Standing at the foot of 10 000 Zoulous, a modest wooden sign—weathered and fractured—marks the gateway to a climb that commands respect. This single-pitch traditional route in the Laurentians of Quebec is where raw limestone corners and overhangs invite a calculated boldness. The climb begins with a striking right-facing corner, a natural corridor that alternates between confident holds and subtle rests, giving breathing room before the next challenge asserts itself. Two small overhangs test your technique and resolve, rewarding those who push through with solid hand jams and feet that find purchase on the rough stone.

After surmounting the corner, the route pivots onto the left face—a mix of face holds and a dirty dihedral—inviting climbers to choose their path carefully. A lone bolt provides a moment of security before the final pull to the anchor, where sport and trad routes converge. The length of approximately 120 feet demands sustained focus, and the 5.10+ rating reflects a climb that is firm but fair; those who top out often speak of the last moves feeling more demanding, a crux that nudges the grade upward.

Protection is a critical aspect of this route. Gear ranges from small (.1 cams and TCU-sized pieces) to mid-sized (.2 to .75), best doubled for variety. Due to the route’s natural features, placements can be fiddly, especially in the overhangs. Carrying double ropes is recommended to reduce drag and preserve smooth rope management.

Approaching the climb is straightforward yet requires attention. The setting inside the Laurentians offers a rugged landscape—dense forests fringe the base where moss covers rock and fallen needles pepper the ground. The walk-in is short, with a maintained trail that delivers hikers to the base in under 20 minutes. Coordinates GPS to 45.9447 N, -74.5288 W guide the way, allowing easy location on modern devices.

Timing your ascent is key—the wall enjoys morning sun but shifts into shade by early afternoon, making spring and fall ideal seasons when temperatures are comfortable, and the rock stays dry. Summer can bring humidity and occasional rain, which demand cautious assessment before climbing.

Descent involves a single rope rappel to the ground. This method requires attention to gear retrieval, as the anchor shares bolts with a popular sport route. The climb’s remoteness is moderate but offers solitude that seasoned climbers appreciate—far enough from urban buzz to maintain focus but close enough for a day trip.

Local knowledge suggests packing layered clothing to handle shifting conditions, ample water given the exertion required, and shoes capable of precise edging for the demanding face climb. The route's challenge balances well with the beauty of the Laurentian surroundings, where the elements seem actively engaged in the dance: wind whispers against rock, and trees lean as though watching your ascent.

In all, 10 000 Zoulous offers a classic Laurentian challenge that respects tradition and rewards preparation. It is a climb that calibrates your focus and rewards persistence, asking you not just to move upward but to engage fully with the stone’s character and quirks.