Hanging Turd of Babylon is a concise but memorable trad climb carved into the rugged expanse of Joshua Tree National Park’s Peyote Cracks formation. This single-pitch, 40-foot route perches on the far right end of the East Face, where the rock’s rough texture and spacious crack offer a straightforward, gritty experience. The climb’s defining feature once included a distinctive chunk of rock lodged in the crack, a quirky remnant that lent the line its name and character. Though no longer present, the route retains its raw, unpolished personality—it’s a crack that demands respect for its imperfect cleanliness and the rock’s natural grit.

The ascent relies on wide trad protection, inviting climbers who enjoy placing gear in sizable cracks rather than relying on fixed hardware. The crack itself is broad and forgiving in terms of hand and finger holds but can feel awkward due to scattered debris and loose grit that tests your foot placements and patience. While the technical demands hover around a moderate 5.9 rating, the real challenge lies in navigating the uneven surface and managing your protection efficiently.

Peyote Cracks is part of The Outback, a more remote sector of Joshua Tree National Park, where desert winds sculpt the landscape and sunlight carves shadows across the rock as the day moves forward. The approach is straightforward with established trails guiding you to the base, but gearing up with sturdy footwear and ample water is essential, since temperatures can spike under the desert sun and trail terrain ranges from rocky to sandy patches.

Despite its modest length and single pitch, Hanging Turd of Babylon holds a rugged charm—perfect for climbers who value direct, no-frills trad climbing amid sweeping desert landscapes. The protection calls for traditional cams and nuts sized for wide cracks, and the gear placements require attention given the rock’s occasional flakiness. Climbers should arrive early to beat the heat and enjoy the morning light that illuminates the East Face beautifully.

Whether you’re brushing off your crack climbing skills or simply looking to experience a unique desert line, Hanging Turd of Babylon offers an experience that balances approachable climbing with the honesty of the natural rock and environment. The route’s modest star rating may underestimate the satisfaction found in managing the interplay between nature’s ruggedness and your climbing technique in this iconic Joshua Tree setting.