Estrellita, translating to "little star," stands as a compelling test of endurance and skill on the towering walls of El Potrero Chico in Northern Mexico. This twelve-pitch sport climb pushes you through 1,200 feet of limestone that demands focus and steady technique, peppered with vivid panoramas of the canyon below. Each pitch offers its own rhythm, blending moderate climbing with sharper touches of sustained difficulty, inviting both seasoned climbers and ambitious intermediates to engage fully with the route's shifting character.

The approach to Estrellita traces a route up the Las Estrellas Main Wall, a prominent face within El Potrero Chico’s complex network of cliffs. From the moment you set foot on this wall’s base, the rock’s texture declares its rugged story—pocked with sharp edges, occasional loose blocks, and holds that require firm attention. Climbers will appreciate the flow of the first few pitches, marked at 5.9, as they warm up muscles while ascending through sun-drenched limestone slabs. Despite the steady grade, the route demands vigilance—loose rock patches in certain sections can challenge your footwork and caution, especially where accidental dislodging could threaten those below.

Midway, the wall reveals its tougher side; P4 confronts you with a steep 5.11a pitch known for powerful moves and tricky clip placements. Adventurous climbers find options to bypass this crux with a variation rated a much easier 5.8, but the purist in you might want to engage fully with the challenge. Following that, the climb relaxes briefly with some third-class scrambling, an unusual but welcome break that offers a chance to stretch your legs and absorb the canyon’s vast openness.

As you continue, pitches vary from 5.7 to 5.10b, requiring an agile mix of footwork and finger strength. The final pitches reward tenacity with increasingly sustained climbing, inviting climbers to push just a little further for the full experience. Throughout, the rock’s character shifts subtly—some areas offer solid, confident placements while others require a delicate touch on questionable holds.

While the route is bolted generously, expect to bring at least 12 quickdraws and a 60-meter rope, with many pitches linkable by a 70-meter rope for those seeking a faster ascent. Keep in mind the presence of rattlesnakes in the canyon and the potential for falling rocks, so maintaining situational awareness is as critical as physical effort. Suitable footwear with solid edging grip will help stabilize moves on the often-slabby limestone, while packing plenty of water is mandatory to stay hydrated in the sun-exposed approach and climbing sections.

Timing your climb to start early morning maximizes shade on the wall and guards against afternoon heat and increasing winds common in this region. Descending is straightforward but requires attention; rappelling down the established anchors provides a safe and efficient way off, avoiding the rugged and sometimes steep terrain at the base.

Estrellita invites you to engage not just with the rock, but with the canyon’s pulse—each pitch a conversation between climber and cliff, challenging and rewarding in equal measure. It’s a route that demands respect, precision, and a readiness to embrace the raw beauty of El Potrero Chico’s vertical expanse.