Heart and Sole offers a sharp, focused challenge just off the beaten path in the Angeles National Forest, where the rough textures of California sandstone demand precision and calm. Located within the rugged folds of Texas Canyon, this single-pitch sport climb stretches 95 feet along a steep face peppered with pockets, knobs, and a distinctive overhang that requires a delicate blend of balance and power. From the moment you step on the ledge beneath the bulge, the route dares you to trust your feet and fingertips — a high step leads you under the overhang, where a shallow scoop offers your first strategic hold. The crux motors around this bulge, with a tough match on a double-headed knob before settling into a sequence of crimps and slopey pockets along the left side of a reddish cavity that gives the route its character.

The rock’s warm tones glow faintly under the midday sun, offering intermittent shade that hits just right in the cooler months, making Heart and Sole a fitting challenge from late fall through early spring. The climb finishes on a slab, a test of balance and resolve after the vertical work, where careful footing leads to the top anchor. This climb is straightforward in length, but don’t confuse that with simplicity — the route demands movement awareness and a solid sense of foot placement.

Accessing Heart and Sole involves parking near Texas Canyon, a spot known for its scattered volcanic boulders and dry chaparral landscape. Expect a brief hike through uneven terrain peppered with native scrub and rugged dirt trails. The natural environment feels alive and alert, with the sun beating down and occasionally swept by a dry breeze, almost as if the canyon itself senses your intentions.

Protection on this climb is well-established with nine bolts and a two-ring Fixe anchor, providing a confident line for sport climbers looking to push their technique on pocketed sandstone. The bolts are well-placed to minimize risk but require mindful clipping during the overhang maneuver. The area’s exposed faces offer stunning views out towards the Los Angeles Basin, reminding climbers of the contrast between wild solitude and sprawling urban life nearby.

For those ready to explore the less-traveled routes of Angeles National Forest, Heart and Sole delivers a concise burst of climbing that sharpens your skill set and rewards with visual drama and a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Whether pacing yourself through the technical headwall or savoring the crisp desert air, this route beckons with its promise of focused challenge and quiet beauty.