PRINT: Rock Climb Dappled Mare, Joshua Tree National Park

Dappled Mare

5.8, Trad, 300 ft (91 m), 4 pitches,

Avg: 3.3 from 712 votes
FA: John Long, Richard Harrison, and Rick Accomazzo, January 1973
California > Joshua Tree NP > Lost Horse Area > Lost Horse Wall > Lost Horse Wall - Rig…

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

Approach: walk up the wash below the Lost Horse Wall. Your landmark for finding this route is the traverse down and left along a horizontal from the top of P2 into P3; look for this about halfway down the ledge that defines the right side of the wall. At the left edge of this traverse, there is an obvious, left-facing dihedral. Scramble up boulders to reach the approach pitch.

Photo opportunity: as the leader gets into the dihedral at the start of P3, they end up parallel with and 15 feet left of the belay stance. It's pretty easy for them to lean back and smile for the camera.

Short leader advantage: the dihedral in P3 is slightly less awkward for a shorter climber.

While the description below lists four pitches, many people do the route in two long pitches and a final short pitch.

P1: 5.6-: Start from boulders roughly below where the crack starts from the ledge. Work up and left across easy terrain to gain the ledge, then traverse right to the base of the crack. Straightforward gear anchor.

P2: 5.8: Work straight up the obvious crack system. You may find yourself using both cracks towards the bottom, but before long you'll be entirely in the left crack. You can't really miss the bolt anchor at the top of this pitch. NOTE: You can easily combine pitches 1 & 2 with a 60m rope.

P3: 5.8: Take the obvious, 15-foot traverse down and left into the base of the dihedral. Enjoy the fabulous fingers and plentiful protection throughout the dihedral, continue up either crack above until the angle of the wall tapers off. You'll end up with a gear anchor a short distance from the top of the wall.

P4: 5.8-: You can probably choose any of several options to exit this climb. I opted for a short, obvious, somewhat-right-facing crack above a low-angle slab. As you exit, you'll want to move right to avoid the Pancake Prickly Pear growing in the top of the crack. Gear anchor beneath a blade of rock about 15 feet from the edge of the cliff.

Protection

Standard rack. This climb protects beautifully. If you choose the right of two cracks above the dihedral on P3, there will be a runout towards the top of the pitch when the crack runs out.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

"Dappled Mare". Photo by Blitzo.

Celebrating the "feats of strength" portion of Festivus. December 23, 2008. Photo by kc82

Clay Trager high-stepping the bulge near the end of pitch 3.

Turning the corner after the traverse down from the bolted anchor. Photo taken from gear belay atop crux pitch of Bird on a Wire.

Jared on the traverse.

Just finished the down traverse... about to plug and go to reduce the pendulum.

Bomber gear belay below the dihedral, after the traverse. would highly recommend skipping the bolted belay and settling down here instead. Less rope drag above, and no unprotected traversing for ei…

Ward climbing up P2

Ron Roach follows up on 'Dappled Mare' (5.8) on the Lost Horse Wall. Other lazy 'peaclimbers' lounge below. Photo by Tony Bubb, 2003.

Summit of dappled mare on a particularly hot morning

passing time on the first belay, waiting for a slower party ahead

Linking pitches 2 and 3

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

The Gray Tradster

On the traverse pitch, don't place any pro until you start back up the crack and get about level with the belay, (or farther if nerves allow) Use a long sling on the first couple of pieces and the drag won't be bad. May 12, 2003

Woody Stark

I would like to second the advice about climbing high in the crack after the traverse. I've climb the route numerous times. I climb quite high, place pro with two slings to make sure there's no drag. May 25, 2003

Kevin Currigan
Lakewood

We actually moved the belay to the bottom of the crack-not advised. You end up in an uncomfortable postition with a so-so belay. The crack flares in the back and makes good cam placement tough. Next time I'll have to try the advice above. Feb 11, 2004

Drederek
Olympia, WA

5.7

Found nuts and hexes more useful than cams on this excellent climb. Put in one cam about halfway down the traverse (with a long draw) and the next piece almost as high as the belay in the dihedral (with a sling). 3 bomber hexes later setup a belay at the top of the dihedral at an OK stance (where you can go left or straight up). Had no problem with drag and left a nice longish pitch to finish. We kept waiting for a 5.8 move but we did not think we ever did one. Apr 9, 2005

Meredith DB
Boulder, CO

5.7

This route can easily be climbed in two pitches with a 60-meter rope.

