In the heart of Squamish’s famed Valley of the Lost Tribe, A Game of Dog and Squirrel unfolds as a spirited trad climb that challenges both your physical grip and mental game. This single-pitch route offers a compact and intense experience where every move feels like a clever exchange between predator and prey. The rock here is gritty and textured, providing confident holds for deft fingers and steady feet, but the 5.11a rating admonishes that this chase is not without its tricky moments.

Approaching Murrin Park brings you through a landscape that shifts from towering evergreens framing the trail to open granite escarpments catching stray sunlight. The air carries the faint sound of voices and rustling leaves, while the scent of pine and damp earth lingers, grounding you in a place that invites focus and swift movement. The climb itself demands careful gear placements—standard rack gear fits well on the varied cracks and edges, but be prepared for mixed protection as the route weaves through both solid and slightly fractured features.

This climb’s playful energy echoes the dynamic interaction between climbers—each hold rewarded with a small victory, each reach a cautious negotiation. The route’s flow mimics the chase that inspires its name: quick feet darting up the rock as if tempting fate and teasing the sharp squirrel just out of reach. Though short, the pitch compresses a wealth of technical challenges, requiring precise footwork and a calculated approach to gear. The grade is firm and demanding, with cruxes that might catch you off-guard unless you anticipate their rhythm.

Murrin Park itself offers a reliable outdoor classroom for trad enthusiasts, with nearby routes that complement A Game of Dog and Squirrel in style and difficulty. Its accessibility from Squamish town makes it an excellent choice for a half-day outing where you can warm up in the morning, chase this route by midday, and still have daylight left to explore the surroundings or relax by the nearby river.

To prepare, bring layered clothing that can adapt to Squamish’s variable microclimate—sunshine can ignite the rock’s warmth quickly, but shady pockets remain cool and damp. Hydration is key since the climb demands bursts of power and concentration. Picturesque views of the surrounding mountains reward every moment spent on approach and descent, blending the raw thrill of the climb with the serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Solid trad skills and a steady nerve will carry you through this playful yet serious pursuit. As you finish your climb, take a moment to appreciate the natural setting, where rocks, trees, and the wind itself seem to play along in this energetic chase.