Crack Variation stands as a quietly challenging testpiece in The Bihedral’s Upper Tier, calling for steady nerves and precise gear placement amid Boulder Canyon's rugged granite faces. Starting near the midpoint of the neighboring route, Bihedral, this single-pitch climb veers hard right around a distinct bulge, threading its way beneath a small conifer that clings stubbornly to the rock. The ascent follows broken, lichen-streaked stone, peppered with occasional seams and widening cracks, inviting a careful and attentive approach. Moving upward toward a towering headwall, the route demands a measured undercling to the left, passing a striking fissure named Thumb Tack, before peeling left around a corner to reach the top of the bihedral for a belay.

With a length of roughly 120 feet from Rhodian Shores’ belay, Crack Variation is far from beginner-friendly. The rock’s rough texture is offset by patches of slippery lichen that require confident footwork and secure holds. Protection is sparse; a light rack with small cams and nuts is appropriate, although some placements are delicate and require a practiced hand. From the top of Rhodian Shores, an alternate approach involves moving up and left past a roof before angling hard right to the crack’s beginning, but this variation tests patience—offering either no pro early on or a route fraught with drag.

The climb demands respect not only for its technical challenges but also the judgment required to read the route and gear placements under less-than-ideal conditions. Boulder Canyon’s granite here holds an intimate connection between climber and rock—every move driven by feel and finesse rather than brute force. The surrounding high desert air often carries a dry crispness, making hydration a top priority, while the sun’s arc tends to illuminate the wall by mid-morning, highlighting the texture and subtle features within the cracks. Footwear with sticky rubber and a steady head will bring the best results, as the delicate placements and slick lichen patches create a climb where caution and skill walk hand in hand.