HomeClimbingFrozen in Time

Frozen in Time: A Crisp Venture on Stash Slab

Los Angeles, California United States
awkward flakes
technical footwork
shared anchor
short pitch
angeles national forest
sport climb
Length: 50 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Frozen in Time
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Frozen in Time offers a 50-foot, single-pitch test of delicate technique on Stash Slab's right edge. With awkward flakes demanding precise footwork and controlled laybacks, this 5.9 sport climb blends technical challenges with beautiful views over the Los Angeles Basin."

Frozen in Time: A Crisp Venture on Stash Slab

Frozen in Time stands as a sharp, focused sport climb gripping the right edge of Stash Slab in the Angeles National Forest. This 50-foot route demands precise body control as it threads through awkwardly angled flakes that challenge your balance and finesse. From the base, the approach involves careful navigation around tangled roots and uneven terrain, setting the tone for a climb that rewards patience and technical skill more than brute force.

The ascent begins with a confident move onto the flakes, where laybacks and palm-ups require subtle shifts in weight and deliberate foot placements, almost a conversation between you and the stone. The rock feels alive under your hands, textured with fine edges that lean away just enough to test your commitment. This section combines tension and grace, pushing climbers to move with measured intention. As you near the anchor, the route eases onto slab terrain that invites a moment to breathe and appreciate the sweeping views across the Los Angeles Basin.

While not the longest climb in the area, Frozen in Time carries a solid 5.9 rating that feels honest yet approachable. The bolts are well-spaced, providing secure placements, but the shared anchor with the adjacent route Deep Freeze requires mindful communication among partners. Protection involves three bolts, adequate for this short but demanding pitch, though the root-strewn base calls for care when prepping your gear and footing.

Getting here demands an approach through mixed forest and rocky outcrops, with an approximate 20-minute hike from the nearest trailhead. Trail conditions hold steady but watch for slippery patches after rain. Morning climbs enjoy dappled sunlight that warms the rock gradually, while the afternoon cooling shade offers refuge during summer heat. Seasonal visitors appreciate the balance of sun and shadow this wall provides, especially when the low-elevation forest breathes fresh, pine-scented air.

This climb suits adventurers seeking a tight, technical experience rather than sheer power moves. It's a rare opportunity to engage in a dance of balance and precision within a landscape that challenges the spirit without overwhelming it. Bring sticky shoes, brush off your silk gloves, and prepare for a climbing moment that lingers, not because of its difficulty alone, but its compelling rhythm and direct connection to the rugged environment.

Frozen in Time is more than a route—it’s a precise negotiation between climber and slab, a brief, intense dialogue that rewards focus and respect. Whether a local step-up or a well-earned tick for travelers, it delivers a clean, no-fluff climb that fits neatly into an afternoon of Angeles Forest adventures.

Climber Safety

The base contains roots and uneven patches that can trip or shift beneath you; approach cautiously. The shared anchor requires clear communication with your climbing partner to avoid confusion or slack during belays.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Watch your footing near the base to avoid slipping on roots.

Morning climbs provide gentle sunlight warming the slab.

Double-check anchor communication when sharing with Deep Freeze.

Sticky shoes improve hold on flaky edges and polished slab.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 grade here feels solid but fair, with a crux that demands precise body positioning rather than raw strength. Compared to other local routes, it leans into technical balance rather than steepness, making it an accessible step for climbers sharpening their footwork and layback skills.

Gear Requirements

Equipped with three bolts leading to a shared two-bolt anchor connected to Deep Freeze, this route demands reliable quickdraws and smooth clipping technique. Root-strewn base requires careful gear management.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Frozen in Time and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

awkward flakes
technical footwork
shared anchor
short pitch
angeles national forest
sport climb