To avoid rope drag, I chose to set the first belay after the traverse. Done this way the first pitch is about 55m. There is a small stance that is reasonably comfortable for one person at the end of the traverse. Using this belay position means that the second has to downclimb to the anchor, so it is a probably a good idea to protect the traverse well. The crack eats gear, so this is easy to do.

The second pitch then goes up the left-arching crack, then up the face and cracks to the top of the wall. The second pitch is about 50 m. Apr 18, 2006

Bill Lawry
Albuquerque, NM

5.8-

At the start of P3, I put in two spread out pieces during the downward traverse with single length slings. When starting up but still below the belay, I put in another piece with a double length sling. Rope drag was not an issue even though I led to the end of the 60 meter rope, combining P3 and P4. Unless you only have maybe sport quickdraws or are short-clipping the pro, I'm thinking that protecting the traverse doesn't mean a lot of rope drag later (your mileage may vary). Apr 25, 2007

Lynn S

5.8

Did this in two pitches with my kids, but it would have been better as follows.

Pitch 1 - go up to the bolts, start left of the yucca just off the big boulder, with long runners on pro there is not much rope drag, maybe 160 foot pitch.

Pitch 2 - do the downward traverse, climb the left leaning crack and find the most comfortable stance you can above that section. This keeps decent visual/verbal communication with the follower(s) in case they have trouble. Not a great stance but you won't be there that long. Roughly 80 feet total and puts you left and not far above the bolted stance. Again that is helpful if it is windy and you want to communicate with the second, etc..

Pitch 3 - climb pretty easy and fun rock up to nice stance below some chickenheads. Walk off right (east) past a yucca and pick your way down through the boulders. 100 feet Dec 30, 2008

Dave Daly
Kernville, CA

5.8

Done this in 2 pitches with 60m rope (last remaining bit is 4th/low 5th). As for the traverse, protect the second midway then place a piece (with long runner) about the same height as the belay as you head up the left facing corner. Hardly got any rope drag and my second felt well protected. I felt the second pitch was just as fun as the first. Folks who'd rather go 'Roan's Way' (did it already) don't know what they are missing! Good stuff! Feb 23, 2009

Chris Owen
Big Bear Lake

5.8

The traverse at the start of P2 in particular is very good - along with the crack above, not sure why this wouldn't be classic, but then again I like traverses. Sep 26, 2009

Cory Harelson
Boise, ID

Fantastic climb! There are great nut placements on all pitches. I've now done it with both finishes, and I agree with Dave Daly that the standard finish is more fun(although Roan's Way was fun too). That diagonal crack/dihedral after the traverse is just so sweet! I waited until I was even with the belay to place my first piece, which I slung with a double length sling and Rope drag was not an issue.

The descent is an easy scramble off to climber's right. Nov 9, 2009

Catherine Conner
Phoenix, AZ

5.8-

Great route, no stress. 2 pitches. Very fun! Dec 20, 2009

attila

Tip for pitch 3 leaders; load your gear on the left side of your harness for easier access while going up the crack after the traverse. Our guidebook indicated this is a 3 pitch route, but we ended up doing 4 pitches cuz I ran out of draws with about 40 feet to go. Feb 26, 2010

Rockwood
West Jordan

We found ourselves all alone on this route all day so we did it twice. Both times on P1 we started way over to the right so we basically went directly strait up instead over curving to the right. It was fun and seemed to fit with the rest of the climb. Doing it twice in a row was great since you don't have to choose between the 2 short cracks in the middle, we did them both. First time we ended with Roan Way and the second time did the normal route but set the belay after the traverse. The down climb was also tons faster the second time. Watch for loose boulders though, one rolled on me and almost pinned my legs. I escaped with only major abrasions. Also there's a bees nest on the downclimb. Watch out or bring your epi pen. Mar 22, 2010

UpRope

We belayed at the bolts and had no problem with rope drag,I intuitively knew to go about 6 ft up the crack before putting in a piece.All the protection at the traverse ,and immediately after, I extended with long slings.
I love this route and it has all the makings of a classic JT climb. Nov 14, 2010

