On the west side of Alabama Hills lies The Deli, a shady enclave marked by its smooth, chocolate-brown walls and an air of quiet anticipation. Here, sharp eyes spot subtle features in the rock, while the comforts of shade keep the baking sun at bay. The first sensation stepping onto the approach trail is the distinct smell of sun-warmed sage and dust. Soon enough, after cresting the ridge beyond Meat Loaf Cave, you’ll lay eyes on The Deli’s tiered formation — four vertical slices of dark stone rising out of the chaparral, streaked with lichen but offering solid, textured holds.

The Deli’s stone is among the best in these hills: cool to the touch, surprisingly grippy, and showing early signs of cleaning up well with each ascent. Slight lichen from the first ascents still lingers, hinting at a place both young and forgiving. It’s well set up for focused days of single-pitch climbing: enough walls and lines to fill a day, free from crowds, with every climb rewarding careful footwork and willingness to commit.

Traditionally, climbers come to The Deli for the sense of possibility in the rock’s clean faces and inviting features. You’ll find a tight cluster of established lines, each with its own look and character. Three of the local classics—Made to Order (5.9), Della’s Delight (5.9), and Black Sheep (5.10b)—set the standard. These offer reliable stone and moves that are both accessible and engaging, built for the climber who wants more than just a numbers game. Black Sheep, the area’s highest-rated line, has a subtlety to its moves, encouraging thoughtful movement and rewarding those who trust their feet.

As you trace your hands over the edges and pockets, you’ll notice that the routes here favor climbers who enjoy thoughtful sequences over brute strength. While there are no epics or sweeping multi-pitch lines, each climb is long enough to immerse you in the movement, yet compact enough for multiple laps. The 4,845-foot elevation brings crisp air nearly year-round—ideal for sending, especially on summer afternoons when the east-facing wall stays cool and inviting.

The practical side of climbing at The Deli shouldn’t be ignored. The approach is straightforward—just follow the path right of Meat Loaf Cave and summit the ridge for panoramic views, then drop down toward the obvious blocky formation. Expect solid footing on the trail but a bit of brush as you wind downward. Once at the base, you’ll find the terrain open, with enough flat space for staging packs beneath the wall.

With no sweeping vistas or exposed ridgelines, The Deli instead offers something different: a low-key, focused climbing experience defined by reliable stone, few distractions, and the quiet backing of the Sierra horizon. It’s the kind of spot where days slip by quickly, each line teaching you something new about balance and patience. If you haven’t yet explored the single-pitch bounty of Alabama Hills’ shady corners, The Deli makes for an inspiring and practical introduction — especially for those looking to climb classic lines without the crowds.