PRINT: Rock Climb R.M.L., Joshua Tree National Park

R.M.L.

5.9, Trad, 50 ft (15 m),

Avg: 2.5 from 81 votes
FA: Paul Neal and Charlie Saylan, December 1976
California > Joshua Tree NP > Central Joshua… > Echo Rock Area > Echo Cove > Echo Cove - S Face

Access Issue: Climbing Regulations/Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

The Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent's Compendium states that:
1. Vegetation is not allowed to be used as an anchor.
2. Only neutral or rock colored bolt hangers are allowed.

For a complete list of climbing rules and closures visit:
nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/…

Description

A short hand crack leads over a roof to jugs (pro to .75" here) after which a committing mantle sequence leads to the first bolt. Steep and greasy smears head upward with an easy but runout section after the last bolt.

Don't be fooled by the easy rating of this climb as it requires a variety of techinques and a cool head to succeed. Interesting moves on good rock merit this two stars out of five.

Location

This climb lies up the left side of the large flake that leans against the prominent face and just left of C.S. Special.

Protection

3 bolts, 2 bolt anchor/rap (all bolts 3/8")

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

R.M.L. smearing

Somebody REALLY likes this climb.

RML

Mike Coffin on the opening moves

Getting ready to make the High Step, to Clip the First Bolt, on R.M.L. Photo By Jeff Laina.

"R.M.L.". Photo by Blitzo.

The committing moves to gain the first bolt

R.M.L. (5.8+)

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

C Miller
CA

5.9

The initials of this route supposedly stand for Ronald McDonald Land. Dec 17, 2003

vincent L.
Redwood City

5.9

I would call this route 5.9 . Feb 19, 2005

Duke
Rancho Mirage, CA

A bomber nut can be placed in the crack just above the roof to protect the mantle move. A couple of 5.9 moves once on the slab. Feb 25, 2006

Adam Stackhouse

5.8

Fun route along with its partner CS Special Mar 20, 2006

Blitzo

Fun route! Sep 8, 2006

Ryan Kelly
work.

I'm going out on a limb and giving it three stars. Yes, it's short, but has some fun, very un-Jtree moves at the start. Bonus 1/2 point for originality, and it's a quick and easy tic. Jan 18, 2010

Jeff Laina
Southern, New Mexico

Wild Fun 5.8 Smearing, between Bolts 2 & 3. May 5, 2012

Matt Hagny

5.9

Slightly less friction-y than C.S. Special. I.e., the holds were a bit more discernible. The start is a bit burly. Dec 8, 2018