Feeling Mary offers a firm, engaging trad climb tucked into the craggy fingers of Rattlesnake Canyon within Joshua Tree National Park. The route begins along the right flank of a leaning ramp and pillar formation, a striking silhouette warmed by the desert sun. Your hands embrace cracks that demand precise jamming techniques, driving upward to a hidden alcove beneath a stout roof. From there, you face a choice: exit left or tackle the roof directly, both moves offering a moderate 5.8 challenge before leading into a delicate traverse along thin horizontal cracks. The traverse demands a measured balance and focus, the rock’s subtle texture pressing against fingertips as you inch across.

Perched on a sloping ledge, you'll find a dead Joshua Tree lodged in the crack to your right—an unusual natural feature framing the belay station and reminding you of the desert’s quiet insistence to endure. The second pitch climbs steadily up rightward cracks that require careful lieback and stemming. Passing a single bolt that marks a slight crux at 5.10-, you continue upward through featured cracks that test both strength and finesse. The climb covers about 210 feet over two pitches, inviting a rhythm that balances body tension and thoughtful footwork.

Approach is straightforward, navigating the rugged, sandy trails of Upper Dodge City before entering the narrower, more varied terrain of Rattlesnake Canyon. The desert air carries a dry warmth, punctuated by the occasional caw of a distant raven or the whisper of wind through brittle brush. This route favors mid-morning to early afternoon ascents, as the face soaks up sunlight but remains protected enough to avoid overheating.

Protection calls for a standard rack extending up to 3 inches, providing enough versatility for the sustained crack climbing and the traverse sections. Expect to find natural placements aplenty, though some may challenge you to trust smaller nuts or cams for security. The rock is generally solid but check for loose flakes around the belay ledge.

Feeling Mary fits well for trad climbers seeking steady technical moves combined with a touch of desert character. It might not dazzle with extreme difficulty, but it demands attention to movement and gear placement. Thoughtful planning and steady pacing will reward your effort with clear views of Indian Cove’s rugged skyline, a quiet reminder of why Joshua Tree remains a favored destination for desert alpinists and traditionalists alike.