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Crappie Corner at Fisherman's Buttress

Big Bear Lake, California United States
technical start
bulge crux
face climbing
sport
single pitch
slab finish
Length: 45 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Crappie Corner
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Crappie Corner is a dynamic 45-foot sport climb on Fisherman’s Buttress that challenges with a technical start and a bulging crux. Perfect for intermediate climbers seeking focused face climbing in the heart of California’s San Bernardino Mountains."

Crappie Corner at Fisherman's Buttress

Crappie Corner offers a concise yet rewarding sport climb along the western face of Fisherman’s Buttress, situated in the rugged San Bernardino Mountains. This 45-foot route begins with a slender, technical start that might challenge shorter climbers, demanding precise footwork and steadiness on fragile edges. As you gain height, the holds broaden, inviting a smoother transition as you skirt left around the sharp arete. The climb’s defining moment is a bulging crux where positive holds encourage confident movement over more sustained terrain. Beyond the crux, the wall eases into a slab that tests balance and technique before a brief but delicate face section culminates in a final turn over a lip to reach the secure chain anchors. Expect a sporty, compact route that combines subtle technical demands with bursts of dynamic moves, making it an engaging pick for climbers looking to sharpen face climbing skills in a beautiful mountain environment.

Located within the Big Bear Lake area, this climb commands a unique position with sun exposure that varies during the day, warming the rock for most of the year. The approach is straightforward, letting the surrounding pine forest’s crisp scent mingle with the quiet crackling of rock underfoot. Your gear will consist mostly of sport climbing essentials—five well-spaced bolts provide solid protection, alongside chain anchors shared with the adjacent Catch and Release route. While Crappie Corner is a single-pitch climb, it packs enough technical flavor in its short length to hold your attention, offering a perfect day’s objective for intermediate climbers ready to test their mettle.

This route lives within a broader wilderness zone known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic vistas, a climbing area that draws adventurers aiming to experience quality lines without the bustle of crowded crags. The rock here feels alive under your hands; it grips with a steady roughness that rewards careful placement and controlled movement. Whether you time your ascent for early morning shade or late afternoon warmth, Crappie Corner delivers a compact, thoughtful encounter with the mountain that balances challenge and accessibility. Practical reminders—wear solid footwear, hydrate well before your attempt, and keep an eye on rapidly shifting weather conditions—will ensure your experience remains both thrilling and safe.

Climber Safety

Take care on the thin start where footholds are sparse and balanced positioning is crucial. Weather can turn quickly in the San Bernardino Mountains, so stay alert for late-day clouds and avoid climbing if rock is damp to minimize slipping risk.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length45 feet

Local Tips

Start early to catch the morning shade for cooler rock conditions.

Wear shoes with sensitive edging to manage the thin technical start.

Bring enough quickdraws for all five bolts plus an extra for anchors.

Check weather forecasts carefully; mountain storms can develop quickly.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.10a, Crappie Corner sits comfortably in the mid-intermediate range. The initial thin section demands precision and can feel stiff for shorter climbers, but once past the crux bulge, the difficulty eases into more moderate slab climbing. This route offers a balanced challenge that’s not overly flattering but well-bolted, making it a solid step-up climb compared to other sport routes in the Fisherman’s Buttress area.

Gear Requirements

The climb is bolted with five solid bolts and features chain anchors shared with the nearby Catch and Release route, requiring standard sport gear and quickdraws.

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Tags

technical start
bulge crux
face climbing
sport
single pitch
slab finish