Acid Test is a sharp and challenging sport climb that rides the textured slab of White Walls near Skaha, British Columbia. From the base, the route invites climbers to engage with a smooth yet assertive face, rising confidently toward a squat roof that guards the upper section. The initial slab demands delicate balance and precise footwork, encouraging a rhythm that flows into the defining crack cutting through the roof’s lip. Here, the climb picks up an extra dimension of technicality as you navigate the crack’s subtle shifts, moving rightward along the face just off the arete before topping out on a compact ledge secured by a chain anchor.

Though compact in stature with a single pitch, Acid Test demands attentive movement where creative kneebars serve as a valuable tool for conserving energy and managing pump, especially for those with shorter forearms. The route’s ten bolts are well placed, offering solid protection but rewarding mindful clipping to maintain smooth climbing transitions. Scoring a 5.12a, this climb strikes a balance between endurance and technical finesse, offering a rewarding challenge for sport climbers ready to test their slab skills against a subtly complex upper section.

White Walls, set within the broader Skaha Bluffs area, is known for its steep, sun-drenched faces and crystal-clear granite, making it a favorite for both locals and visiting climbers alike. With an elevation lending sweeping views of the Okanagan Valley’s dry, open landscapes below, this route not only tests your physical skills but also places you within a vivid outdoor setting where the warm breeze and distant bird calls enhance the experience. Planning for the climb means preparing for sun exposure—light, breathable clothing and plenty of water are essentials. Footwear with precise edging capability will help on the slab, while chalk assists with grip through the crack and face sequences.

Approach to White Walls is straightforward from the Skaha Bluffs parking area, with well-marked trails weaving through mixed shrubland and pockets of pine. The access hike is short and accessible, making Acid Test an ideal pick for a focused push or part of a larger day exploring the area’s sport routes. Climbers should consider timing their ascent during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours in warmer months to avoid the blistering midday sun that can heat the granite surface intensely.

For those seeking to sharpen slab technique coupled with technical crack climbing on well-protected terrain, Acid Test delivers a direct, engaging route that combines the region’s characteristic granite texture with dynamic climbing moves. Whether you're a seasoned climber aiming to improve your 5.12 game or a dedicated local looking for a sharp route to challenge your style, Acid Test offers a rewarding, clear-cut experience that tests focus, balance, and endurance in one short pitch.

Prepare your gear, respect the sun, and embrace the precise dance between slabbed face and crack as you climb toward that final ledge—a small but satisfying summit anchoring your accomplishment here at White Walls.