HomeClimbingBell's Mono

Bell's Mono: A Compact Punch of Climbing Power in Sea to Sky

Squamish,Canada
mono hold
boulder start
slab climbing
shared anchors
north facing
Sea to Sky
Grade: 5.11d
Length: 92 ft
Type: Sport | TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Bell's Mono
Aspect
South Facing

Bell's Mono

5.11d, Sport | TR

Squamish

Canada

Overview

"Bell's Mono cracks open with a demanding V4 boulder problem before easing into slab moves that test footwork and balance. This 92-foot single-pitch climb in Sea to Sky blends power and precision, rewarding climbers with a technical ascent peppered with hints of local history."

Bell's Mono: A Compact Punch of Climbing Power in Sea to Sky

Bell's Mono is a concise but intense climb that demands focus from the moment your fingers touch the rock. Located in the vibrant Sea to Sky corridor between Squamish and Whistler, this single-pitch sport route delivers a dynamic mix of bouldering grit and technical slab. The climb hits hard from the ground up with a challenging V4-style boulder problem centered on a distinct, key hold—a drilled 15mm mono slot perfectly positioned between the first two bolts. This initial section tests finger strength and body tension, making it a compelling intro that doesn’t waste any time warming you up.

Once past this physical sequence, the route eases into a series of pleasant slab moves graded around 5.9, offering a chance to breathe and focus on technique as you ascend towards the anchors. The wall’s moderate angle and well-protected bolts ensure the slab climbing feels approachable yet engaging, a balance that keeps the adrenaline present without burning out your forearms.

Bell's Mono shares its anchors with the adjacent Railton Road, which allows convenient top-rope access for those looking to practice or lead in tandem. Situated on Electric Avenue within the Sea to Sky climbing area, the location has a rich industrial backstory. Climbers will notice remnants of a metal conduit system embedded along the line, a handful of old bolts still faintly marking where a hydro tower cable once ran. These echoes of infrastructure give the climb a distinct character, a reminder that adventure can often be found in places where nature and human history intersect.

The route stretches 92 feet from the base to the chain anchors, compact enough for a focused session but packed with varied movement. Expect solid tension moves on the mono and crimp holds before smoothing into slab sequences where footwork takes priority. The rock is typical of the region: solid and generally clean, but as with all coastal routes, it can hold moisture—timing your climb for dry conditions will maximize grip and safety.

Planning your ascent here means arriving with well-tuned finger strength and the readiness to switch quickly between power and finesse. Climbing shoes with precise edging capability will be an asset for the slab section, while chalk can’t be overlooked for maintaining a reliable grip on the mono hold. The spot’s north-facing aspect provides shade for most of the day, which helps keep the rock cool even on warmer summer afternoons.

Bell's Mono offers a compact but rewarding challenge that caters to climbers who appreciate a blend of bouldering intensity with the steady flow of slab climbing. It’s a route that invigorates the senses, sharpens technique, and fits neatly into a day's varied climbing itinerary in one of Canada’s premier climbing hubs.

Climber Safety

While the bolt protection is solid, the initial boulder section relies heavily on finger strength and body tension. Climbers should warm up thoroughly to avoid injury, and be cautious of potential dampness on the slab section which can reduce traction. The shared anchors mean checking that all hardware is secure, particularly if top-roping after Railton Road.

Route Specifications

Route Details

5.11d
TypeSport | TR
Pitches1
Length92 feet

Local Tips

Focus on dry-weather conditions as moisture can make the slab surprisingly slippery.

Bring climbing shoes with excellent edging ability for the technical slab section.

Chalk up well to keep a solid grip on the key 15mm mono hold.

Plan your climb in the morning or afternoon to take advantage of the route’s mostly shaded north-facing wall.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.11d
Quality
Consensus:The 5.11d rating highlights the climb’s physical start on the mono crater, which feels like the crux of the route. The grade feels consistent and true to the style, with the V4 boulder problem intensity demanding finger strength and core tension. Once past the initial sequence, the slab climbing drops down a bit in difficulty to around 5.9, offering a contrast that’s less strenuous but still technical. Compared to other Sea to Sky crags, Bell's Mono sits as a powerful single-pitch option that tests your power before settling into finesse.

Gear Requirements

The route is protected by 10 bolts leading directly to chains. This bolt spacing ensures secure clipping opportunities during both the powerful initial moves and the slab finish. Top-roping is facilitated via shared anchors with Railton Road, providing flexibility in how you approach the climb.

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Tags

mono hold
boulder start
slab climbing
shared anchors
north facing
Sea to Sky