Five Fingers presents a rugged and less-traveled landscape of granite spires rising sharply between 100 and 250 feet in California's Indian Wells Canyon. This impressive cluster of rock fingers culminates at Aquila Peak, offering climbers a varied experience that blends adventurous route finding with the satisfaction of summiting a remote ridge. Located at around 5,000 feet elevation, this area holds a quiet allure for those willing to engage with its complex terrain and variable rock quality.

The property of Five Fingers lies in its raw, somewhat untamed nature. The granite quality ranges sharply from solid to loose, challenging climbers to read the rock carefully and make prudent decisions. This is not a place for rushing or relying solely on guidebooks. Instead, it rewards those who approach it with a patient, methodical mindset and a readiness to navigate both good cracks and brittle sections. This combination creates a climbing experience that is rich in learning and self-reliance.

Reaching the fingers requires turning off Highway 14 into Indian Wells Canyon, then taking a steep, sandy 4-wheel-drive road (SE 182) that ends just below the smallest formation. For climbers without 4wd vehicles, the approach can be completed on foot, although expect a noticeably longer trek. Regardless of your mode of access, the approach sets the tone for the adventure - a sparsely visited area that offers solitude and a real sense of wilderness.

Once on the rock, climbers have multiple pathways to the summit of Aquila Peak. Many choose to traverse across the fingers in sequence, enjoying a series of varied pitches that test balance and route finding. Alternatively, some opt for a sandy, intermittent trail that skirts the base of these granite towers before rising to the summit. Both approaches deliver unique perspectives of this rugged ridge and its surrounding vistas.

Among the climbs, the Northeast Face of Aquila Peak stands out as a classic route and draws particular interest for its quality and exposure. Rated at 3.5 stars, it offers a solid climbing experience that rewards skill without demanding extreme grades. Other routes exist or remain potential projects, providing an opportunity for climbers looking to explore or develop new lines.

The climbing season here is influenced by its elevation and desert proximity; spring through fall offers the best windows, avoiding the coldest winter months and the hottest summer days. Weather can be variable and dry, so staying hydrated and timing climbs for morning or late afternoon is advised to avoid the midday sun on exposed granite faces.

Gear selection should emphasize versatility and safety due to the mixed rock quality. Precision in placing protection and carrying a range of pro—especially cams suited for cracks and tri-cams—is critical. The area’s nature calls for expert route finding skills and a cautious approach to protection placement.

Descent options require careful planning. Depending on your route, a downclimb or short hike may return climbers to the approach at the base. No fixed rappel stations are reported, so come prepared for a straightforward but steady exit through steep, sandy terrain.

For climbers seeking a blend of adventure, solitude, and the chance to explore a lesser-known corridor of California’s southern Sierra landscape, Five Fingers delivers with an unmistakable sense of wild climbing spirit. Its combination of granite spires, ridge traverses, and imperfect but rewarding rock creates an experience that resonates with climbers ready to engage with terrain off the beaten path. Armed with good route-finding skills, solid protection judgment, and an adventurous mindset, you’re set to conquer a slice of wilderness seldom touched by crowds.