"Corona Crack provides a striking second pitch alternative on .50 Cal Tower with a right-arching crack that tests cracks skills across varied widths. Located in California's High Desert near Fort Irwin, it blends technical climbing with straightforward protection in a remote, sunlit setting."
Corona Crack offers a compelling alternative to the standard second pitch on .50 Cal Tower, inviting climbers into a right-arching crack that arcs leftward from the main .50 Cal Crack route. This single 60-foot pitch stands out with its blend of technical crack climbing and the straightforward protection opportunities that a clean rack to 4 inches can secure. The rock, sculpted by years of weather and erosion in the High Desert, presents both an engaging challenge and a reliable surface to trust your gear. Approaching from Fort Irwin, the desert heat and sparse shade dictate an early start or late afternoon attempt to sidestep the sun’s full intensity. The climb finishes at the same belay stance as the traditional .50 Cal Crack, making it a solid choice for climbers looking to experience variety without extending their day on the tower.
The route’s crack reveals a textured sequence where finger jams evolve into wider hand and fist locks, testing technique and patience. This alternation between tighter and broader sections keeps both body and mind engaged, while the protectable placements along the way encourage steady progress and thoughtful gear placement. The silence of the desert surrounds you except for the soft scrape of your shoes on stone and the gentle clink of metal as you set protection. The expansive views from this desert outcrop carry a quiet warning: isolation demands self-reliance and thorough planning.
Access to .50 Cal Tower lies within the High Desert region near Fort Irwin, a landscape characterized by sparse shrubs and rocky ridges. The approach is straightforward, crossing scrubland and patches of sand with little relief, so hydration and sun protection are necessary. GPS coordinates place the tower squarely in a remote zone, where cell service can be spotty. Climbers should prepare for temperature swings between day and evening and pack accordingly.
For protection, a single rack up to 4 inches fits the crack’s dimensions, with some placements requiring careful repositioning to maintain security. The rock quality remains solid throughout but expect occasional pockets that demand cautious evaluation. At 5.8 difficulty, Corona Crack balances accessibility with enough challenge to hold the interest of trad climbers refining their technique without pushing into more strenuous grades.
If you’re chasing an uncluttered climb where the desert’s quiet presence shapes the experience, Corona Crack on .50 Cal Tower is a fitting choice—offering solitude, technical crack climbing, and a direct connection to the arid landscape beneath the California sun.
The rock quality is generally sound, but climbers should remain cautious on occasional hollow pockets and keep an eye on their protection placements due to uneven crack widths. The hot, dry environment increases dehydration risk, so plan hydration carefully especially given the exposed nature of the climb and approach.
Start early to avoid the desert heat and maximize shade on the climb.
Wear durable climbing shoes suited for crack jamming and consider tape for hand protection.
Carry at least 3 liters of water due to limited shade on approach and climb.
Check weather forecast for temperature swings—desert nights can be chilly even after hot days.
Single rack to 4-inch pieces is sufficient; anticipate varied crack widths requiring finger to fist-sized protection placements along the pitch.
Upload your photos of Corona Crack and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.