"Howdy Pilgrim is a sharp 75-foot sport climb on Thanksgiving Cliff’s Northeast face, offering well-protected bulges and a direct challenge for climbers stepping into 5.9 terrain. Anchored with a mussey hook and shared lower-offs, this route balances desert exposure with technical holds for a focused outing in California's high desert."
Located on the stark Northeast face of Thanksgiving Cliff, Howdy Pilgrim offers a precise and direct 75-foot sport climb that challenges rock lovers with its series of compact bulges. This single-pitch route beckons climbers drawn to short but punchy efforts where technique and steady movement balance raw power. Starting from a solid stance on desert rock carved by time, the climb moves upward through textured holds with carefully placed bolts safeguarding every move. The route ends at a shared anchor perched calmly next to its neighbor on Monastery South, providing a sense of camaraderie amid the rugged landscape.
Thanksgiving Cliff itself sits within the broader Monastery Crags region, a high desert arena that commands respect with its open skies and sun-baked stone. Here, the climbing experience is as much about reading the rock as it is about reading the environment: sunlight bakes the slopes by midday, making early starts essential. The surrounding desert sands and scrub brush sift in the wind, carrying with them the sharp aroma of creosote and the distant call of birds riding thermals under a wide blue sky.
This route demands reliable quickdraws for its bolt-protected steps, but its true allure lies in the conversation between climber and bulge — each section challenging you to trust your balance and smarts over brute strength. The protection scheme is straightforward: well-spaced bolts lead you to the final bolts guarding a mussey hook anchor with a lower-off, ensuring a safe and efficient descent method after a satisfying ascent.
Approaching Howdy Pilgrim requires maneuvering through desert terrain that’s uneven but well-traveled, with a short hike from the base parking area that allows you to feel the desert’s pulse as you move. Expect sun exposure, so hydration and sun protection should be part of your gear list. The route, rated 5.9, presents a moderate challenge ideal for climbers stepping up from beginner pitches or those seeking a quick desert fix that respects time and energy.
Judicious climbers will find the rock’s texture inviting for finger jams and side pulls—the bulges demand a blend of technique and a calm head under tension. It’s not a climb you rush; rather, it invites you to find rhythm on exposed edges while the desert wind pushes softly against your skin. When completed, the shared anchor offers a moment of pause to appreciate the airy solitude of this high desert outlook before retracing your steps or continuing to adjacent climbs in the Monastery South area.
If you’re looking for a climb that blends accessibility with an environment that feels wide open and unfiltered, Howdy Pilgrim waits with its clean lines and dependable protection. Prepare for sun and dry air, pack smart, and embrace the desert’s quiet challenge in this compact but satisfying slice of California climbing.
Although the bolts are well maintained, the anchor uses a mussey hook which requires careful clipping and a secure personal anchor for rappelling or lowering. The desert environment means heat and dehydration risk, so plan your climb early in the day and carry ample water. The approach, while short, is over uneven terrain, so watch your step.
Start early to avoid the midday sun exposure on the Northeast face.
Hydrate well—the high desert air is dry and energy-sapping.
Wear sticky climbing shoes to navigate the bulges confidently.
Respect the shared anchors and communicate with other parties climbing nearby.
The climb relies on bolts, so bring a standard sport rack with quickdraws and a personal anchor system for the shared mussey hook anchor. Lowering off is straightforward at the anchor station.
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