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The Trough

5.5, Trad, 180 ft (55 m),  Avg: 2.2 from 98 votes
FA: US Air Force team (1940s)
California > Inland Empire > Perris Area > Big Rock Area > Main Slab > Main Slab - Lower
Warning Access Issue: Rebolting Complete! DetailsDrop down

Description

At the center of the larger portion of the Big Rock face, lies a water streak. The Trough runs straight up this, via nine bolts (ten, if you clip to intermediate anchor). Picnic tables for the area sit directly underneath. The crux comes after the first bolt, with the balance of the route having copious amounts of hand and feet holds, but are glassy smooth and water polished. Generous bolts protect this fun climb.

Protection

9 bolts (10, if clipping the intermediate anchor). Can be done in one long pitch with a 60 meter rope, or done in two if wanting the multi-pitch experience and practice. Bolted anchors are found midway, 3/4 the way, and at the very top just to the left.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

topo, pitch 1
[Hide Photo] topo, pitch 1
The Trough, running up the prominent water streak ©
[Hide Photo] The Trough, running up the prominent water streak ©
Rapping the Trough. The people on the ground are keeping an eye on [[this]]106396239 ornery naturalist, seen as a squiggly brown line to the left of the picnic tables.
[Hide Photo] Rapping the Trough. The people on the ground are keeping an eye on ornery naturalist, seen as a squiggly brown line to the left of the picnic tables.
Straight up seems to be the best route i could find. Great bolts no worrys.. really great time climbing this rock.
[Hide Photo] Straight up seems to be the best route i could find. Great bolts no worrys.. really great time climbing this rock.
First Lead
[Hide Photo] First Lead
Climbing the Trough
[Hide Photo] Climbing the Trough
husband leading our first lead climb up the Trough at the first set of anchors
[Hide Photo] husband leading our first lead climb up the Trough at the first set of anchors
At the anchors on The Trough
[Hide Photo] At the anchors on The Trough
sketchy move, that trough was slick after the rain
[Hide Photo] sketchy move, that trough was slick after the rain
on TR, one of my first climbs
[Hide Photo] on TR, one of my first climbs
Craig Britton leading The Trough (5.5), Big Rock
[Hide Photo] Craig Britton leading The Trough (5.5), Big Rock

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Adam Stackhouse

  5.5
[Hide Comment] I was there yesterday (2.21.06), and the midway anchor is there, and quite fresh I might add. Feb 22, 2006
Josh Hibbard
Los Angeles Area, CA
[Hide Comment] Very slippery, especially in the morning before the sun dries it off...
There is usually a top-rope hanging from the bolt/rap station as this is a favorite with groups... Mar 26, 2007
Brian Hench
Costa Mesa, CA
[Hide Comment] I was unimpressed. The rock is very slick, indeed. Jun 2, 2008
Christian "crisco" Burrell
PG, Utah
 
[Hide Comment] I soloed this on a day that I thought I was a real bad man...yeah...I'm dumb. Easy, but I scared myself up high. A perfect first lead for someone who has some experience already. Jun 1, 2009
Patrick Kaufer
Laguna Hills, CA
[Hide Comment] I did it two days ago and really liked it! It was my first lead as well. Mar 13, 2011
Chris D
the couch
[Hide Comment] If you can lead 5.5, you can lead this route. This route is easy. Don't believe all the nonsense here up-rating this fun beginner route. Dec 18, 2011
Rob Selter
running springs Ca
 
[Hide Comment] This was my first sport lead and I still enjoy it altough it is really greasy. And by the way, there is no way this thing is more than a 5.5 Apr 6, 2012
Rob Donnelly
Riverside, CA
  5.6
[Hide Comment] A couple of fun mantles. Forgettable except for the greasiness. I stayed in middle of the stain. May be easier and more enjoyable on the edges. Apr 12, 2012
Jovel C.
 
[Hide Comment] Fun climb. It's easier if you stay away from the dark area since it's slippery. I suggest climbing to the right for more grippy holds. You'll also be climbing right under the bolts. May 12, 2013
Matt Michael
Oceanside, CA
 
[Hide Comment] Some of those holds are like trying to wrastle with a greased pig Aug 15, 2013
Ron Thompson
Idlewild, CA
[Hide Comment] I remember my fist time climbing the Trough in the 70's and watching Lynn Hill climbing next to me as her sister belayed her. I have climb for years at Big Rocks and still miss climbing the Trough and all the other routes at Big Rocks. A stepping stone for Tahquitz. Yes to be young again ! May 11, 2014
Scott Coffin
Sacramento, CA
 
[Hide Comment] This is a classic Speed Route! My best time is 110 seconds, but Tobias Moyneur climbed this in 90 seconds!!!

Tie two ropes together and set a long TR, then speed climb comp with your friends! Aug 5, 2019
Jeffrey Constine
Los Angeles, CA
[Hide Comment] One of the fastest ways down the main-face Excellent for down climbing Aug 21, 2019
John Robinson
Elk Grove, ca
[Hide Comment] This seemed harder than 5.5, maybe I'm just out of shape for friction/slab climbing. Even getting to the first bolt was problematic. In another comment herein Chris D said "If you can lead 5.5, you can lead this route. This route is easy. Don't believe all the nonsense here up-rating this fun beginner route". I can usually lead up to 10d but this one???? Chris D,s comment was in 2011, maybe that was the case in 2011 but now, maybe I'm just a step below beginner on this route? Jan 4, 2021
Benjamin Chapman
Small Town, USA
  5.5
[Hide Comment] Sure, Jeff. We'd enjoy seeing video of you down climbing The Trough. Indeed, it could be a very fast way down the Main Face, but would you walk away?
You're probably right, John. Likely, Chris D. didn't stay strictly in the trough, but utilized the less polished rock on either side to maintain the 5.5 rating. May 13, 2021