Coffin Nail carves its path on the West Face of Tahquitz Rock, standing as a solid two-pitch trad climb that tests both technique and endurance without overwhelming force. This route begins by guiding you through easy third-class scrambling that gently wakes the muscles, before sliding into a 5.3 crack that demands attention to footwork and balance. The initial pitch feels like setting an intentional pace, allowing climbers to settle into the rhythm of the rock’s texture — granite that’s clean and receptive, encouraging confident placements.

As you reach the belay, the true character of Coffin Nail unfolds on the longer second pitch. Here, the climbing sharpens with sustained hand jams that pull you upward with a steady strain, speaking directly to the strength in your grip and the precision of your technique. Above this section, the terrain eases into an inviting finger crack, a respite that teases a slight breather before the climb asserts itself with a distinctly committed crux maneuver. An overhang guards the final moves with tangible tension—demanding a decisive move that pushes your limits but rewards with a sense of arrival.

Finishing beneath the approach to Jensen’s Jaunt, Coffin Nail offers a satisfying conclusion. The route’s granite whispers with a cool firmness, the kind that invites confident placements and thoughtful movement. Located just left of Traitor Horn and slightly left of On the Road, this climb offers a focused West Face experience, balancing low-angle scrambling and technical crack climbing.

Planning your ascent means packing a rack with ample hand-sized gear to tackle the tight sections effectively. The rock’s clean features highlight the importance of solid protection placements, especially for runners sized to fit hand jams. Expect moderate exposure with plenty of room to breathe as you move through the dihedral, and while the approach is straightforward, remember that steady footing will conserve your energy for the shifts in effort on the route.

Tahquitz Rock’s West Face commands attention with its enduring granite, attracting climbers who appreciate a climb where rhythm, technique, and gear management intersect. Whether you’re consolidating your crack climbing skills or looking for a steady yet engaging route in an iconic climbing area, Coffin Nail frames the experience with practicality and measured challenge. Gear up with extra hand-sized protection, time your climb for dry conditions, and embrace the granite’s call as the sun moves across its face — morning to mid-afternoon offering the best light and temperature. A solid adventure awaits here, where the rock plays a steady partner and guaranteed footholds reward your effort.