Adam and Steve offers a concise yet engaging 40-foot climbing venture that rewards those who crave focused trad movements on a striking arete. Located on the Crystal Lake Wall within the Angeles National Forest, this route exposes climbers to the rugged texture of the California foothills, framed by the vast Los Angeles Basin stretching below. The climb itself skirts along the arete immediately right of Clown Syndrome’s opening pitch, sharing its faded but reliable oak tree anchor. Though short, the line demands attentive footwork and precise hand placements, especially given the limited protection opportunities and the need to trust a few small nuts and tiny cams. Climbers often choose to set Adam and Steve as a toprope after leading Clown Syndrome’s first pitch, appreciating the chance to explore this crisp edge with confidence and a clear view of foothill contours. The rock, warm to the touch in the California sun, gives a steady resistance without surprises, while the slight exposure along the arete lends enough thrill to keep attention sharp without overwhelming. A subtle horizontal crack about 10 feet beneath the top allows for a vital directional placement, offering a touch of security as you finish the move off the lip. The surrounding forest isn’t dense, but pines and scrub brush frame the base, their quiet presence punctuated by birdsong and distant wind across ridge tops. This line is perfect for climbers stepping up into 5.9 territory with a willingness to balance grace with cautious gear placements. As the sunlight shifts across the wall, afternoon shadows cool the granite, making late day sessions especially pleasant outside the hottest seasons. The approach is straightforward, with a well-worn trail easing the transition from forest floor to rock face in about 10–15 minutes, though care is needed on loose sections. Given the route’s brief length and modest number of moves, it fits well as part of a half-day outing or to complement a longer day spent exploring nearby routes on Crystal Lake Wall. Pack small cams and nuts suited to narrow placements, wear sturdy shoes with sensitive edging capability, and prepare to savor the quiet focus of this lean, sharp adventure cruxed by trust in delicate protection and climbers’ technique.