"Full Frontal Nudity offers a dynamic two-pitch trad climb in Joshua Tree’s Comic Strip, blending technical crack climbing with friction moves on bold desert granite. This route pairs solid protection with a striking setting for climbers who want a lively yet manageable challenge."
Joshua Tree National Park’s Comic Strip area holds a treasure for trad climbers seeking a blend of technical friction moves and traditional crack climbing. Full Frontal Nudity stands out as a compelling two-pitch route that puts you right at the heart of desert granite, demanding steady hands and thoughtful gear management. Approaching from the popular trail leading to the Comic Strip, you'll identify the route at the mouth of a rocky canyon heading east — a large formation just beyond the Mary Worth Buttress.
Pitch one follows the most prominent crack splitting the face, mirroring the lower section of the nearby Comic Book route but with more character: wide hands and finger jams give way to a clean dihedral. The climb moves past the dike where you’ll traverse left roughly twenty feet to a bolted belay. Expect sustained 5.9+ crack climbing here that rewards precise footwork and solid pro placements up to three inches.
Pitch two steps into a friction challenge, with a sequence threading between three well-placed bolts before transitioning into a crack that leads climbers to a ledge. The friction demands quiet confidence on the rock’s slick surfaces, calling for careful balance and patience. Though shorter at roughly 165 feet total, the route packs a full experience of Joshua Tree’s varied granite texture.
The descent offers several options. The most adventurous is to scramble up an awkward crack from the ledge to the summit, then downclimb through a rocky gully westward, looping back around the base to your pack — a fifteen-minute exit if timed well. Alternatively, two-rope rappels from the top anchors or a double-rope rappel sequence down to the base of pitch one offer quicker, safer escapes, though crowded conditions on Comic Book can complicate rope drops.
Protection is straightforward: three sturdy 3/8" bolts on pitch two complement traditional gear placements to 3 inches on pitch one, and all belays are bolted for reassurance. The route’s name lives up to its playful edge, standing shoulder to shoulder with Classic Comic Book climbs like X-Rated Tits. For those seeking a two-pitch climb that balances grit, technique, and desert ambiance, Full Frontal Nudity delivers a compelling venture away from the busier corridors.
Prepare with sturdy shoes that tackle friction well, and bring a full rack sized for crack protection. Water and sun protection are essential; the wall faces east and offers morning shade but heats up quickly after midday. Early starts beat peak desert heat and give you crisp air to focus on your technique without distraction. Climbing partners should be comfortable with moderate trad gear and eagerness for a step beyond typical sport routes.
Ultimately, Full Frontal Nudity invites climbers into a lively dialogue with the rock — a route where steady hands, thoughtful gear choices, and an adventurous spirit meet under Joshua Tree’s soaring skies. It’s a climb that promises challenge, flow, and a memorable desert granite experience just moments from the park’s trailheads.
Be cautious during descent; the scramble from the ledge to the top involves loose rock and exposed sections. Consider rappelling if conditions are uncertain. Also, the friction slab on pitch two demands precise footwork—avoid rushing to prevent slips.
Start early to beat the desert heat and secure ample shade during the climb.
Use sticky climbing shoes with good friction for the upper pitch’s slab moves.
Prepare for multiple descent options; know your rappelling backup plan in case Comic Book traffic complicates rope drops.
Carry sufficient water and sun protection, as the approach and route gain sunlight quickly after mid-morning.
Bring a mixed rack with cams up to 3 inches for the crack climbs, supplementing with three 3/8-inch bolts on the upper friction pitch; all belays are bolted for added security.
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