HomeClimbingCome-n-Do-Me

Come-n-Do-Me: A Bold Trad Challenge at Watanobe Wall

Twentynine Palms, California United States
roof climb
crack traverse
technical footwork
desert
short approach
Joshua Tree
bolt protected
rope drag
Length: 60 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Come-n-Do-Me
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Come-n-Do-Me offers a compact, technical trad climb hidden under a conspicuous roof on Watanobe Wall. This 60-foot single pitch challenges your gear placement and movement with a blend of steep face and crack climbing in a quieter corner of Joshua Tree."

Come-n-Do-Me: A Bold Trad Challenge at Watanobe Wall

Perched beneath an unmistakable roof jutting about six meters overhead, Come-n-Do-Me is a single-pitch trad climb that demands both precise technique and calm nerve. Located on the Watanobe Wall in the less-traveled Steve Canyon area of Joshua Tree National Park, this 60-foot route invites climbers into a compact world where Boulder Creek’s cracked granite dares you to read its features carefully.

The approach slips you into a narrow boulder grotto, its shadows cool against the desert sun, setting the stage for sustained climbing that mixes face moves with well-earned rests. The initial section climbs direct to a bolt, testing finger strength and footwork at 5.10a difficulty. From there, you sidle left toward the imposing roof, where a bolt and a well-placed cam await. This is the technical heart of the route, with moves that challenge your balance and power, the crux marked by a traverse along a semi-horizontal crack offering welcome opportunities to place gear for those who want an added margin of security.

Once across this traverse, the climbing eases back up the face with a bolt past a 5.8 section, growing runout as the route inches towards the top. The final moves are about control and patience, demanding solid foot placements on sparse holds, all while knowing that the rope drag builds as your protection points spread further apart. Descending is straightforward but requires care; rappelling via the bolts of the adjacent Candelabra route is the safest exit, followed by an easy walk back to the bouldered base.

Come-n-Do-Me suits climbers ready to test trad skills on rock that feels alive: every crack and bolt is part of a conversation between climber and wall. You’ll need a light rack of cams from tiny 0.3 up to 2 or 3 inches, plus a few 2-foot slings to keep your rope running smoothly as you negotiate the traverse. The line is not about fast or flashy climbing but about measured moves and smart gear choices, perfectly blending adventure with practical technique.

Joshua Tree’s dry air and granite texture provide a tactile environment where every hold demands attention, and the sun’s slow arc gently warms the rock during early morning ascents. While the route is not long, it rewards focus and respect, making it an excellent option for climbers looking to push their trad grades while immersed in a classic desert setting. The surrounding Steve Canyon area isn’t the busiest part of the park, offering a quieter, more contemplative climbing experience for those who seek it.

Prepare for the climb by bringing plenty of water and choosing stable footwear suited to technical face climbing. Timing your ascent in cooler parts of the day enhances friction and comfort, especially during shoulder seasons when Joshua Tree’s midday heat can spike. Whether you’re adding a committed trad route to your day or looking to sharpen your crack skills, Come-n-Do-Me offers a distinctly grounded, gripping challenge, richly rewarded by the tactile, desert landscape that has welcomed generations of climbers before you.

Climber Safety

Stay alert to potential rope drag caused by the traverse on the right side of the roof—using multiple slings reduces this. The descent involves rappelling from another route’s bolts; check anchor condition carefully before committing, and watch for loose rock near the top.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length60 feet

Local Tips

Approach early morning for cooler rock and better friction.

Carry plenty of water; the approach and climb are exposed to desert sun.

Practice placing cams in horizontal cracks before attempting the traverse.

Descend by rappelling off the Candelabra route’s bolts, not directly from Come-n-Do-Me.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10a rating feels true to form with the crux around the roof traverse where balance and precise placements demand focus. While the initial face section hits hard, the move through the roof with a bolt and cam protection adds a tricky crux that can feel stiff. The upper half eases into 5.7/8 terrain but becomes runout, requiring commitment. Compared to other climbs in Joshua Tree’s Steve Canyon sector, this route is a solid step up, testing trad technique on a dynamic wall.

Gear Requirements

A standard light rack from 0.3 to 2 or 3 inches is essential, with a few doubles at size 1 recommended. Bring several 2-foot slings to minimize rope drag, especially while clipping bolts during the traverse on the right side of the roof.

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Tags

roof climb
crack traverse
technical footwork
desert
short approach
Joshua Tree
bolt protected
rope drag
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