At the edge where forested slopes channel into granite cliffs, Blood and Pepper stands out as a precise test of sport climbing finesse. Located in the Fern Hill area of Squamish, this 90-foot route offers a concise but challenging experience for climbers who appreciate technical movement framed by a rugged wilderness backdrop. The climb begins with deceptively straightforward moves that gradually tease your focus as you ascend toward a pronounced arete. This is where the real challenge unfolds—a high, committing crux near the first bolt that demands controlled precision and a confident grip.

The route’s approach is a straightforward trek along the Mamquam Forest Service Road, a well-maintained path that winds through dense Douglas fir and cedar groves, filling the air with the fresh scent of pine and the occasional call of distant ravens. Expect a 10 to 15-minute walk from the parking area, with soft earth and some loose stones underfoot. The climb faces east, granting morning sunlight that warms the granite and highlights its textured features, making holds and edges clearer for an early start.

Once on the rock, the initial sequence is forgiving but requires balance and careful foot placement to avoid the slip that can sap your momentum. As you near the first bolt, the rock tightens, and the moves shift toward sharper pinches and delicate edges. The crux sits high, testing your ability to lock in on small crimps and make a dynamic move around a sloping flake. Falling left here means skirting the crux and dropping a grade, but staying committed to the arete rewards with the pure flow of tradelike movement on sport protection.

Protection consists solely of bolts, polished but well-spaced, making clip efficiency and pump management critical. The length is short enough that endurance won’t dominate, but the concentration required throughout calls for a calm, steady breath and solid footwork. After topping out, the sense of accomplishment is immediate—exposure and the surrounding coastal forest landscape stretch out in a panorama that anchors the climb’s intensity with a deep connection to Squamish’s wild spirit.

For gear, minimal draws suffice, but a few runners can ease clip tension on the arete’s protruding anchor bolts. Shoes with sticky rubber and a sensitive edge will enhance your ability to find purchase on the less obvious footholds. Hydrate before the climb and plan to start early to take advantage of cooler temperatures and to avoid the rock baking under midday sun.

Blood and Pepper is a perfect pick for climbers seeking to sharpen their technique on a sharp, single-pitch sport route that rewards both mental focus and physical precision. It’s a route that challenges without overwhelming — a clear, direct climb that invites repeated attempts as confidence and control improve.