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Holly Hipkiss at Rattlesnake Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park

Twentynine Palms, California United States
dike traverse
sport climbing
single pitch
south-facing
desert granite
well-bolted
Length: 50 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Holly Hipkiss
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Holly Hipkiss climbs the prominent south-facing crag in Rattlesnake Canyon, blending direct movement with a thoughtful traverse along a dike feature. With solid bolts and an approachable 5.8 rating, this 50-foot sport line is a compact desert classic perfect for morning ascents."

Holly Hipkiss at Rattlesnake Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park

Holly Hipkiss offers a concentrated burst of classic Joshua Tree sport climbing on the expansive south-facing crag of the Rattlesnake Wash Hillside. From the moment you step onto this 50-foot route, the rock’s sun-warmed texture invites a confident grip as you engage a steep start anchored by generous holds. The climb’s defining feature is the distinct dike weakness it follows, creating a natural line that transitions elegantly from a direct upward push into a subtle traverse heading right to left. This traverse flows smoothly over the dike’s contours, testing your ability to read the rock’s tension as you progress through the bolts. Protection is straightforward with five fixed bolts and a reliable two-bolt anchor, making quickdraws your primary gear consideration. The exposure here is moderate, backed by Joshua Tree’s signature granite cloaked in golden sunlight and desert air, lending an immersive sense of place without overwhelming the effort. Approach from the parking area at Indian Cove is manageable with well-marked trails crossing open desert terrain scattered with junipers and wild scrub. The south-facing wall soaks up the morning sun, offering an ideal climbing window before afternoon heat intensifies. For climbers stepping up to this mid-grade 5.8 challenge, Holly Hipkiss balances technical movement with accessible holds, creating a route that feels solid but never soft. While this isn’t a high-pitched wilderness alpine test, its quality bolting and steady exposure deliver a classic Joshua Tree experience suited for those building sport climbing confidence or looking to enjoy a short, memorable route in a stunning desert setting.

Climber Safety

While the protection is reliable with bolts and a solid anchor, pay close attention to sun exposure as the south-facing wall can lead to rapid dehydration. Also, be cautious on the traverse section where a slip could result in a longer fall if quickdraws are not clipped promptly.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Arrive early to avoid midday heat on the south-facing wall.

Wear sturdy climbing shoes with good edging capability for the dike traverse.

Hydrate well; desert conditions dry you out quickly even on mild days.

Use the short walk from Indian Cove parking to access the route efficiently.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:At 5.8, Holly Hipkiss sits at the approachable end of Joshua Tree’s sport spectrum. The grade feels fair with a couple of moves requiring focus on body positioning around the dike traverse, but the generous holds keep the crux in check. Compared to nearby sport routes, it offers a balanced introduction without any unexpected stiff moves.

Gear Requirements

Bring at least five quickdraws to clip the bolts and prepare for a straightforward two-bolt anchor at the top. The protection is solid but you need your draws ready for the vertical and traversing sections.

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Tags

dike traverse
sport climbing
single pitch
south-facing
desert granite
well-bolted