfect footholds. Aim for early morning ascents to beat the heat and avoid the peak sun that clouds your grip and saps energy. Finally, respect the fragile ecosystem—never trim vegetation and tread lightly. This route offers an immersive slice of local climbing character, inviting those who crave a route with soul and a hint of wildness just minutes from the LA Basin.