Set within the rugged expanse of Joshua Tree National Park, Milkman, also known as Reach For a Peach, offers a sharp, engaging trad climb that demands both technical skill and mental focus. The route begins approximately 15 feet to the right of the well-known Upper Cow crack, immediately placing climbers on a path that combines solid crack climbing with delicate face moves. As you start, a bolt secures a pivotal point, giving momentary reassurance before you continue up and right, navigating past a second bolt into a varied terrain of face holds interspersed with cracks. The wall’s textured surface offers a tactile playground of climbing, where hands find purchase in vertical and slightly off-vertical seams, and feet trust thin edges while plotting their next step. The protection calls for gear placements up to 2 inches, making it essential to carry a well-considered rack; the two bolts present are useful anchors but don’t replace the need for smart gear placements.

The route spans just over 50 feet, a single pitch that packs a focused punch rather than an extended haul. The Joshua Tree environment wraps around you with its dry, desert air and the stark, sun-baked rock faces that radiate heat in the midday sun and cool under the morning shade. The surrounding Real Hidden Valley adds a sense of calm isolation, with distant cholla and yucca casting sharp silhouettes against the sky. To approach, a moderate hike through desert scrub brings you close enough to hear the faint rustle of wind teasing the rock, highlighting Joshua Tree’s characteristic blend of serenity and challenge.

For climbers aiming to send Milkman, timing your ascent for early mornings or late afternoons can provide relief from the intense desert heat and improve friction on the rock. Pair that timing with sturdy shoes that protect your feet on the approach terrain and support your precise edging on the route itself. Hydration is vital; even short climbs in Joshua Tree demand respect for the arid environment. Carrying enough water and sun protection is not just good advice but essential safety.

With a rating of 5.10a, Milkman leans into the upper-easy range of Joshua Tree's trad offerings, though the variation of moves and thoughtful gear placements keep the climb interesting from start to finish. While the bolts offer security, the climb’s flow depends on active gear management, encouraging climbers to engage fully with the route’s changing features. This balance of protected and traditional climbing makes it a rewarding choice for climbers looking to test their crack and face technique on high-quality desert stone.

Effort-wise, the grade feels fair, though the traverse from the second bolt to reach the face and crack involves a steeper, more technical section that acts as a crux. Compared to other Joshua Tree classics, it demands respect but resists overwhelming climbers who have solid trad experience. The crowd is light, reflected in its modest number of votes and stars, providing an inviting option for those who prefer solitude over busy walls. The descent is straightforward: a single rappel or a careful downclimb leads back to the base, though caution is needed on the loose rock patches found off-route.

Passing through Real Hidden Valley, climbers can soak in a quiet corner of one of California's premier climbing destinations while testing their skills on a route that rewards smart tactics and steady hands. Milkman delivers a classic Joshua Tree trad experience—a short, engaging climb with enough challenges to keep you alert and connected to the raw desert environment. Whether you're polishing your trad repertoire or seeking the kind of line that pushes your technique without overwhelming distance, Milkman invites you to Reach For a Peach and seize a slice of desert climbing satisfaction.