El Lado Oscuro de la Luna invites climbers to engage with steep face climbing on the rugged South Face of Peña de Bernal, one of Mexico's most striking monoliths. The route offers a dynamic challenge with its well-featured vertical sections softened just enough by plentiful hand and footholds, making the climb approachable yet satisfying. Unlike its neighbor Bernalina, this route carries a slightly steeper angle that will test your ability to balance power and finesse without feeling brutally overhung. The rock here holds a firm, gritty texture common to Peña de Bernal’s volcanic stone, providing confident friction underfoot and in your grip.

At roughly 500 feet in length, this single-pitch climb is misleading in its brevity—what it lacks in extensive mileage it makes up for in technical nuance and varied climbing moves. Bolts with red hangers, mostly 3/8" with occasional 1/2" placements, secure the route, starting tightly grouped near the base and spacing out as you ascend. You'll find a generous number of draws sufficient here; around 14 should cover your needs while allowing flexibility in gear choices.

South Face’s exposure catches the sun for much of the day, so timing your climb to early morning or late afternoon can prevent the rock from heating under the Central Mexican sun. The approach is manageable, winding through semi-arid terrain typical of the Queretaro region, with clear bearings to the base from the main trail.

While some beta sources suggest the route edges toward 5.10a, many climbers find the 5.9 rating a practical middle ground, noting that it feels a bit softer than initially feared. The crux sections are generally about maintaining steady balance and efficient movement rather than brute strength, making this climb a satisfying option for those comfortable with sport trad climbing who want to push their technique around the 5.9 level without committing to riskier grades.

Safety considerations include careful bolt inspection as spacing becomes wider in higher pitches and awareness of sun exposure on the rock surface. The descent can be made by rappel or a careful downclimb to the approach trail, so ensure that your team is comfortable with both methods. This climb stands as a solid choice for climbers visiting Peña de Bernal looking for a challenge that balances spirited climbing with solid protection on some of Central Mexico’s most imposing rock faces.