Triple Crown offers a compact yet engaging trad climb that suits those looking for a quick taste of the San Bernardino Mountains’ rugged rock. The route kicks off along the Remington crack, where your hands and feet find an immediate connection with the rough granite, setting an active tone for the climb. After navigating the initial crack, the route veers sharply right, leading you across a bolted face that demands precise footwork and careful gear placement. The rock here feels alive under your fingers — textured and slightly weathered, providing enough friction to boost confidence without compromising challenge. Above this face, a handful of loose blocks add a cautious note, reminding you to test each hold, yet they don’t diminish the overall flow of the pitch.

At just 50 feet long, Triple Crown is ideal for climbers who prefer a punchy outing — enough to sharpen trad skills or warm up before a longer day. Located within a cluster of formations including Shooting Gallery and the Lake Arrowhead Pinnacles, it rewards with sweeping views of the surrounding pine-dotted ridges. The granite’s light hue catches the morning sun beautifully, making early starts especially inviting.

From an access perspective, the approach is straightforward and brief compared to larger area climbs, allowing more focus on the rock itself. Traditional gear anchors anchor the climb, supported by four well-placed bolts and a solid chain anchor at the top, delivering a trustable safety net without sacrificing adventure. Wear climbing shoes suited to friction climbs and bring a standard trad rack including small cams to cover the crack and edges. Hydration is essential given the region’s high desert climate, so pack accordingly.

Despite its moderate 5.8- rating, expect a slightly technical crux on the bolted face that tests balance and gear spacing. Climbers often appreciate the route as a compact challenge that blends crack climbing with face moves, making for a varied experience. For wider exposure or longer pitches, neighboring routes offer excellent follow-ups, but Triple Crown stands on its own as a crisp training ground. It’s well suited for mixed-experience pairs wanting to hone protection skills in a controlled setting.

Seasonally, the best window to attempt this climb runs from spring into fall, avoiding the heat spikes common in the San Bernardino area during summer. Early mornings bring cool granite and quiet trails. Descending involves a simple walk-off around the formation’s base, leaving plenty of time to reflect on the climb and soak in the mountain landscape. Whether you’re snapping a quick ascent on a weekend trip or adding variety to a longer climbing itinerary, Triple Crown delivers straightforward trad climbing with enough texture and challenge to keep the senses engaged.