"Burning Man offers a sharp, technical single-pitch sport climb on the northeast slab of Incinerator Wall. With a crisp slab approach and a small roof crux near the top, this 5.9 route blends balance and power in Big Bear’s rugged setting."
Burning Man presents a focused, single-pitch sport climb carved into the rugged northeast slab of the Incinerator Wall, part of Big Bear’s Central Pinnacles. This 40-foot route attracts climbers who appreciate hands-on technical climbing over sheer brute force. The approach deposits you at the mouth of a sharp rocky gully, where the Wall and adjacent Motherlode Rock come together, offering a raw, stripped-back setting where the rock’s natural texture demands deliberate footwork and steady balance. From the ground, the slab gleams with subtle features under the California sun, inviting climbers to read the rock grain with precision.
The climb itself emphasizes controlled movement on an angled face, where the rock tests your ability to stay calm on thin edges and smears. The crux introduces a small roof near the top, requiring a confident pull that shifts the rhythm of the climb and rewards thoughtful body positioning. With only three bolts and chain anchors to secure your ascent, every clip counts, enhancing the mental edge and focus needed here. The rock’s gritty texture encourages solid friction, but expect the slab to challenge your trust in smears and delicate balancing acts.
Big Bear’s dry mountain air and the surrounding pine-scented breeze add a crisp freshness to the experience, contrasting with the sun-warmed granite beneath your fingers. The northeast face catches morning light, gradually warming but maintaining enough coolness to keep your holds from becoming slippery. It’s a climb that demands focus, but rewards with a satisfying push through the roof and a clean finish at the anchors.
Approaching Burning Man requires a moderate hike via the established trails of Holcomb Valley Pinnacles. The trail weaves across rocky terrain, interspersed with chaparral and scrub, providing visual hints of larger granite formations rising around you. Access is straightforward but expect uneven footing near the base. Proper trail shoes will ease the journey, and early start times are recommended to avoid heat buildup.
Climbers tackling Burning Man should come prepared with sport rack, locking carabiners, and a 70-meter rope to comfortably reach the anchors and descend. The route’s bolt spacing demands consistent clipping without hesitation, so staying relaxed through the crux proves essential. Hydrate well beforehand, as the elevation at 34.3°N and nearly -116.9°W means dry air can sneak up on you.
Burning Man is well-suited for intermediate climbers eager to sharpen slab skills without tackling extended pitches. The climb’s short length keeps it approachable, while its subtle roof crux provides a memorable moment of vertical movement that punctuates the technical focus of the route. This is a great warm-up or stepping stone before diving into more committing multi-pitch walls nearby.
The approach involves uneven rocky footing—mind your step near the gully. On route, the slab can be slick when dusty; brush holds if needed before the crux roof. Bolts are secure but clip carefully to avoid rope drag on the roof section.
Start early to avoid midday heat on the northeast slab.
Use sticky-soled shoes for the fine slab friction.
Stay hydrated as the dry mountain air can be deceptively dehydrating.
Clip bolts steadily—no skipping to preserve energy through the crux.
Packed with three well-placed bolts and chain anchors, Burning Man requires a standard sport rack. Focus on smooth clips and maintaining calm through the roof crux. A 70m rope covers the climb and descent comfortably.
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