"Lawless Riders is a classic single-pitch trad climb that follows a clean left-leaning crack in Alabama Hills. Perfect for trad climbers sharpening their crack skills, this 50-foot route delivers solid granite, reliable protection, and a memorable desert experience."
Lawless Riders offers a straightforward yet engaging single-pitch trad climb that threads a left-leaning crack tucked just to the right of Mysterious Desperado in the iconic Alabama Hills. This route is a solid choice for climbers who appreciate clean, jam-friendly cracks without unnecessary fuss. The ascent is a focused 50-foot push—enough to challenge your hands and feet with consistent crack climbing, but short enough to savor the desert’s unmoving rock and vast mountain views.
Approaching Lawless Riders means stepping into the unique landscape of the Eastern Sierra’s Alabama Hills, where rounded granite boulders rise against a desert sky streaked with sunlight and shadow. The crack itself is a perfect host to standard trad gear, offering secure placements that reward climbers who know their nuts and cams. It shares its anchors with Mysterious Desperado, meaning efficiency and consideration are key when topping out.
Getting to the anchors along this route can feel a bit unorthodox, requiring a careful look at the finish, but the initial moves climb a clean crack that feels welcoming and familiar. It’s an ideal climb for those dialing in their crack technique or anyone seeking a no-nonsense route that isn’t crowded yet delivers on classic Sierra granite texture.
The approach trail is typical for the Lone Pine area—solid dirt paths winding through the rounded boulders and sagebrush that define this desert environment. Climbers should come prepared for variable temperatures and bring sun protection; the climb’s orientation provides good sun exposure, especially later in the morning and early afternoon.
Practical gear to consider includes a standard trad rack with a range of medium-sized cams and nuts, as well as a comfortable harness and rock shoes suited for crack climbing. Water and a concise plan are essential, as the area’s remoteness demands respect despite its popularity.
Lawless Riders captures the raw feel of Alabama Hills climbing—clean, direct, and grounded in classic crack tactics. It’s a dependable route for a half-day escape where presence on the rock matters more than flashing an ultra-hard grade. The desert wind often hums low through the boulders, lending a quiet pulse to the climb that encourages focus and rhythm through every move.
Watch your foot placements near the anchors where the terrain tightens. Loose rock is minimal but the approach can be dusty and slippery, so take care moving to and from the base.
Approach on established trails through sandy, uneven terrain—good footwear is a must.
Start the climb mid-morning to avoid the harshest desert sun but still benefit from clear light.
Bring extra nuts and cams in sizes suited to medium cracks to safely protect all moves.
Be mindful sharing anchor space with adjacent climbs, especially Mysterious Desperado.
A standard trad rack covers the protection needs here. Medium cams and nuts will handle the crack nicely. Note that the route shares anchors with Mysterious Desperado, so be prepared for some anchor organization at the top.
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