Adventure Collective

Blurry: A Balanced Sport Ascent in the San Bernardino Mountains

San Bernardino, California United States
low-angle slab
reachy clip
single pitch
mountain climbing
sport climbing
San Bernardino
Length: 80 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Blurry
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Blurry blends moderate sport climbing with reliable protection on solid rock, climbing from a brief vertical section into a low-angle slab before finishing on a punchy headwall. It’s a great single-pitch challenge for intermediate climbers looking to sharpen skills in a scenic mountain setting."

Blurry: A Balanced Sport Ascent in the San Bernardino Mountains

Blurry offers a gratifying blend of moderate climbing and secure protection, making it a reliable choice for climbers seeking steady progression with minimal risk in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains. The route starts with a short, vertical section guarded by two bolts, setting the tone for a climb that is both accessible and engaging. Following this initial stretch, the wall eases into a low-angle slab where footholds spread out beneath your shoes, inviting you to focus on balance and smooth movement. The rock here offers solid friction, encouraging careful foot placement as you rise toward a spacious ledge. This ledge provides a moment to pause, catch your breath, and soak in views of the surrounding ridges and sky.

The climb concludes on a short, headwall section that adds a bit of spur to your step, challenging your upper body with a reachy clip at the sixth bolt—this bolt anchors the crux and demands precise positioning. Climbers shorter than 5’8" might find themselves making a few unprotected moves to secure the clip, a subtle test of commitment before the final moves to the top anchor. The belay station, marked by ring anchors, sits comfortably on a stable platform, providing a safe end to a route that balances practical protection with the physical satisfaction of movement.

Located within the highway 38 crags region, Blurry benefits from easy access and a solid rock quality characteristic of the San Bernardino Mountains. The area’s elevation hovers around 8000 feet, which means cooler temperatures and thinner air can add to the challenge during warmer months—or provide refreshing relief in the early season. The approach trail is straightforward and well-marked, saving time and energy for the climb itself. Early morning or late afternoon climbs are ideal to avoid the harsh sun that quickly heats the slab, making timing and hydration key components of a successful ascent.

This line suits climbers wanting a single-pitch sport experience with enough variety to stay interesting, from vertical stretches to slabs and a brief headwall finish. Its moderate difficulty rating of 5.8 is approachable for intermediates while still engaging for stronger climbers looking for relaxed movement and tactical gear clipping. Whether you’re brushing up on clipping technique, getting comfortable with moderate slab, or wanting a quick climb within reach of civilization, Blurry fits the bill.

Preparation is straightforward: bring shoes with sticky rubber to handle the slab sections, draw plenty of quickdraws for efficient clipping, and pack water considering the sun exposure on the route’s face. The surrounding forest imparts crisp mountain air, and occasional breezes can be felt as the rock seemingly exhales under your hands, reminding you of the living, shifting mountain around you. This climb rewards steady pacing and mental focus as much as physical strength, delivering an experience grounded in practicality yet invigorated by nature's raw edge.

Climber Safety

Watch for the sixth bolt clip on the final headwall—its reachiness can force unprotected moves, so plan your sequence carefully. The ledge below the headwall is solid but can be narrow, so avoid lingering directly under the climb.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length80 feet

Local Tips

Plan your climb for early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sun on the slab.

Bring sticky-soled shoes to maximize traction on the low-angle slab sections.

Prepare for a reachy clip at the sixth bolt; practice clipping technique beforehand.

Carry at least two liters of water to stay hydrated in the mountain air.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.8, Blurry sits comfortably in the moderate range but includes a crux clip that adds a tangible spike in demand. The grade feels honest but accessible, ideal for climbers transitioning from beginner to intermediate who want to test technical footwork and confident clipping on real rock.

Gear Requirements

The route is well protected with 7 bolts and ring anchors at the top. Climbers should be ready for a reachy clip at the sixth bolt on the headwall section; shorter climbers may need to stretch or make unprotected moves to clip cleanly.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Blurry and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

low-angle slab
reachy clip
single pitch
mountain climbing
sport climbing
San Bernardino