Doin' Life is a tough, focused climb perched on the western edge of East Wall Inner, a less-traveled niche within Joshua Tree’s iconic Hall of Horrors area. The route unfolds across an 80-foot slab face characterized by coarse granite and a subtle right-slanting crack shared with the nearby Search For Klingons. This single-pitch trad climb demands steady footwork as much as hand strength, rewarding those who favor precise smears and balance over dramatic moves.

The granite here isn’t polished smooth but instead bears the signature roughness of Joshua Tree's desert rock, requiring confident footing on its grainy surface. Starting at the base, the climb eases you into a rhythm as you trace the right-leaning crack, a line that offers modest friction and tactical placements for small gear. As the route climbs higher, three bolts punctuate the slab, warning of the technical challenge ahead rather than shelter. These bolts mark steeper sections where balance and mental focus must align—there’s no room for hesitation.

Reach the 2-bolt anchor at the top to set up a rappel or, if you prefer completing the climb in one go, continue scrambling to the summit and then walk off to your left. The descent is straightforward but demands careful navigation back to the base, as the terrain shifts from slab to desert scrub.

Doin' Life is not a flashy highlight among Joshua Tree’s climbs, but it offers a raw, honest engagement with the rock. It’s a slab climb stripped to essentials—gritty granite, modest protection, and the silent presence of the desert sun bearing down. For climbers that appreciate a grounded challenge in a legendary climbing landscape, it fits well in a day of exploratory single-pitch routes.

Plan your ascent in the cooler hours of the day to avoid the desert heat, which can make the coarse granite unforgiving on bare hands. Due to its exposure and slab character, solid shoes with excellent edging ability are crucial, as is precise footwork to maintain balance. Bring a light rack suitable for moderate trad placements, and expect to rely on the three bolts placed as protection on the upper slab. While the climb lacks dramatic features, it calls for a calm, measured approach—each move deliberate, each step a small victory.

Joshua Tree’s Hall of Horrors area is remote yet accessible, offering solitude away from the more crowded walls. The climb’s west-facing wall catches the afternoon light, making early morning or late afternoon the best times to avoid direct sun. Weather in this desert environment changes swiftly—carry hydration and sun protection during warmer seasons and layer appropriately come fall or winter.

Whether you’re ticking off pitches in the East Wall Inner or looking to experience classic Joshua Tree slab climbing, Doin' Life delivers an honest feel of the desert’s granite canvas, where the rock challenges quietly but persistently. It’s a solid option for climbers comfortable with moderate 5.10 slab grades who seek something less trafficked but still rooted in the park’s unique climbing culture.