Cave Crack offers a distinct and raw climbing experience within the rugged confines of Mission Gorge, a lesser-known gem in southern San Diego County. This single-pitch trad route climbs a narrow offwidth and squeeze chimney that demands both technique and focus. Starting just above the second tier along the Main Wall, the approach brings you directly under a shallow cave, the starting point for this gritty ascent. The first moves place your body inside a tight chimney that quickly tightens, requiring precise compression and jamming skills to make upward progress. The crack narrows through the squeeze, forcing climbers to engage fully with the constricted space and offwidth techniques, a style that demands patience and calm under pressure. Watch for loose rock and dust trapped within this natural channel—any dislodged debris could pose a risk to those below, so controlled movement and cautious cleaning are key.

The climb stretches about 40 feet from base to anchors, making for a concise but intense experience that tests climbers' mastery of awkward, wide crack climbing. Protection calls for large camming devices, ideally from #3 to #5 Camelots, to accommodate the broad offwidth sections. Experienced climbers might opt to top rope Cave Crack using the anchors from the nearby route Never Intended, employing a #3 as a directional to keep the line clean. The rock, typical Mission Gorge sandstone, holds firm but sometimes dresses with dust and loose material, requiring a proactive approach to gear placement and route reading.

Mission Gorge itself combines desert warmth with coastal breezes, serving up an environment rich with dry, sun-scorched sandstone walls framed by sagebrush and chaparral. The wall faces generally south, making morning shade rare but late afternoon climbers often bathed in mellow light. Spring and fall are the best windows to visit—summer heats can be relentless, and winter occasionally brings dampness that softens the rock. Access is straightforward, with the trailhead leading up through scrub-covered terrain before opening onto the established Main Wall sector. The approach is short but gains elevation quickly, rewarding climbers with views over the surrounding scrublands and San Diego’s inland valleys.

Cave Crack’s appeal lies in its challenging offwidth style, a niche for climbers looking to test more specialized crack climbing techniques without a long approach or multi-pitch commitment. It's an ideal outing for trad climbers eager to refine chimney and offwidth moves in a compact, accessible setting. Adequate preparation—especially wide gear and careful attention to rock cleanliness—will ensure both safety and success on this demanding yet rewarding climb.