Set against the rugged backdrop of Mission Gorge, Clear Light carves a technical, modestly committing line that challenges climbers with a blend of face and dihedral moves encased in Southern California’s signature sandstone. Rising 60 feet above the sun-drenched walls, this single-pitch route sits just left of the Staircase formation, where a shallow dihedral and ramp guide you upward, demanding precise footwork and confidence in thin edge holds. The rock’s texture offers a gritty grip, rewarding climbers bold enough to venture onto the face sections near the top. Protection is minimal but reliable—rap anchors await at the summit, allowing for a clean descent by rappel.

Approaching Clear Light feels like stepping into a natural arena where the desert air hums quietly and the nearby brush rustles with the occasional bird’s call. The climb’s position captures ample sunlight, warming the stone to an inviting temperature in cooler months yet urging early starts in summer to avoid overheating. The route’s 5.10a R rating reflects a moderate challenge—the R indicates runout sections requiring careful protection placement and precise technical ability, uncommon in many San Diego climbs. It’s a test for climbers building experience in trad techniques, especially those comfortable managing distance between gear placements while keeping composure on variable rock features.

Navigating the approach trek involves a short, reliable path from the Lunch Rock parking area, threading through some sparse vegetation and fractured granite slabs. The quick walk-in lets you focus on the climb itself rather than getting exhausted before you even set rope. Given the exposed nature of the climb, well-fitted climbing shoes with good edging capability and a light rack focused on smaller cams and nuts are recommended. While the protection is straightforward—anchored rappels top-off the ascent—careful gear placement in the dihedral is crucial to avoid long, pendulum-prone falls.

In all, Clear Light offers an adventurous introduction to trad climbing in the region. It strikes a balance between the accessibility of short routes and the mental challenge of runout sections, making it a valuable part of any trad climber's repertoire aiming to sharpen their skills amid Mission Gorge’s raw terrain and vivid, sun-soaked surroundings.