BrendanC
Sherman oaks, ca

5.8

Classic. We did it in two pitches with a 60
P1: 5.8. Getting to the bolts in one pitch is easily done, just keep your rope running straight-ish up to the ramp below the main crack. From there 80+ feet of excellent, varied climbing leads to the bolts.
P2: 5.8. Protected the traverse with one piece, then a doubled runner on the first piece in the dihedral even with the belay. As long as the belayer keeps it slightly loose rope drag is not a big issue. The dihedral pitch is fantastic, just remember to look over your left shoulder for a sick view. Once out of the dihedral, I went straight up (last pitch or Bird on a Wire, I think). This is a bit run out in spots and felt 5.8ish and a tad spicy. The traditional line goes a bit more left into a more continuous crack system with better pro, but you probably want to break this pitch in two if not taking the direct line. I used every inch of our 60 going straight up which finishes by pulling an easy roof with good pro and 15 more feet of fun 5.8 jams.
.75 to 1.5" for an anchor in the summit block.
NOTE: This route eats gear in the .5 to 1.5 range so bring plenty of those. May 13, 2011

Bernard Van De Walle
Boulder, CO

We did it with super short first pitch to the ramp.
Second pitch to the bolted belay
Last pitch to the end.
Can be done in 2 pitch if you link the super short first one with the second one Feb 20, 2013

sdrockstar81 Duran
el cajon, CA

5.8 PG13

Climbed this yesterday... Only used 2 cams the rest were hexes, nuts, and tri-cams medium/small sizes. Took the Roan variation finish which was fun and not as horrible as everyone says, a little spicy in a couple spots but not terrible.

60m rope was needed for Roan finish
used either a .5 or .75 about 10ft off of the bolted belay on pitch 2

I think I took another variation on Roan way at the very top I took the crack on the right instead of finishing straight up. fun finish still 5.8 Mar 30, 2013

Alex Peterson
Kamas, Utah

5.8 PG13

We did this a two pitch with a 60. First pitch go straight for the bolts, you can go easy on the pro down low and then stitch it up as needed up to the bolts. But if you keep your line straight, it will reach. Second pitch, long sling the traverse and finish about ten feet shy of the top, just under a large agave plant. Solid anchor build there and it is an easy 5.0 climb the last ten feet. Apr 28, 2013

Brian Chastain

5.8

So after turning away from this route countless times we finally got up early and arrived to the parking lot FIRST!

Found the climbing pretty easy. Went via approach pitch, to belay bolts and then to the top. Finished on Bird on a Wire which probably made it more fun but did increased rope drag.

I cannot see how it could be PG13 unless you did the finish of Bird on a Wire as the pro is a little less but climbing isn't too tough.

I would do it again Dec 23, 2013

Jason Kim
Encinitas, CA

1st pitch felt like 5.4, super relaxed and several options to approach the ledge. 2nd pitch protects great and felt 5.7-ish to me, nuts worked great and I didn't even reach for a cam (gasp!). 3rd pitch is definitely the money pitch, whether you lead or follow. The downward traverse, if you take it, is fun and different. 4 pitch, if you do it, is easy and over in 2 minutes. All sorts of anchor options up top, I wedged myself behind a yucca and slung the rope around a little horn as a backup. Mar 4, 2014

Bailey Miller

I started perhaps a bit too far right, and had a fairly hard, bouldery move right off the deck, which turned out to be the crux of the whole climb with a potentially painful fall. Make sure you are starting in the right place! Mar 30, 2015

Matt Skorina
Bend, OR

Linked the first 2 pitches. Put one piece inline with the main crack, and a #1 camalot with a double length sling in the diagonal crack to the left, ran it out the rest of the way to the top of pitch 1. Rope drag wasn't bad. Sustained 5.8. Oct 7, 2015

Griffin Costello
San Francisco

5.8-

super cool traverse and is a blind belay. Bring Walkie-Talkies. Nov 28, 2015

ahd
Santa Clara, CA

I'd add 'nuts recommended' to the rack section. I didn't take those with me and ended up running out the slab section. Jan 6, 2016

ahd
Santa Clara, CA

Beta Alert: Here my awkward but cool-looking way to do the traverse.

youtube.com/watch?v=ZuetEuj… Jan 7, 2016

Sean
Oak Park, CA

have done this route in 2 pitches many times. as mentioned by a few, for manageable rope drag on both pitches, ignore the anchor bolts and set the midway belay at the low point of the traverse, with solid anchor placements avail. no long runout nec if done this way. have often seen parties beeline to the anchor bolts, setting up next leader to have to avoid rope drag by not placing gear across the entire traverse and some ways up after that, with likewise extra stress/fright for the less exprienced second. it's just not nec. take a good look from the ground beforehand and think about it. also harder to communicate with leader on last pitch if belaying at the bolts. those anchor bolts make more sense for protecting the "runout" P2 start of Roan Way that continues straight up Jan 15, 2016

