Bad Influence 5.7

Route

Bad Influence 5.7

Page Type: Route

Location: California, United States, North America

Lat/Lon: 34.24572°N / 117.61967°W

Route Type: Mountaineering, Trad Climbing, Scrambling

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Time Required: Half a day

Rock Difficulty: 5.7 (YDS)

Difficulty: 'Hard Scrambling'

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Page By: TacoDelRio

Created/Edited: Jul 26, 2009 / Jul 28, 2009

Object ID: 533698

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Page Score: 86.78% - 3 Votes

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Table of Contents

Overview

Bad Influence heads up Soba Ridge, just west of Sheep Canyon's Kimchi Ridge. Kenny and I came up with the name, as we brought gear on our first ascent but did not use any. I figured old folks would think we were a 'bad influence' climbing unroped and without pro on technical ground.

Ain't it purty?

The route is mostly 'Sierra Class 4', with a move here and there. It is shorter than it's neighboring route, Magical Kimchi, and the views aren't as good, but the ridge is narrower, forcing one to take harder moves than on MK. The rock is also not as solid as on MK. It seems the further you move away from Sheep Canyon, the more the rock seems like the rest of the San Gabriels. ;-)

This is another one of my routes that you shouldn't climb, because of rockfall and danger and loose stuff etc etc. Usual disclaimer. Adventure.

Getting There

Following the directions to enter Sheep Canyon, referance the small gully to the west of Kimchi Ridge (the western wall/ridge of Sheep Canyon). Move up that to gain the ridge, which will be visible in the center.

Kenny looking at Soba Ridge

A better and more entertaining way to gain the ridge is to go into Sheep Canyon, and climb onto Kimchi Ridge. Once solid mossy rock appears on the right, climb up it and onto the ridge proper. Some fun 4th to low 5th class presents itself here. Once on the ridge with a view to the west, note the beautiful ridge to the west, a gully away. That's your goal. Descend down into the gully and gain the ridge.

Route Description

Route starts off a little slabby, then moves up some OK rock. Loose rocks are common atop all blocks/bulges. Cracks present themselves later, big enough for hands to fists (or a knee, if you're me). One particular bulge with a crack big enough for a knee is very fun, but be careful, as loose crap fills up the crack, and the left side is covered in moss and lichen, hampering traction.

Earn them pitches

Continue up the ridge in typical steps. Some bushes and small trees provide French Free aid and some are obstacles.

Route tops out without drama, petering off onto easy dirt. Look for the smiley face under the tree.

For descent, head east past Sheep Canyon. You'll go down into Sheep Canyon just west of Sheep Flat, where there may or may not be a stream running. Climb up the hill going directly east. Stay at that elevation, handrailing the ridgeline and looking down into the canyon. Soon enough, you'll be on talus and scree, with a view of easy scree below. Slide down this and it'll get you to the Cucamonga Wilderness Boundary sign and boulders... that is, after you battle the Buckthorn. :-)

Essential Gear

Helmet; good approach shoes or anything with good grip; bug repellent. If you choose to protect the route, a full set of nuts, some smallish cams to 2", and a bunch of runners up to 48" are typical. Tricams kick ass insofar as passive pro goes in the area.

External Links

SGMDF