Set against the rugged backdrop of California’s Alabama Hills, Everyone Loves a Maryland Girl offers an inviting introduction to sport climbing along the Eastern face of Hillbilly Pillar. This route begins just left of the more frequented Yuam climb, guiding you upward with a straightforward, yet engaging sequence. The climb starts with solid, well-protected moves toward the first bolt, where the rock’s textured face warns of hidden challenges ahead. From this point, a subtle rightward traverse leads you safely to the second bolt, as the pillar’s raw granite coolly tests your footwork. The crux emerges when stretching to clip the third bolt — a moment of focused tension where precision and control define success. Beyond this, the terrain softens, rewarding your efforts with easier climbing that leads you to a shared fixed anchor with Yuam.

This single-pitch sport climb measures approximately 100 feet, threading through a clean, exposed line that captures the spirit of Alabama Hills’ renowned granite. The climb is straightforward, rated 5.9, yet the key sequence at the crux adds a sharp edge that separates casual fun from technical subtlety. Climbers should appreciate the balanced challenge, where the bolts protect confidently but demand respect for their spacing and strategic placements. The area's latitude positions it to soak up the afternoon sun, so timing an ascent in the cooler morning hours or later afternoon can enhance comfort on the wall.

Access is as straightforward as the climb itself. Starting from Paul's Paradise, a short approach hike leads you directly to Hillbilly Pillar’s base, crossing terrain marked by the iconic desert flora and whispering winds characteristic of this Eastern Sierra enclave. The trail is lightly maintained but marked enough to guide climbers with ease, taking roughly 10-15 minutes from the parking area at Lone Pine. The area’s clean air and wide-open skies frame the climb, offering distant mountain views and the gentle hum of the surrounding high desert environment.

Protection consists of five bolts spaced to encourage controlled resting points, finished with a fixed anchor compatible with standard sport rappelling gear. The granite’s solid stature rarely falters, but be prepared for some pockets and edges that challenge delicate foot placement under the crux bolt. Those climbing here will find the route an excellent mix of technical skill and flow, perfect for climbers expanding their 5.8–5.10 repertoire or visitors exploring Alabama Hills’ climbing options beyond the more crowded classics.

Local insights highlight early morning for the best light and cooler temperature, bringing a hydration bottle and grippy shoes for the granite’s sometimes abrasive texture. The desolate beauty of the Alabama Hills beckons with its sharp spires and open skies, making this route not just a climb, but an invitation to step into a world where the rock holds stories of persistence and skill. For those ready to test their mettle on clean bolts and exposed traverses, Everyone Loves a Maryland Girl stands ready — a sporting challenge with unmistakable character in the shadow of Sierra Eastside’s iconic formations.