Avalon Connection is a bold, three-pitch trad climb carved into the rugged granite walls of The Valley of Shaddai near Squamish, British Columbia. The route demands focus and finesse, starting with a powerful bouldery move guarded by a bolt that immediately puts your finger strength and body positioning to the test. Climbing the finger-sized flake crack to the left, you navigate this technical terrain while the rock’s texture feels raw and alive beneath your hands. Reaching the roomy ledge at the top of the first pitch invites a brief moment to catch your breath and prepare for what comes next. The second pitch, Pyrix, is a short but punchy 10a climb that runs up a groove along the arete. Though compact, it packs a demanding sequence right from the bottom, perfect for those looking to sharpen their crack and face climbing skills. Linking the first two pitches is an option for strong climbers comfortable moving quickly through the sustained sections.

After topping out pitch two, a short forest step back marks the approach to the third pitch. Here, the climb shifts character as you scramble up a wide chimney on its left side with straightforward moves before arriving at an open ledge dotted with salal bushes. The final pitch, Closing Number, delivers a burly sustained crack climb punctuated by a roof that forces a committing hand traverse. Each move tests endurance and technique, with bolt protection placed judiciously for tough spots. The sound of your gear clipping and the occasional creak of swaying bushes underscore the quiet remoteness of the Valley, a place surprisingly still despite its proximity to the bustle of Squamish.

Protection is straightforward: a standard rack up to a gold Camalot offers the necessary coverage for thin, tricky placements on pitch one, while bolts help secure key cruxes on every pitch. Anchors are solid two-bolt setups, although some may have additional gear for rappelling. The area’s isolation means traffic is sparse, and natural debris like pine needles and cobwebs often cling to holds. Packing a nut tool and a brush will ensure better grip security, helping you clean holds as you ascend.

Avalon Connection is a rewarding climb that mixes technical crack climbing with delicate face moves, perfect for those who want a multi-faceted challenge away from the crowds. Prepare for varying terrain, from steep crack jamming to thin technique, and embrace the quiet wilderness ambiance that wraps this route. Early season or late summer offers stable weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for working through the pitches and soaking in views of the surrounding forest and valley below.

Approaching the climb requires a short hike into a seldom frequented forest track, marked by dense patches of underbrush and mossy boulders. The descent can be made via rappelling from the anchors, but many climbers prefer to walk off through the fields of salal bushes back to the top of the gully known as the "Gully of Death." This alternative is straightforward but requires careful footing as loose debris and vegetation cover the ground.

In sum, Avalon Connection is a climb that demands respect and offers a pure trad experience with a mix of technical and athletic moves. Its quiet setting paired with thoughtfully bolted protection makes it a must-try route for climbers hungry for a solid, adventure-rich outing just outside one of Canada’s climbing hotspots.