"Dos Equis offers a textured slab climb on Pinnacles’ West Face—perfect for climbers who favor finesse over power. Its smooth features and sparsely bolted line challenge your balance through a thoughtful, single-pitch ascent."
Dos Equis presents an engaging single-pitch sport climb on the West Face of Machete Ridge, tucked within the diverse terrain of Pinnacles National Park. This 90-foot route invites climbers to experience smooth, lower-angled slabs that demand balance and mental focus rather than brute strength. The rock surface stretches broadly underfoot, offering an experience reminiscent of the famed slabs at Tuolumne Meadows, yet Dos Equis carries its own character with a sparse bolt setup that encourages careful route reading and subtle footwork.
From the ground, the climb appears deceptively straightforward. The first few bolts guide you gently upward across gently inclined slabs, where friction and precision steps are your best allies. As you near the crux, positioned just above the fourth bolt, the angle steepens slightly and subtle holds require more deliberate movement. This sequence tests your patience and skill with slab technique, creating a quiet, focused moment on the rock where each move feels like a conversation between climber and stone.
The bolts, spaced widely but thoughtfully, allow the rock’s features to lead your path, bringing a sense of adventure as you piece together the climb. Once past the crux, the climb finishes with a moderate runout up to the two-bolt anchor, providing a satisfying conclusion that demands attention until the final clip.
Situated within Pinnacles National Park, Dos Equis offers more than just a physical challenge—it invites climbers to appreciate the vivid landscape below. The ridge’s elevation provides views of dry chaparral and distant coastal hills, while the warm California sun bathes the rock in golden light, amplifying the texture of the slab. This area is ideal for climbers who thrive on precision and technique and are looking to build confidence on slab climbing.
Approaching Dos Equis is straightforward, with well-marked trails leading to a mecca of climbing opportunities. The park itself is a protected wilderness, hosting unique flora and fauna that can be observed en route. The moderate approach ensures you arrive focused and ready to engage with the rock’s challenges without a grueling hike wearing you down.
To get the most from this climb, bring sticky-soled climbing shoes that can handle friction well and prepare for a climb that rewards patience and finely tuned balance rather than dynamic moves. Because bolts are spaced with room for interpretation, maintaining composure and steady breathing will carry you through the route’s subtle ups and downs.
DOS Equis’s moderate difficulty (5.8 R) and unique slab style make it a must-try for climbers venturing into Central California’s climbing scene—especially those who prefer an approach that blends mental focus with calculated, precise movement rather than sheer power.
Bolt spacing leaves some runouts—this route demands confidence in footwork and route reading. The smooth slab can become dangerously slick if wet, so avoid climbing after rain or heavy dew. Anchor bolts are secure but always perform your own check before committing.
Bring shoes with excellent rubber for slab friction to maximize foot holds.
Expect some runout sections; maintain calm and deliberate movement.
Come early to avoid the heat, as the rock absorbs sun quickly in midday.
Check weather conditions since the slab becomes slick when wet, decreasing friction.
Four bolts protect this route, spaced to encourage precise placement without a sense of overprotection. The final anchor consists of two bolts, reliable for a secure top rope or rappelling setup.
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