Serge S
Seattle, WA

For P3 (diagonal crack) I loaded my gear on the left side (as recommended here) but found myself wishing it was on the right. Feb 21, 2016

Adam bloc
San Golderino, Calirado

5.7

First pitch is very solo-able, any move remotely close to 5.6 is off huge ledges and feels very comfortable. That said, it wouldn't save much time since P1&2 are link-able. P2&3 are link-able with ample forethought and a 70M. Logistics aside, I thought the traverse was cool, but the other pitches are fairly yawn-inducing. It's a lot of climbing for a VERY short section of interesting terrain. Would be a great first Josh route though, seeing how it gradually eases on and has a variety of styles in the easy range. Takes protection like a mafia snitch too. Nov 29, 2016

Nick Brennan
PNW

Found this to be a little easier than some other josh 8s. Easily made it from the ground to the bolted anchor. From the bolted anchor I tried to summit in one pitch and was stopped short by rope drag and dwindling gear. I exited the leaning corner and moved right which may have put me in harder terrain, but the climbing was good. Definitely bring nuts, they'll tame the run out above the corner. Speaking of nuts, there is a small red BD stopper right below the bolts that should come out with a little convincing. My follower couldn't get it. Dec 2, 2016

Clayton Rardon
Yucca Valley, CA

5.8

Welcome to 2017, bring your 70m, climb it in two pitches, you're going to get close to using the entire thing both times. If you're old school and only own a 50m, you're probably going to scramble up the first little part anyways and scoff at the use of fancy new SLCDs, while slamming nuts and hexes for two 50m pitches (the second one you'll stop short and scramble to the summit
Plan your gear placements to avoid rope drag. Then run it out.
Starting the second pitch, run it out to let your second enjoy a little JTree spice.
Start early, if you're there Sept-May.
If anyone is practicing hauling on this route, ridicule them mercilessly, they're douchebags. Then go climb the Swift, Altitude Sickness, and Bird on a Wire.

Enjoy the walk off. Sep 16, 2017

steverett
Boston, MA

From the bolts, you can get up to the big belay ledge/cave up left (just below the summit - easy scramble up) with a 60m rope (I had about 6 feet to spare). I put 2 pieces on the traverse, with alpine draws; drag was pretty insignificant. Make sure you save some pieces for the anchor. Feb 5, 2018

David Bruneau
St. John

With a second who was near their limit, I did a short pitch from the belay bolts to the start of the two cracks above the dihedral. This allows the leader to put in loads of pro on the traverse to protect the second, and makes communication a lot easier. Mar 11, 2019

Ian Perry
Salt Lake City

5.8

I know there's lots of opinions out there but I did this route in two pitches. One to the chains and one to the top. 60 m barely made it and rope drag was pretty bad at the easy top sections. The dihedral above the traverse is so sweet. Mar 12, 2020

Adam P
Truckee, CA

I'd echo the suggestions for doing this route in two pitches. My experience was doing it in two pitches with a 70m rope. I'd recommend doing pitch one (P1) from the ground to either the bolts or the end of the short down climb. However, if you end P1 at the bolts, do not place gear in the down climb (traverse?) and climb up the crack until you're parallel with the belay before placing gear. The down climb and moves up the crack aren't that bad so this is a reasonable option. The suggestion to end P1 at the bottom of the down climb may be the better way to do the route because it avoids the unprotected down climb and moves up the crack before placing gear. Nov 16, 2020

Chris S
Orange County, CA

5.8

The P2 belay is 2 bolts with rings, not 3 as an earlier comment says. Great climb. Extend your pieces, rope drag will be a factor otherwise Mar 6, 2023

Sandy Dash
Beaverton, OR

Detailed TR with pictures of each pitch and gear beta here : dashertonclimbs.com/2023/12… Dec 5, 2023

Tristan Tristan

At the top of the dihedral follow the crack left. If you follow it straight up, you are on Bird On A Wire (5.10a). As mentioned above, that option involves trickier pro, longer runouts, and slab. Fine for .10a but the description for Dappled Mare makes it sound like they are both equivalent options on the 5.8 route. Apr 14, 2024

Ty Zang
Huntington Beach, CA

Beta hint:

I guess you can approach the traverse in two ways: Stay high or go low. I chose to use the rock features for my feet and tip-toed across them. I still had to do one no hands step down onto slab before the crack. Next time I will try staying low and using those features for hands. I liked the one comment about skipping the bolted anchors. Do it right, might make this climb less spicy Apr 15, 2024