"Kissed by the Sun is a short, sunlit sport climb at Helios Boulder that challenges with a delicate balance crux and clean limestone edges. Ideal for climbers in the Inland Empire looking for a quick, technical ascent with solid protection and easy rappelling."
Kissed by the Sun offers a compact burst of technical sport climbing on Helios Boulder’s southwest face, perfect for climbers seeking a balanced challenge without the commitment of a lengthy route. The climb traces a bolt line along solid, textured rock, inviting you to test your precision on good edges before confronting a delicate crux where balance rules the moment. Reaching for a sloper near the second bolt demands steady control and confident footwork, rewarding you with access to the smooth patina that characterizes the upper section. Here, the holds ease off, providing resting opportunities and clean, friction-dependent climbing in the sun-warmed stone. This single-pitch route tops out after 35 feet at a two-bolt anchor equipped with rap rings, shared with the adjacent Praise the Rays climb, where you can prepare your rappel descent. The environment around the climb is straightforward and accessible, situated within the bustling Inland Empire region of Southern California, offering a quick getaway for those balancing urban life with their climbing pursuits.
Approaching Kissed by the Sun involves a brief walk across the Big Rock Area, where sun-exposed slabs dominate the landscape and the occasional desert scrub brushes the trail. The limestone’s warmth enhances tactile sensitivity on the edges but demands attention to foot placements, especially during midday heat. Suitable for climbers comfortable with moderate balance moves, the route’s protection is reliable, anchored with four bolts and a secure top anchor, making it an ideal introduction to sport climbing on the boulder. Gear up with shoes that offer both sensitivity and edging precision, and bring water to stay hydrated under the strong California sun. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best conditions to avoid overheating and to enjoy the crag with fewer visitors.
Despite its approachable grade of 5.8, Kissed by the Sun expects careful movement through its crux, which tests a climber’s finesse rather than raw power. The surroundings echo the sun’s fierce presence, giving the route its name and character. After topping out, rappelling down is straightforward, but always double-check your anchor setup before committing. Whether you’re ticking sport climbs or seeking a crisp outing within reach of Inland Empire’s urban centers, this route delivers a satisfying blend of technical climbing and pragmatic simplicity under the open sky.
The rappel anchor is shared and fixed with 3/8" bolts, so double-check all hardware before descent. The exposed sunlit face can lead to overheating if climbed in peak afternoon hours, and the delicate crux requires attentive foot placements to avoid slips.
Climb early or late to avoid the intense midday heat on the sun-exposed face.
Wear climbing shoes with good edging capability to manage the delicate crux move.
Carry enough water as there’s minimal shade and strong sun exposure.
Always inspect the fixed anchor before rappelling, especially if shared with neighboring routes.
Four bolts secure the route along with a two-bolt anchor that includes rap rings shared with Praise the Rays. Bring quickdraws to clip the bolts and double-check your rappel setup before descending.
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