As the Crow Flies unfolds on the south face of the Pinnacle with a View in the rugged San Bernardino Mountains, offering climbers a concise yet demanding challenge that sharpens skills on solid California granite. The route begins with a confident move onto a generous hold that sets the tone for the climb—secure but earning every upward inch. From there, you engage directly with the rock, making your way past two well-spaced bolts that guard the approach to the crux. Here, the granite demands precision and composure; the rock feels smooth under your fingertips, challenging you to trust your footholds and maintain balance as you navigate a subtle traverse right toward a horizontal break. This break offers a welcome rest and an optional cam placement for added security, essential for those who prefer a backup in the more exposed section.

The final stretch ascends a sunlit slab where the holds thin out and the margin for error tightens, rewarding climbers who keep their footwork steady and eyes sharp. About 70 feet of vertical travel culminate above the break, where a well-placed bolt secures your final moves before the climb concludes by stepping left onto the anchors of the adjacent Harlan Pepper route. Notably, a smart variation at the third bolt allows bypassing the crux by using solid holds to the left, dialing the difficulty down to a more approachable 5.8. This option makes As the Crow Flies accessible to climbers developing their confidence on sport routes while still offering a taste of technical movement for those chasing a 5.10 challenge.

Big Bear Lake’s familiar scent of pine mingles with the dry granite dust, and the mountain air moves gently, hinting at the day’s shifting weather. Access is straightforward, with the Pinnacle’s well-marked approach trail providing a manageable walk through mixed forest and rocky outcrops. The route’s orientation favors climbs during morning hours, when the rock is cool and shadows cloak the lower sections, making summer ascents more comfortable. Protective gear is basic but critical: four solid bolts anchor the route’s key sections, complemented by the optional 1-inch cam placement at the horizontal break for those wanting extra security. Seasoned climbers know to watch for blackened rock patches after rain and to arrive prepared with sturdy shoes and a lightweight rack.

This climb suits sport climbers looking for a short but rewarding pitch that balances technical sequences with run-out sensations, all set against a backdrop of forested slopes and panoramic mountain views. With minimal crowds compared to Big Bear’s busier routes, As the Crow Flies invites climbers to savor each move, from the first confident pull to the final step left into the anchors. Whether you’re working on crisp technique or simply soaking up the mountain’s calm, this route offers a slice of Californian granite climbing that remains practical and engaging.