Daydreams carves a clean, focused line up the left flank of the west face at Buttermilk Crags, offering climbers a pure traditional experience framed by California’s rugged eastern Sierra. The route is a single pitch of sustained 5.10a climbing that demands attentive gear placements and steady movement. From the ground, the crack and adjacent buckets present a compelling invitation: technical, direct, and uncompromising. The rock here is smooth enough to test your footwork but generous with handholds once you commit to the movement.

Approaching Buttermilk Crags positions you in a stark high desert landscape where the sun scorches the bouldered terrain by day but fades to coolness in the evening. The west-facing wall ensures that afternoon shade eases the heat, making late afternoon climbs on Daydreams especially pleasant. The air carries a dry clarity, broken only by the soft scratch of rock against rubber and the occasional birdcall echoing off distant peaks.

Gear up with a standard trad rack extending to 3 inches to secure comfortable placements within the crack system. The protection is reliable but requires mindfulness: gear placements are generous in size but can be subtle, rewarding careful judgment over brute strength. A well-placed #3 cam can lock down the crux move, promoting confidence for the dynamic sequences ahead.

The route’s short length means high intensity packed into a single push. It’s a refined challenge for climbers who appreciate precision over volume, inviting them to savor each move rather than power through. Expect to engage every finger and toe, reading the crack like a story as you ascend. Once atop, sweeping views open up toward the Owens Valley’s blue expanse and the towering Sierras beyond, a fitting reward for the focused effort below.

Before you set off, note that the approach to the crags involves moderate hiking over uneven desert terrain—trail markers can be faint, so bring a GPS with coordinates (37.33448, -118.57811) and sturdy footwear. Water is essential; the arid environment offers little refuge from the sun’s intensity, especially during summer months. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best conditions, avoiding the harsh midday glare.

Daydreams is quietly popular among the local trad community, delivering a concise but memorable climb. Its straightforward nature and moderate protection needs make it ideal for climbers stepping into solid 5.10 trad territory or veterans seeking a sharp, concentration-heavy line amid Buttermilk’s expansive landscape. Whether you’re chasing your first trad 10a or revisiting the area for a precise, no-frills venture, this route spotlights what Buttermilk does best: clean stone, classic moves, and a natural setting that engages both body and mind.