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Highstep

Twentynine Palms, California United States
trad
roof move
large gear
short approach
desert granite
Length: 40 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Highstep
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Highstep is a concentrated trad climb in Joshua Tree’s Lost Horse Area featuring a bold first move over a roof guarded by a single bolt. Perfect for trad enthusiasts seeking a compact, technical pitch on high-quality desert granite."

Highstep

Highstep in Joshua Tree’s Lost Horse Area offers a crisp, focused trad climb that challenges your technique and rewards with direct movement on classic desert rock. From the moment your fingers wrap around the first edge guarded by a single bolt, the route dares you forward, demanding a confident first move over a compact roof. The rock’s coarse texture presses into your palms as you swing your body up and past this dynamic obstacle, setting a tone of controlled aggression balanced by steady patience. Above, the line opens to cleaner cracks, inviting large protective gear placements ranging from small aliens to BD juniors, anchoring your ascent with solid reassurance.

This 40-foot pitch is swift yet richly textured. The local granite encourages precise footwork, with smoothed edges that contrast the sharply defined roof lip you surmount early on. The anchor perch, constructed of generous gear placements, sits ready for a smooth rap descent via a sidestep off the climb, a handy detail that simplifies retreat or lowers after a successful send. The route’s 5.9 rating feels fair; it’s approachable for anyone comfortable on fifth-class trad, where sequence memory and body positioning make the difference rather than brute force.

Joshua Tree’s desert air, dry and warming with the sun’s arc, soaks into your skin as you ascend, and the broad sky above acts like a vast, bright ceiling that highlights the rock’s light hues. The short approach means you’ll spend more time climbing and less time hiking, perfect for a half-day adventure that fits into comprehensive park explorations or quick desert training sessions. Be sure to pack a hydration strategy, lightweight but supportive footwear, and sticky rubber to navigate both the roof and the face confidently.

The Lost Horse Area remains a favorite for trad climbers drawn to Joshua Tree’s character—a blend of minimalistic routes with high-value rock quality and scenic desert surroundings. Highstep exemplifies this mix: straightforward yet not forgiving, requiring focus and skill in equal measure. Its relative brevity belies the polished challenge and tactical gear placement needed to seal the ascent.

With five votes averaging a modest 1.2 stars reflecting user feedback, Highstep should be approached with respect and preparation. It doesn’t overwhelm with length but demands attention from start to finish. A quick rappel off the sidestep anchor helps you exit smoothly, but attention to rope management in the desert breeze is a must. Whether you’re sharpening your crack climbing skills or chasing a memorable Joshua Tree trad experience, Highstep offers a compact, well-protected adventure that taps into the park’s rugged soul without overextension.

Climber Safety

Be cautious of loose rock near the roof section; test all holds carefully before committing. The rock is generally solid but early-season desert winds can cause unexpected debris on the route. Use the bolted protection on the roof wisely as it’s the only fixed piece on the climb.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length40 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid heating up the rock and maximize grip.

Wear sticky rubber shoes for secure edging on the roof and face holds.

Bring extra gear for anchor building—large cams anchor comfortably above the roof.

Prepare for a short approach; follow marked trails from the Lost Horse parking lot.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 rating is consistent with the route’s demands: the crux lies in the roof’s opening move, protected by a single bolt, which adds psychological weight. Once over the roof, the difficulty eases but requires smooth gear placements and solid footwork. For climbers familiar with Joshua Tree trad climbs, Highstep sits comfortably in the mid-5.9 range without hidden softer cruxes, making it a reliable test piece for those stepping into desert trad.

Gear Requirements

Bring a rack ranging from small aliens to BD juniors to protect the varying widths of cracks and flares. Note a single bolt protects the very first move over the roof, after which gear placements are solid but require attention to hand size variety.

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Tags

trad
roof move
large gear
short approach
desert granite