Cornerstone stands just left of the popular Touch and Go route, inviting climbers into a focused, technical ascent that demands both finesse and careful gear placement. The climb begins with a thin crack that threads its way upward, challenging your fingers and feet as you navigate delicate moves toward a broad, sloping ledge where you can pause and assess the next section. From here, the route shifts to a steep face protected by two well-placed bolts — a blend of traditional and bolt protection that balances security with the need for precision. Notably, the second bolt was added post-first ascent, recognizing the sharper demands of the climb’s upper half.

Set within the Echo Rock area of Joshua Tree National Park, Cornerstone offers an 80-foot single pitch that feels compact but intense. The rock’s coarse texture provides consistent friction against your fingertips, while the exposed face invites wind and sun, creating conditions that change through the day. Climbers can expect a workout on 5.10a terrain that tightens on the thin cracks before releasing into the more sustained face moves protected by bolts.

Approaching Cornerstone involves traversing the arid, sun-drenched trails of Joshua Tree’s Echo Rock section, approximately 20 minutes from the main park road. The landscape is dominated by rugged granite formations and sparse desert vegetation — an environment where timing your climb for early morning or late afternoon can spare you from the harshest rays and afford cooler rock. Be mindful of temperatures and always carry adequate water.

Your rack should include a complement of small cams and nuts to secure the initial crack, along with a few quickdraws for the bolted face section. The thin crack above the bolts requires attentive placement, with protection opportunities that may demand a steady hand and confident gear judgment. The route’s exposure, combined with the crack’s technical nature, rewards those prepared with both mental focus and solid technique.

As with all climbs in Joshua Tree, practice Leave No Trace ethics and respect the desert’s fragile balance. The descent is straightforward: a single rappel from the anchors atop the route returns you safely to the base, though checking your gear setup before dropping is essential, given the route’s mixed protection style.

Cornerstone is a satisfying challenge for trad climbers ready to test their crack skills and face climbing prowess in one continuous pitch. It delivers an experience that’s equally about movement and gear strategy, set against the stark beauty of one of California’s most renowned climbing destinations.