La Paws offers a crisp introduction to traditional climbing on the rugged West Face of Lost Orbit Rock, a striking feature within the San Bernardino Mountains. This single-pitch climb, measuring 50 feet, challenges you with a series of parallel cracks demanding steady footwork and precise hand jams. The climb begins with frictioning moves along a slab that pushes you to trust your balance before settling into the crack system. As you ascend, pathways split subtly: stick to the leftmost crack to reach a modest ledge, where you take a brief moment to catch your breath beneath the open sky. From here, the route directs you right into a narrow slot crack carved into the skyline, a final test of endurance and control before the anchor awaits. For those looking to extend the experience, an elegant variation veers left at the ledge, traversing onto the Ursa Major route. This variant pushes past two bolts and finishes at a chained anchor, offering a slightly more protected but technical alternative.

The rock’s texture is unforgiving yet rewarding, with spots that demand precise placements of small cams and nuts—typically up to 1 inch—in a protecting sequence that best suits climbers comfortable with traditional gear. The area itself sits within the remote Big Bear Lake region, surrounded by towering pines and open skies where wind whispers across the granite face. Approaches here require a solid understanding of off-trail navigation and attention to changing weather; the trail to the base weaves through dry chaparral and occasional shaded groves, setting the tone for a climb that balances physical execution with outdoor savvy.

La Paws might not boast flashy acclaim, as reflected in its moderate star rating, but it remains a worthwhile challenge for those seeking a short, technical roof crack on solid granite. Its simplicity belies the precision required, making it ideal for trad climbers honing crack technique or anyone eager to experience the quiet beauty of the San Bernardino backcountry. Air temperature and sun exposure suggest morning climbs in late spring through early fall, when the heat of the day has yet to bake the rock surface.

Gear up with a comprehensive rack of small cams and nuts, pay close attention to foothold quality, and prepare to engage deeply with the rock. The descent is straightforward—a rap off the anchor that’s clean and efficient but demands standard rope management skills. Lost Orbit Rock, part of the Holcomb Valley Pinnacles, welcomes those who appreciate remote terrain where the landscape pushes your skills and rewards with views and solitude.