Fire Stone unfolds as a focused test of balance and precision tucked into the sprawling granite faces of Lower Cliffs’ Upper Tier near Indian Springs. Starting just right of the easygoing Super Doo crack, this trad route demands attention from the first step up a short but tricky chimney scramble. As you plant your feet on the face, granite textures shift beneath your hands, offering a series of holds that feel both familiar and challenging—a textured puzzle waiting to be solved. The route’s rhythm is interrupted by a crucial sequence near the second bolt, where you’ll step delicately left on thin, uncertain footholds. The rock here demands respect: slip and the ground is unforgivingly close.

Ascending, Fire Stone reveals its signature feature—a left-facing flake corner that invites solid protection and a brief respite from the exposed moves. From here, the final challenge awaits. Committing to a slender step off the flake and onto the sheer face marks the route’s crux. One or two technical moves lead directly to the anchors, where relief and exhilaration mix. Though the climb only stretches 50 feet with a single pitch, its dual cruxes reward careful footwork and mental focus over brute strength.

The approach offers a brief but earnest introduction with a short scramble that gains the cliff base quickly. Approaching via established trails near Indian Springs makes access straightforward, though caution is essential on the chimney and at the top where small scrambles expose height without giving margin for error. Protection consists of two bolts, augmented by well-placed small to medium trad gear placements. Do not underestimate the importance of solid gear and steady nerves here. Your anchors await with double bolts, offering a secure end point for your efforts.

Fire Stone dances between inviting and intimidating, offering a practical route that challenges skill and composure more than endurance. This climb suits those ready to sharpen their crack and face climbing techniques against the backdrop of Northern California’s quiet wilderness. The granite here is not flashy or exaggerated—it’s honest, firm, and speaks clearly to the climber willing to listen.

For those planning a trip, timing your climb for morning hours helps avoid the afternoon sun, as the wall faces east and heats up quickly later in the day. Wear shoes that balance sensitivity for thin edging with enough stiffness to support precise steps on tiny footholds. Hydration and helmet use are essential, especially given the exposed chimney approach and potential for rockfall. With thoughtful preparation, Fire Stone delivers a memorable stretch of moderate trad climbing grounded in technique and presence.