Crucifix Ridge Traverse

Fantastic ridge traverse in the desert. Starting at the head of the cross scramble up to the first summit.  Then, follow the ridge to the west up and over 4 smaller summits before ascending ~800 ft to La Quinta Benchmark.  Difficulty ranges between 3rd class and very low 5th class climbing, although easier terrain is always close by. The crux is definitely the poor quality rock in some places. Care should be taken when committing to holds as many are loose or rotten "kitty litter" granite. Despite this, there is some great rock, awesome views and exciting exposure in some sections.  The top of La Quinta Benchmark offers views across the basin towards Joshua Tree, north towards Mount San Jacinto, and west into the Santa Rosa Wilderness and additional ridges. Sign the small summit register and choose your route down.

The summit register shows logs back to 1997 although online blogs have climbers exploring these ridges in the 1979. Take the opportunity to appreciate the generations of climbers that came before and enjoyed the pseudo "religious" experience we all have in the mountains.

Start in the parking lot of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and follow the east west ridge to La Quinta Benchmark.  Viable exits exist at multiple places along the ridge with some evidence of trails leading down to the valley at many of the saddles.  The easiest exit may be scrambling down into the Legacy Villas La Quinta Resort and following a car or golf cart out of the front gate.

Solo