Adventure Collective
HomeClimbingHop on Pop

Hop on Pop at Suess Wall South Face – A Compact Crack Adventure

Running Springs, California United States
crack climbing
single pitch
trad gear
south face
technical moves
2 bolt face
chain anchors
San Bernardino Mountains
Length: 40 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Hop on Pop
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Hop on Pop is a short, engaging trad climb perched on the right edge of Suess Wall’s south face. Featuring satisfying crack jams and a technical face finish, it offers a compact adventure perfect for developing trad skills in the San Bernardino Mountains."

Hop on Pop at Suess Wall South Face – A Compact Crack Adventure

Hop on Pop presents a concise but rewarding trad climb perched on a small tower at the far right flank of Suess Wall’s south face. The route draws your focus immediately to its inviting crack systems—engaging hand and finger jams guide you upward before releasing onto a striking two-bolt face. The final moves are a technical pivot, testing balance and footwork as you make your way to the summit of the formation, which offers a satisfying perch to soak in surrounding forested slopes and distant mountain ridges.

This 40-foot pitch holds its own despite being brief, delivering compact trad challenges that appeal to beginner to intermediate climbers looking to hone crack technique in an accessible setting. Gear placements up to 2.5 inches fit comfortably, though proactive protection and careful gear scouting remain crucial due to the route’s technical sections and limited fixed bolts.

Set in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains near Running Springs, Suess Wall offers a quiet climbing pocket away from busier routes. The approach follows gentle forested terrain through Children’s Forest and Keller Peak zones, winding along steady trails that welcome exploration without demanding extensive bushwhacking or route finding. This makes Hop on Pop ideal for a half-day outing when peak conditions coincide with drier weather and cooler temperatures.

Timing your climb for the morning or late afternoon benefits from the south face’s sun exposure, which can bake the wall during midday hours. Early starts help keep hands warm and friction reliable, while the chain anchors atop provide a safe, straightforward rappel or scramble descent.

Packing solid crack climbing shoes and a rack with multiple cams ranging from small fingers to 2.5 inches will cover the protection slots necessary here. Carry water, sunscreen, and a light windbreaker to stay comfortable during typical mountain microclimates. Although short, Hop on Pop’s quality lies in its focused, technical climbing sequence and the calm wilderness setting that frames the experience.

For adventurous climbers seeking an accessible trad test piece with a scenic payoff, this route is an inviting choice. It rewards attention to gear and moves while providing a quick escape into the foothills where solitude and challenge meet in balanced form.

Climber Safety

While the route is short, protection opportunities demand attention—some placements can feel marginal until properly set. The two bolts and chain anchors are reliable, but trust your trad rack first. South-facing exposure means the rock warms quickly, so watch for grip loss in midday heat. The rappel requires familiarity with chain anchor usage and rigging.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length40 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid midday heat on the south-facing wall.

Double-check gear placements; cracks require precision for optimal hold.

Wear crack climbing shoes for better jamming efficiency.

Use the chain anchors for a smooth rappel or scramble down.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.8
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.8, Hop on Pop balances straightforward crack climbing with a technical face section that demands solid footwork. The grade feels fair with a short but notable crux just above the bolt line. Compared to other nearby singles in the San Bernardino range, it offers an accessible trad experience without being overly easy—ideal for climbers moving into more technical jam sequences.

Gear Requirements

Bring a trad rack inclusive of cams up to 2.5 inches to secure the crack sections effectively. The route has two fixed bolts for transition, and chain anchors top out for easy descent.

Share Your Ascent

Upload your photos of Hop on Pop and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.

Tags

crack climbing
single pitch
trad gear
south face
technical moves
2 bolt face
chain anchors
San Bernardino Mountains