"Buenos Aires offers a compelling slab experience on the far right flank of East Wall Inner in Joshua Tree. This runout 60-foot pitch challenges your footwork and composure with minimal protection and smooth granite face, perfect for climbers looking to refine slab skills away from busy lines."
Buenos Aires is a standout slab climb tucked into the far right edge of East Wall Inner, within the Hall of Horrors sector of Joshua Tree National Park. This route snakes its way up a smooth, runout slab that demands confident footwork and steady nerves. With just two fixed bolts placed strategically along the 60-foot length, the climb challenges you to find secure placements while moving rhythmically up the exposed face. The rock here feels solid yet polished in spots, requiring precise smearing and balanced weight shifts.
Starting at the base, you'll notice how the wall leans gently back, exposing a slickness that tests your technique more than raw power. Past the first bolt, the route opens into an unprotected expanse of face where trusting your feet becomes paramount. The exposure adds a sharp edge to the experience—the wall beneath you feels almost void-like, reinforcing the importance of controlled movement. After threading past the second bolt, the climb finishes on inviting holds that lead to a clean topout. It’s a relatively short pitch but packed with moments that force you to stay fully aware and deliberate.
This scene sits within a broad desert setting where the sun casts harsh light over spiny bushes and twisted Joshua trees, painting the rock in warm tones as the day ages. The area is quiet and rarely crowded, earning Buenos Aires a reputation as a low-traffic alternative slab line amidst busier neighbors like Exorcist and Diamond Dogs.
To prepare, bring a rack accentuating small to medium cams up to 3 inches and trust your ability to read rock texture for footholds. Shoes with sticky rubber and excellent sensitivity will help maintain grip on the slab’s smoother sections. As the route runs left of the main walk-off, descent involves an easy walk down the talus slope; no rappel is needed but maintaining caution on loose rock is essential.
In all, Buenos Aires is a rewarding climb for those seeking technical slab climbing free from heavy crowds. It’s a test of balance and mental focus that offers steady, manageable exposure and a clean desert environment. Come ready to engage with the rock and the subtle challenges of slab, and you’ll leave with a memorable stretch of Joshua Tree’s quieter rock face.
The route’s runout nature means falls could be long and hazardous; be prepared psychologically and ensure your protection placements are solid. Loose rock on the descent requires careful footing to avoid slips.
Start early to avoid climbing in the harsh midday sun and benefit from cooler rock.
Use climbing shoes with sticky rubber to maximize traction on polished slab sections.
Double-check your gear placements above the bolts to ensure solid protection on open face.
Walk off climber’s left at the top on a talus slope; watch for loose rocks.
Two fixed three-eighths inch bolts anchor sections of the route; bring trad gear up to 3 inches to protect the runout slab sections. Expect to place small to medium cams between bolts where the face opens up.
Upload your photos of Buenos Aires and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.