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Basqueing in Your Affection

Whitehorse, Canada
face climb
arete
clip crux
short pitch
sport climbing
Yukon climbing
technical moves
Length: 30 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Basqueing in Your Affection
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Precision and balance come alive on Basqueing in Your Affection, a compact 30-foot sport climb in British Columbia’s Golden Canyon. Its tight sequence and a cruxy clip near the top test commitment without overwhelming length."

Basqueing in Your Affection

Basqueing in Your Affection offers a brief yet compelling test of precision and strength on a striking face route in the Yukon Territory’s Golden Canyon. At just 30 feet, this single-pitch climb demands sharp footwork and an unflinching commitment to balance, as the wall presents a series of side-pulls and delicate smears across a clean, vertical face. This route invites climbers to engage deeply with the rock’s subtle contours, where each move feels intentional and measured. The arete that defines the climb adds an edge both physically and visually, challenging you to trust small holds as you navigate toward the top.

Though short, the crux near the fourth bolt requires focus—both in approach and timing—especially when clipping, which intensifies the challenge beyond the technical moves. The five well-spaced bolts protect the climb, making it accessible but not without consequence: trust your body, maintain control, and prepare for a demanding clip at the pumpy section.

Golden Canyon’s remote landscape emphasizes solitude and connection. The cold air carries a crispness that sharpens senses, while the surrounding wild expanse draws you inward to the moment. Climbers should arrive with solid face-climbing skills and steady nerves, as the route’s rating of 5.11a reflects a climb that feels compact but laden with complexity. This spot is a perfect introduction to sport climbing in the Yukon, where the emphasis is on finesse over brute strength.

Approach to Basqueing in Your Affection is straightforward but remote—expect a quiet hike through rugged northern terrain, with clear GPS coordinates guiding your way. Proper footwear is essential to navigate the crunchy gravel and occasional loose stones en route. Weather here shifts swiftly in the high latitudes; clear, cool days offer the best conditions for climbing this exposed face.

Ideal climbing times fall in late spring through early fall, when daylight extends and temperatures hover comfortably. The north-facing wall offers a cooler climb, sheltering you from intense midday sun but also requiring layered clothing to manage the chill.

For climbers venturing here, careful gear selection matters: bring a light rack with quickdraws for the sport bolts, alongside slings for anchoring at the top. A solid helmet and chalk will prepare you for the delicate precision needed to link moves confidently. Whether you're chasing the thrill of a sharp-grade single pitch or just savoring the northern wilderness, Basqueing in Your Affection rewards with a refined blend of technical challenge and wild, open space.

Climber Safety

Be mindful of the clipping sequence around the fourth bolt; the pump and position require steady control to avoid unforced falls. The approach trail passes loose gravel sections; maintain caution to prevent slips, especially when carrying gear.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length30 feet

Local Tips

Wear shoes with sensitive edging for precise foot placements on the face.

Check weather forecasts carefully; conditions change rapidly in the Yukon.

Bring extra chalk to maintain grip through the pumpy crux moves.

Approach trail includes loose gravel, so hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes are recommended.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.11a
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.11a, this climb feels true to grade with a compact crux near the fourth bolt that can increase the perceived difficulty, especially when clipping under pump. The balance-intensive moves require precision rather than power, aligning well with other technical face climbs in northern climbing regions though it lacks extended length.

Gear Requirements

The climb is protected by five bolts with anchors at the top, requiring quickdraws and standard sport climbing gear. Expect a challenging clip at the fourth bolt that demands focus.

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Tags

face climb
arete
clip crux
short pitch
sport climbing
Yukon climbing
technical moves