Cats Meow stands as a compelling single-pitch trad climb carved into the North Face of Suicide Rock within California’s renowned Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks area. At roughly 100 feet in length, it offers a balanced mix of crack climbing, face moves, and a handful of offwidth challenges that demand both technique and tactical gear placement. The route starts with a delicate sequence where a thin cam—down to a 00 TCU—is key to establishing security beneath a left-leaning flake. From here, the climb flows into face moves pushing right of this placement before moving back left onto the flake itself. This section rewards patient liebacking and careful footwork as you navigate past smaller flakes and overlaps.

Approximately eighty feet up, the climb shifts into more serious offwidth terrain. Here, pro opportunities include a half to three-quarter inch piece tucked deep within a crack that guards the most demanding moves. Offwidth sequences challenge climbers to balance power and finesse—groveling is an option, yet a slightly more technical alternative exists by circumventing around a small roof, though it sacrifices security. The final stretch involves pulling over this roof, an enticing move that marks the approach to the top.

For those equipped with a 50-60 meter rope, the belay station can be set about 15 feet right and above the roof feature. Longer ropes, such as a 70 meter, permit continuing upward a few more feet where a small horn offers a reliable anchor point. After slinging this horn, climbers ascend easier fifth-class pockets, searching out a small crack for added protection before moving through a relaxed fifth-class section trending right. This upper terrain softens until leveling out roughly 15 feet from the top belay, which sits on solid ground. Rope drag can be an issue on this climb due to its line and gear placements, so patience with rope management is important.

The North Face setting grants Cats Meow ample morning sunlight and afternoon shade, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall climbs when Californian temperatures are mild. Being part of the broader Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks climbing zone, it shares the area’s rugged desert charm—the rock is solid, the exposure inviting without overwhelming, and the atmosphere alive with the hum of other climbers drawn to this historical granite hotspot.

Cats Meow’s moderate 5.8 rating masks a nuanced sequence of technical crack skills and positional moves, perfect for climbers eager to refine their offwidth technique and trad gear placements. While approachable, it demands respect in terms of protection strategy—thin cams early on transition into more standard sized gear higher up, requiring a well-rounded rack. The route’s exposure to the elements means hydration and sun protection are non-negotiable, especially during longer days on the wall.

In broader context, Cats Meow stands as a stellar introduction to Tahquitz-style climbing challenges: technical but manageable, with a blend of face and crack climbing that prepares adventurers for lengthier climbs in the area. This route is a testament to the enduring appeal of Suicide Rock as a training ground and testing area for crack climbers and offwidth enthusiasts alike.

Getting on Cats Meow involves a straightforward approach: a well-marked trail weaves through desert scrub and rocky outcrops to the base. Expect 15 to 20 minutes of hiking over firm, sometimes loose terrain. The approach trail is best tackled in sturdy footwear with ankle support, as loose rock and thorny desert plants pepper the footing. Timing your climb early in the day helps avoid the afternoon heat and secures the best light on the North Face.

In all, Cats Meow is an engaging climb offering a perfect blend of manageable difficulty, varied movement, and situational protection. It challenges climbers to engage fully with the rock while enveloped in the rugged beauty of one of California’s most storied climbing hubs.