HomeClimbingGood Son

Good Son - Sport Climbing at Box Springs Mountain Park

Riverside, California United States
sport climbing
5.9
face climb
small cams
short pitch
sun exposed
Inland Empire
Length: 25 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Good Son
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Good Son offers a crisp 25-foot sport climb on Box Springs Mountain’s Main Wall Left, blending sharp crimps with manageable protection. This approachable 5.9 face climb is perfect for climbers aiming to hone technique in a quiet Southern California setting."

Good Son - Sport Climbing at Box Springs Mountain Park

Good Son presents a concise but engaging sport climb on the Main Wall Left section of Box Springs Mountain Park, just east of the Inland Empire in Southern California. This route stands out with its straightforward vertical line punctuated by crisp crimps and small ledges that challenge your technique without overwhelming difficulty. Set against the backdrop of dry chaparral and sun-warmed rock, the bolt line is positioned just left of the Zig Zag cracks and right beside Evil Eye, offering a focused climbing experience for those seeking a reliable 5.9 face climb.

The route stretches approximately 25 feet, making it an approachable single-pitch project suitable for intermediate climbers looking to sharpen their face climbing skills. Your ascent begins just below a prominent horizontal crack that slices across the wall, providing a unique reference point and an occasional gear placement opportunity with a small cam (around 0.5 inches) before you reach the first bolt. The bolt itself sits a bit high, so this cam placement can be a helpful security measure to settle your rhythm early on.

As you move upward, the rock presents clean crimps and delicate ledges that require precise footwork and body positioning. The climb rewards attention to detail, as each hold demands small adjustments to maintain balance on the slightly overhanging face. After threading past two bolts, you arrive at a bolted anchor that offers a secure and straightforward top-out.

The descent from Good Son is a simple walk-off to the right, down gentle slab terrain that quickly leads back to the base. This easy return allows climbers to maximize time on the route without complicated rappel or downclimbing techniques.

Box Springs Mountain Park itself stretches across rugged terrain peppered with scrub oak and sage, its trails offering access to this quiet climbing zone with minimal foot traffic. Climbers are advised to keep hydration on hand, especially during Southern California’s warmer months, as shade on this face is limited and sun exposure intensifies in the afternoon. Footwear with solid edging ability will help navigate the small holds and maintain confidence on the crisp rock.

Good Son’s grade of 5.9 may feel well within reach for those familiar with face climbing, but the spacing of protection requires thoughtful placements, particularly through that horizontal crack where the first bolt is notably distant. This climb provides a balance of mental and physical engagement—a chance to work delicate sequences without the stress of sustained technicality or overhanging terrain.

In sum, Good Son is an ideal choice for climbers seeking an accessible sport route with technical face elements in a quiet Southern California setting. Whether you’re warming up for longer climbs on the adjacent walls or polishing your face climbing technique, this route reliably delivers a brief but satisfying workout under the sun.

Climber Safety

Be cautious of the stretch to the first bolt where the horizontal crack offers limited gear placements; falling here could lead to a longer drop. Additionally, the walk-off descent involves loose slab terrain—proceed carefully, especially when tired.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length25 feet

Local Tips

Bring a small cam (0.5") for gear placement in the horizontal crack to supplement the bolts.

Start early in the day to avoid intense afternoon sun on the face.

Wear climbing shoes with precise edging capabilities to handle the crimpy holds.

Hydrate well; water sources are not available near the climb.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:At 5.9, Good Son presents a reliably moderate challenge with well-spaced bolts that demand focus. The initial section with the high first bolt and the horizontal crack placement adds a mild mental edge but overall, the grade feels true to form for a short face climb in Southern California.

Gear Requirements

The route is protected by two bolts plus a bolted anchor. A small cam around 0.5 inches can be placed in the horizontal crack below the first bolt to bridge the runout and provide additional security.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Good Son and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

sport climbing
5.9
face climb
small cams
short pitch
sun exposed
Inland Empire