Forest Fire unspools as a concise yet demanding single-pitch climb that tests both your technical control and mental focus. Situated on the Lower Tier of Stonewall Peak in North San Diego County, this 100-foot route begins with a slick slab section that offers no room for protection during the opening 15 to 20 feet, immediately sharpening your footwork and nerve. Once past the initial slab, you find your first secure piece—an opportunity to breathe and prepare for the climb’s defining challenges ahead.

The route ascends an obvious line just right of the first roof feature. Here, nature asserts its presence as shrubbery emerges stubbornly from a small finger crack, escalating the difficulty of securing a reliable jam. This section marks the crux, demanding precise hand and finger placements to overcome the vegetated hold without sacrificing upward momentum.

From the crux, the climb continues for roughly 60 more feet to reach the second and final roof. Approaching this barrier, the terrain shifts dramatically: a traverse to the left introduces a stretch with intense exposure, a heart-thumping moment where every move counts. Completing the last 10 feet brings you to solid hand jams that crown the effort with satisfying security and control.

Forest Fire rewards climbers equipped with a standard rack favoring smaller camming units in the .4 to 2.5-inch range, supplemented by a full set of nuts to cover all protection points effectively. The nature of the placements demands attention and finesse, as the route’s slab sections and finger cracks do not generously invite quick clipping or casual gear placements.

Accessing the climb involves a moderate hike into Lower Tier of Stonewall Peak, a location prized for its openness and sweeping views of San Diego’s varied landscape. The rock holds a sound quality typical of the region’s granite, offering reliable friction on both slab and crack portions. Early morning or late afternoon ascents are ideal, when shade softens the heat and the light casts clear shadows, enhancing the route’s textures.

Safety considerations center around the exposed traverse near the upper roof and the initial slab start lacking protection. Climber awareness, secure belaying, and confidence in slab climbing techniques are essential for a safe and enjoyable ascent. Also, seasonal dryness in Southern California means loose vegetation may be brittle; brushing carefully before trusting holds is advised.

In summary, Forest Fire is a compact, engaging trad climb that blends technical slab moves with finger crack challenges and a memorable exposed finish. It offers a practical training ground for those eager to sharpen gear placement and slab-reading skills, set against the dramatic back-drop of the Stonewall wilderness.