Coyote In the Bushes is a distinctive climb that demands both respect and focus from the moment you step onto its rugged face at Feudal Wall, located within Joshua Tree National Park. This single-pitch trad route, stretching about 50 feet, offers a technical challenge that blends carefully placed bolts with sections requiring traditional gear placements up to 3 inches in size. The chalk trail winds in a curious fashion—starting noticeably right of the first bolt before cutting back sharply left between the first and second bolts—reflecting the intricate line climbers must commit to.

From the approach, the rocky limestone feels immediate and exposed, testing your ability to balance precision with swift movement. The initial reach for the first bolt isn’t just physical; it’s a mental trial, requiring full concentration, as any slip here could lead to a rough fall. This precarious start sets the tone for a climb that keeps you alert through its measured moves and subtle shifts in the rock’s texture.

The route’s 5.10a PG13 rating suggests a demanding but accessible challenge for those comfortable with sustained protection and slightly run-out sequences. Its protection includes four fixed bolts complemented by traditional gear placements that skilled climbers will find essential to manage risk and maintain confidence. The climb's moderate length makes it a perfect test-piece for climbers transitioning from sport to more adventurous trad challenges within the park.

Feudal Wall itself is a striking feature of Joshua Tree, offering open, sun-dappled rock faces carved by years beneath the desert sky. The sun casts shadows across the route in the late afternoon, making early mornings or late afternoons the optimal windows for climbing when temperatures dip and grip feels best. The surrounding landscape hums quietly, with the occasional rustle of desert winds brushing through sparse vegetation and the distant calls of desert wildlife—nature itself partaking in the unfolding climbing drama.

Approaching Coyote In the Bushes is straightforward; the Indian Cove Campground serves as a reliable base with well-marked trails leading up to Feudal Wall within 10 to 15 minutes. The terrain is rugged but manageable, mostly rocky with some sandy sections, so solid footwear and prepared hydration are must-haves. The approach’s manageable length means you can focus energy on the climb itself, but don’t discount the desert’s relentless sun and dry air.

Locals appreciate the climb’s unique protection sequence and the mental game it demands—balancing bold moves with calculated gear placements. This makes Coyote In the Bushes less about brute force and more about reading the rock, trusting your instincts, and placing protection efficiently. After topping out, the descent is a short, careful scramble back to the base of Feudal Wall, with no special descent gear required but a keen eye to avoid loose footing.

This route is ideal for climbers who crave a blend of technical trad skills on solid rock within an iconic park setting—offering a rewarding challenge without committing to long, multi-pitch exposure. Whether you’re tuning your trad rack or sizing up Joshua Tree’s adventurous offerings, Coyote In the Bushes stands as a memorable introduction to Feudal Wall's character and the desert’s enduring call.