"Naked and Afraid offers a gripping test in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the crux hits immediately above a sharp 15-foot fall. With modern bolts and ocean views, this short sport climb demands focus and courage from the first move."
Naked and Afraid launches you straight into a nerve-testing challenge right from the very first move. Situated on the rugged outcrop of Peeper's Rock just above Mickey's Beach, this short but intense 25-foot pitch commands respect—especially at the start. You’ll grasp a left-facing sidepull, position a solid right hand, and then power through an overhang, all while hanging over a steep drop that dares you not to hesitate. A left heel hook here isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for balancing the body's tension against gravity’s pull. Once over the initial crux, the route eases into a series of easier moves up the face, but don’t relax too soon; the final section near the anchor presents subtle technical challenges that require sharp attention and body positioning. Spotting a better sequence to the right of the last bolt can save some precious energy.
This route's proximity to the ocean adds a sensory edge—briny air pushes your lungs, while the tide-shaped rock underfoot reminds you of the relentlessness of nature’s forces. It's common to start from the sandy cave below, but that approach demands solving a V6 bouldering problem, unprotected and technical, before even reaching the official start. Climbers often avoid this for safety and opt for the established upper start.
Protection is modern and straightforward, with three fresh glue-in bolts leading to a solid two-bolt anchor equipped with a rappel ring. The previous rusting bolts are a memory here, but the climb still demands respect. Because the first bolt is high, a stick clip is a must-have to pre-clip before leading, especially if you’re under 6'3" tall. Without the pre-clip, this climb poses a serious risk (R rating) due to that early move above a perilous 15-foot fall zone.
If you want to top rope, you can set your line after completing the adjacent East Face route (5.9), which climbs stiffly but is ideal for setting a secure upper anchor. This makes Naked and Afraid an excellent test piece for climbers ready to push into the low 5.10s but who want a climb that demands both strength and composure.
Gear up smartly, check your tape and stick clip before you start, and embrace the blend of raw exposure and technical finesse that defines this climb. The proximity to the salty breeze of San Francisco Bay and the sound of crashing nearby surf will keep your senses keyed in even as your muscles work through tension. Naked and Afraid is a brief but unforgettable experience that balances invigorating difficulty with a dose of oceanfront adventure.
The crux move begins above a rock-strewn 15-foot drop, making a stick clip essential. The route’s short height doesn’t diminish the risk—a controlled start is critical to avoid dangerous falls onto uneven ground below.
Use a stick clip to pre-clip the first bolt before leading.
Starting from the cave adds a challenging V6 boulder problem—avoid this unless prepared.
Top rope setups are best done from the adjacent East Face 5.9 route anchor.
Be cautious of the 15-foot fall zone right off the deck—stay focused on the first move.
Three new glue-in bolts secure the route with a two-bolt anchor and rappel ring at the top. Pre-clipping the first bolt with a stick clip is strongly recommended to manage the early crux safely, especially for climbers shorter than 6'3".
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