"Harvey offers a two-pitch sport climb with engaging pocketed terrain on Echo Cliffs’ sunlit orange buttress. Positioned near Malibu, it’s a manageable route for climbers seeking a concise, well-protected line framed by coastal mountain scenery."
Harvey offers a focused climb that threads its way through the rugged terrain of Echo Cliffs, found within the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles. This two-pitch sport route balances straightforward climbing with engaging sequences on well-bolted rock. Starting to the right of the popular "Golden Years" climb, the first pitch takes you up a blocky cobbled buttress. The rock’s texture invites a steady rhythm, with a low angle groove breaking the steady rhythm into a more technical finish. Once you break onto the upper buttress, the climbing becomes pocket-rich and pleasantly varied, with seven bolts guiding you reliably to the anchor.
From the belay, the second pitch steps up the adventure. You’ll tackle an initial bulge that wakes up your arms before gaining the steep orange buttress. This pitch demands sustained focus, threading through a line of positive edges and pockets protected by ten bolts. The rock quality on this pitch is solid and the bolt spacing generous, which allows confident movement but still offers plenty of sport climbing character. The two-ring Fixe anchors at the top signal a safe finish and a solid belay station for the descent.
Echo Cliffs delivers in all the right ways: the rock faces south, soaking up the morning sun—perfect for a winter day climb when the chill lingers. The approach is manageable, cutting through chaparral and open paths where you hear the gentle rustle of coastal winds and occasional bird calls. The Santa Monica Mountains are alive here, not as a wild backcountry but as a lively playground for those ready to move swiftly through accessible terrain. This climb’s short length—about 160 feet total—makes it an ideal choice for those wanting a solid warm-up or a quick afternoon project without the strain of lengthy approaches.
Gear-wise, all protection is fixed, so bringing a standard sport rack plus a few quickdraws is enough. The bolted line means less focus on placing pro and more on reading the rock and flow of sequences.
If you’re headed to Harvey, timing your climb for early day or mid-afternoon is wise to avoid peak heat, especially in late spring and summer. Water and sun protection are essentials here—the exposure on the buttress offers little natural shade. Also, stick to sticky approach shoes for traction on the dusty trail.
In summary, Harvey blends accessible movement and solid protection into a concise sport climb within the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s not the longest or most imposing line you’ll find in the region, but its straightforward, pocketed rock and moderate physical demands make it a welcoming choice for sport climbers looking to sharpen their skills in an inspiring coastal setting.
The approach trail can be slippery with loose rock and dust, so footing can be tricky before you even reach the base. On the route, keep an eye on bolt condition as coastal exposure can accelerate wear. Descent involves rappelling—double-check the anchors and your rappel setup before committing.
Approach trail is dusty; wear sticky shoes for better traction.
Start climbs early or late in the day to avoid midday heat on the exposed wall.
Bring sunscreen and plenty of water; limited shade is available.
Check the anchors and bolts before climbing, as some weathering can affect integrity.
The route is fully bolted with 7 bolts on pitch 1 and 10 bolts on pitch 2, ending with two-ring Fixe anchors on both pitches. A typical sport rack with quickdraws is all you need for protection.
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