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Cashews Will Be Eaten: A Classic Joshua Tree Trad Route

Twentynine Palms, California United States
trad crack
single pitch
desert climbing
Joshua Tree
medium cams
face climbing
exposed traverse
Length: 110 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Cashews Will Be Eaten
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Cashews Will Be Eaten invites climbers to experience a classic trad pitch on Joshua Tree’s Little Hunk. The route offers crisp crack climbing with a dynamic traverse, all bathed in desert sunlight and backed by expansive park views."

Cashews Will Be Eaten: A Classic Joshua Tree Trad Route

Cashews Will Be Eaten offers a straightforward, satisfying trad climbing experience on Joshua Tree’s iconic Little Hunk formation. The route begins with solid movement up an inviting flake and crack system, guiding climbers into a quiet conversation with the rock. Soon, the line requires a rightward traverse along a natural shelf, where careful footwork and balance become your allies. This maneuver introduces a brief exposure to the open air while negotiating a clean crack and adjacent face climbing, showcasing Joshua Tree’s distinct blend of friction and crack finesse.

The sandstone here is sculpted into firm features that demand precise placements and deliberate moves. At 110 feet, the single pitch stretches with just enough variety to test fundamental crack climbing skills without overwhelming those stepping confidently into 5.8 territory. The informal quality of the rack necessary suits climbers familiar with medium-sized cams and nuts, with placements being straightforward but requiring attentiveness to ensure security.

Joshua Tree’s desert environment surrounds the climb with wide views and a sun-drenched atmosphere. The Little Hunk face captures the afternoon sun, so tackling this climb earlier in the day can help avoid the hottest hours. Vibrant blue skies offer a sharp contrast to the pale granite, and the dry air emphasizes the textures under your hands and feet. The approach is moderate, keeping the overall outing accessible for a half-day adventure.

Visitors should bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes with good edging capabilities to handle both the approach and the rock’s surface. Being a single-pitch climb, Cashews Will Be Eaten fits well into a day’s itinerary of Joshua Tree adventures, allowing time for exploration of nearby formations and other classic routes. With a modest star rating derived from climber feedback and a rating of 5.8, this route appeals to climbers seeking a reliable, low-stress test of their crack climbing skills, set within the unique desert setting of California’s treasured park.

Climber Safety

Though the rock is solid, climbers should stay alert during the traverse, as footholds can feel sparse and exposure increases. Seasonal heat requires careful hydration and sun protection.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length110 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid the afternoon heat on the sun-exposed NE Face.

Bring at least 2 liters of water given the dry desert environment and approach.

Wear shoes with good edging to manage friction on Joshua Tree’s sandstone.

Check local weather as sudden winds can impact balance during the rightward shelf traverse.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.8, this climb presents a consistent moderate challenge with a smooth flow. The crux lies in the traverse where commitment meets friction seam climbing. Compared to other Joshua Tree classics at this grade, it feels approachable yet rewarding for those building crack technique.

Gear Requirements

Standard rack including medium cams and nuts covers all necessary placements on the crack and face sections.

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Tags

trad crack
single pitch
desert climbing
Joshua Tree
medium cams
face climbing
exposed traverse