Subject: Talon
Rating: V10
Quality: 2 stars
Location: Joshua Tree
Notes: Heinous!

This was the first new testpiece to be added to the Pumping Monzonite circuit in quite a while. The problem was probably never climbed before due to a park bench that was cemented in beneath the base of the problem (there because a nature trail passes through). The bench had been there for ever and a day. Then, one summer afternoon, the bench was gone! The problem was put up within a week of that bench being gone! Maybe not the finest problem in the Park, but to be on that well trodden circuit ...$#it yes!

Talon starts at a head high sloper that hangs out over the trail. From there, a series of absurdly thin edges leads to balancy moves on the vertical wall above. Move left to a jug system, then top out 16 ft. above the trail on jugs.

Climber: Dan Mills
Photos: R. Miramontes