We planned our Petaca Point hike with hopes that conditions would be good for climbing at nearby Dead Cholla Wall, and they are perfect. We join one other couple, also easing back into climbing after a hiatus, to try some top roping here. As is often the case, reaching over the cliff edge to clip anchors ends up feeling more dangerous than leading, so I decide I’ll just lead the easiest route on the wall, Fun 5.7. Of course it turns out to be a mixed route, so Ann goes back to the car for gear. Meanwhile, the other couple drops a rope on the next climb, Games 5.10+. My lead goes well, egging me into some fairly big, exposed moves. We join forces with our neighbors M. and A. to top rope Games, as well as One for the Book 5.8+ and Corrido del Norte 5.11. This is a nice buffet of basalt climbing with slab, cracks, arete, and small edgy face climbing. Combined with the sun and ideal temperature, it makes climbing seem like a very good idea.