HomeClimbingGuys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls: A Technical Sport Climb on Holcomb Valley Pinnacles

Big Bear Lake, California United States
sport climbing
technical moves
traverse
short pitch
big bear
crux
bolt protected
Length: 40 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Guys and Dolls
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Guys and Dolls offers a sharp 40-foot sport climb on Holcomb Valley Pinnacles that tests your technical prowess with tricky traverses and focused crux moves. Perfect for climbers seeking a quick yet stimulating challenge in the Big Bear Lake foothills."

Guys and Dolls: A Technical Sport Climb on Holcomb Valley Pinnacles

Guy and Dolls offers a concentrated burst of technical climbing amid the rugged contours of Holcomb Valley Pinnacles. This 40-foot sport route cuts through a steep gully, demanding careful movement and thoughtful attention from start to finish. From the moment you clip the first bolt and engage the face to the route’s left, the rock challenges balance and precision. A distinct horizontal feature guides you leftward, acting almost like a ledge daring you to test your footwork. The climb’s signature crux awaits as you move from this horizontal traverse back onto a central face, requiring a confident shift in body position and grip. Above this sequence, the route offers respite along a second horizontal before you navigate the upper face, leaning left to reach the chain anchors that mark a satisfying end. Though the difficulty isn’t relentless, the route’s scattered intensities keep you alert, making it a great choice for climbers looking to sharpen their sport skills without overly committing to a long pitch. Due to its short depth and technical nature, this route fits well within a half-day outing in the Big Bear Lake area, surrounded by pine-scented air and sharp mountain vistas. Rapid rope retrieval and easy access add to its appeal for those balancing time and effort. This climb exemplifies focused technical style, blending deliberate bolt protection with muscular moves, rewarding those who come prepared with precise footwork and a steady mindset.

Climber Safety

While protection is reliable due to six bolts and a solid chain anchor, the route’s short length means a dynamic fall near the crux can swing you into the rock face. Always double-check quickdraw security and prepare for the rappel descent, ensuring your ropes are well fed and anchored.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length40 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid afternoon heat that bakes exposed sections of the face.

Use sticky rubber shoes for maximum grip on the technical left-leaning traverse.

Pack a personal anchor for the chain anchor rappel to descend safely.

Carry enough water since the approach involves a gentle uphill through pine-studded terrain.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:At 5.9, Guys and Dolls presents a moderate challenge with a memorable crux on the transition between the horizontal traverse and the main face. The grade feels well-calibrated—challenging enough to engage practiced climbers without pushing into sustained difficulty. Compared to other local Big Bear sport routes, it leans on finesse more than power, rewarding those with precise footwork and cracking technique.

Gear Requirements

The route demands clipping six well-spaced bolts anchored with a fixed chain at the top. Essential gear includes quickdraws to manage the bolt clip transitions smoothly and a standard single rope for rappel descent.

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Tags

sport climbing
technical moves
traverse
short pitch
big bear
crux
bolt protected
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