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Flight Squadron at Lower Kid Power Tower

Big Bear Lake, California USA
sport climbing
flake crux
vertical wall
Big Bear
single pitch
technical moves
west face
rope drag management
Length: 40 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Flight Squadron
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Flight Squadron offers a concise but demanding 40-foot sport climb. It features technical moves on vertical stone, highlighted by a delicate flake crux, nestled within the shade and rugged backdrop of Lower Kid Power Tower near Big Bear Lake."

Flight Squadron at Lower Kid Power Tower

Flight Squadron serves up a compact yet challenging sport climb on the Lower Kid Power Tower, set amid the rugged textures of the San Bernardino Mountains' Big Bear Lake area. The 40-foot route begins on lower-angled stone, inviting climbers to find solid footing and warm into the movement before reaching the first bolt. Beyond this point, the wall steepens dramatically to vertical, demanding precision and composure as you navigate awkward, balancing moves toward the second bolt. The climb features clean plates that test your ability to trust edges and manage delicate body positions.

Around the third bolt, the crux awaits: a slender, fragile flake that challenges both finger strength and confidence. This feature acts as a gatekeeper to the upper section, where the rock’s character shifts to a more featured headwall. After surmounting the crux, one more bolt leads you to a large ledge that provides a brief moment to gather yourself. From here, the route angles sharply left toward the final bolt, ending at shared anchors with the nearby route Sky Patrol.

Gear-wise, five bolts protect this route, with ring anchors shared between two climbs. Keeping rope drag to a minimum is essential due to the route’s slight offset angles; using a full-length runner on the fourth bolt and a long draw on the fifth bolt smooths the pull and maintains fluid upward movement. The rock’s surface is solid and generally reliable, but the flake at the crux deserves cautious handling.

Located just outside Big Bear Lake, the approach to Lower Kid Power Tower is straightforward, situated within a forested environment that offers shade and cool air, a relief during warmer months. The wall faces west, catching afternoon sun ideal for late day sessions, particularly during spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable. Given the route’s short length and single pitch, it’s accessible for a quick afternoon climb but provides enough technical demand to engage experienced sport climbers.

Safety is paramount on Flight Squadron—while the bolts are well placed, runners and draws must be carefully managed to avoid rope drag that could pull on clipped gear unpredictably. The flake crux also requires careful movement, as its delicate nature isn’t suited to aggressive force. Climbers should approach this with respect and focus.

Descending is uncomplicated, with anchors set up for a single rappel back to the base, making it convenient for solo or paired climbers to cycle through multiple laps or link it with neighboring routes within the Legoland sector. Local climbers note that Stable footing on approach trails and moderate elevation gain make this a reliable choice for an afternoon of sharp, technical climbing within the scenic mountains near Big Bear.

Whether you’re refining technical sport skills or enjoying a demanding short climb with character, Flight Squadron delivers a precise balance of challenge, solid rock, and accessible mountain environment.

Climber Safety

Although the route is bolted, the flake at the crux is fragile and should be treated with care. Use caution with gear placements and manage rope drag actively with adequate runners to prevent sudden pulls. The descent rappel requires attention to anchors and rope handling.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length40 feet

Local Tips

Approach via well-marked trails; expect moderate elevation gain and forested terrain.

Climb in the afternoon to take advantage of the west-facing wall’s sun exposure.

Prepare for precise footwork and balance on clean plates leading up to the crux.

Bring a set of draws with at least one long draw and a full-length runner to manage rope drag.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10a rating reflects a route with well-protected but technical movement, especially through the crux on a thin flake. The grade sits true with no evident soft spots, requiring climbers to trust delicate footholds and maintain balance. Compared to other climbs in the Legoland area, Flight Squadron demands focused precision over raw power.

Gear Requirements

Protected by five bolts with ring anchors shared with Sky Patrol. Use a full-length runner on the fourth bolt and a long draw on the fifth to reduce rope drag. Expect solid placements except at the thin, somewhat fragile flake at the crux.

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Tags

sport climbing
flake crux
vertical wall
Big Bear
single pitch
technical moves
west face
rope drag management