HomeClimbingJerry's Kids

Jerry's Kids Trad Climb in the Children's Forest

Running Springs, California United States
trad
single pitch
bolt anchor
small cracks
beginner friendly
forest setting
Length: 30 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Jerry's Kids
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Jerry's Kids is a concise trad climb woven into the quiet Children's Forest, offering a brief but rewarding challenge with technical gear placements and a bolt anchor. Ideal for trad climbers refining their rack skills in California's San Bernardino Mountains."

Jerry's Kids Trad Climb in the Children's Forest

Jerry's Kids offers an accessible introduction to traditional climbing within the quiet confines of the Children's Forest, part of the San Bernardino Mountains. This single-pitch, 30-foot route demands focus and an eye for gear as you ascend a well-defined face punctuated by one bolt and a series of natural placements. The climb invites you to engage directly with the rock’s texture, feeling each hold and crack as you progress upward. The horizontal seam above the bolt requires careful gear placement from small to #1 Camalot sizes, testing your proficiency in protecting moderate trad routes. Beyond the technical moves, the environment wraps you in the fresh pine-scented air, while distant birdcalls punctuate the stillness, urging steady, mindful movement.

Starting from the base, the angled rock face challenges your technique without overwhelming, making it a suitable choice for climbers stepping into trad or those tuning their crack gear skills. The bolt—strategically located—offers a reassuring midpoint safety anchor, but the real story lies in trusting the natural features. The final push to the anchors above gives way to options: either build anchors to rappel or top out by traversing left along solid holds, rewarding you with a sense of accomplishment and sweeping views of the woodland canopy.

Gear-wise, simplicity works best here. You'll want a small rack, including a selection of cams ranging up to 2 inches, and the capacity to place a single bolt protector confidently. The route’s length keeps the exposure brief but engaging, making preparation and efficient movement critical. The climb exists in an area where the approach is as grounding as the rock—walking through forest trails that feel untouched but accessible, with minimal elevation gain.

Approach conditions depend on timing; mid-morning sun warms the face nicely in cooler months, while summer climbers should aim for earlier hours to avoid heat. Footwear with solid edge support will serve well on the low-angle slab and edges. Drinking water and packing light remain essential since remote areas of the San Bernardinos offer sparse amenities. This climb embodies the balance of solitude and thrill, inviting climbers eager to test their gear placement skills in a setting that feels both wild and approachable.

Climber Safety

Rock quality is generally solid, but small gear placements require attention to ensure security. The walk-off top out involves scrambling on stable holds—use caution especially after weather or in damp conditions.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length30 feet

Local Tips

Aim for a morning start to catch shade on the face during warmer months.

Light footwear with good edging helps on the slab approach and climbing holds.

Water is not available on site — bring extra for hydration.

Topo photos can aid in identifying the key horizontal gear placement seam.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The 5.9 grade is moderate yet engaging, with a crux near the horizontal crack demanding precise footwork and gear placement. While not overly stiff, the technical nature of the protection differentiates it from more moderate sport climbs nearby.

Gear Requirements

One bolt anchors the route’s midpoint, complemented by small to #1 Camalot size gear placements along a horizontal seam. A compact rack with cams up to 2 inches is sufficient for protection.

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Tags

trad
single pitch
bolt anchor
small cracks
beginner friendly
forest setting