The I stands prominently on the lower north face of Cyclops Rock, a solid slab that commands attention for its clean, parallel cracks slicing through the rock’s textured surface. This classic Joshua Tree trad climb stretches over a compact 30-foot pitch, delivering a focused yet compelling experience for climbers who relish technical crack climbing with a touch of commitment. Situated just across from the infamous Potato Head formation and near Hidden Valley Campground, this route captures the essence of Joshua Tree’s unique desert granite: rough, unforgiving, and intensely tactile. As you step onto the slab, the left crack invites a precise hand and finger lock, guiding you upward toward a distinctive overhang formed by an imposing boulder. The overhang creates a natural bottleneck, challenging shorter climbers with its height, though it rewards careful footwork and patient movement.

The setting amplifies the climb’s appeal — the desert sun warms the rock earlier in the day, while the north-facing aspect tempers the heat, maintaining a steady grip temperature throughout the climb. The air hums with the dry rustle of creosote and the distant chorus of birds, while cycling trade winds push gently across the valley floor. Approaching from Hidden Valley Campground, the trail is a short stroll over packed desert soil dotted with granite fragments and resilient desert flora, making access straightforward and quick.

The protection demands respect but is accessible, requiring a rack equipped mainly with small to medium-sized cams and nuts. The parallel cracks offer secure placements, though their angle calls for deliberate, confident gear placement to prevent any surprises. The route rates at 5.8 minus, reflecting a modest level of difficulty on paper, but the sustained nature of the crack and the overhang’s physical demands suggest a climb that rewards solid crack technique and mental focus. The single pitch’s brevity means the climb flies by, but the quality of moves ensures a satisfying effort with a clear finish atop Cyclops Rock’s textured ledge.

For climbers seeking to sharpen crack skills and experience the quieter side of Joshua Tree’s climbing scene, The I presents a direct, no-frills adventure. It’s a climb that feels approachable but retains enough character and challenge to keep your attention from the first hand jam to the final mantle. Plan for cooler parts of the day, and bring plenty of water to counter the dry desert air. Good footwear — notably sticky climbing shoes with solid edging — will go a long way on the granite slab.

This route also offers a welcoming introduction to the area’s broader wilderness. Cyclops Rock’s isolated yet accessible position near Hidden Valley invites exploration beyond the climb, from short hikes to sunset vistas, all set in the stark beauty of Joshua Tree National Park’s distinctive high desert environment. Whether you’re on a day mission or using this climb as part of a larger adventure, The I promises a rugged, tactile climb grounded in the core values of traditional crack climbing amid evocative desert surroundings.