Adventure Collective

Bouldery Challenge at Southern Crags: Daycare Route

Penticton, British Columbia Canada
bouldery
crux between bolts
short route
Southern Crags
5.11d
bolt anchors
powermoves
fall hazard
Length: 26 ft
Type: Sport, Boulder
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Daycare
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Daycare is a compact bouldery sport climb at Southern Crags that tests strength and precision across a short, punchy 26-foot wall. With a crux locking in between the first two bolts and limited padding beneath, it invites climbers ready for focused power and serious attention to safety."

Bouldery Challenge at Southern Crags: Daycare Route

Daycare offers a compact but intense climbing experience tucked into the Southern Crags area near Skaha, British Columbia. This brief, 26-foot route demands focused power and precise moves, particularly between the first two bolts where the crux tightens its grip. The climb is bouldery in style, requiring quick bursts of strength and careful foot placement on a textured rock face that rewards those who come prepared.

The approach to Daycare is straightforward yet demands caution; the terrain beneath the first bolts is unforgiving, creating a real possibility of bruising falls without adequate pads. A crash pad is not optional—it’s essential gear for both safety and confidence as you tackle the lower moves. Protection comes in the form of two bolts along the face and two more bolted anchors at the summit, allowing for a secure and quick top-out.

Located at 49.43611 latitude and -119.56352 longitude, this route sits amid the Southern Crags collection of sport and boulder climbs. The area itself is a blend of rugged rock and open sky, offering a light, airy climbing feel that contrasts with the close-quarters intensity of the route. Cooler seasons bring ideal conditions here, as the rock remains grippy and the sun’s angle spares climbers from overheating.

Though it’s a shorter climb, Daycare packs enough challenge to engage both advanced boulderers and sport climbers looking to sharpen their power moves. Its proposed rating of 5.11d V4+ R signals a tough line with some risk, especially for those unfamiliar with the delicate start moves. The climb’s tidy two-bolt system belies the real test of grit and commitment that awaits between them.

Because this route isn't yet documented in formal guidebooks, local climbers are invited to share insights on grading, first ascents, and protection nuance, helping build a fuller picture of Daycare’s character. Bringing a spotter, extra pads, and a mindset ready for technical puzzle-solving will turn this brief route into a memorable encounter with the crags.

In the surrounding region, Southern Crags provides a variety of climbing styles, but Daycare stands apart as a refreshing bouldery challenge with a concise call to focus and power. Plan your approach to allow time for multiple attempts—each try reveals subtle holds and body positions not obvious at first glance. Hydrate well, layer for shifting weather, and expect a route that dares you to push hard from the ground up.

Climber Safety

A significant concern is the potential for harsh falls near the start of the route due to limited ground padding. Proper padding and attentive spotting are crucial to avoid injury. Climbers should also watch for loose rock around the bolts since the route is not yet fully documented or maintained in guidebooks.

Route Details

TypeSport, Boulder
Pitches1
Length26 feet

Local Tips

Use a thick, well-placed crash pad beneath the lower moves to minimize fall impact.

Spotters are highly recommended due to the potential decking hazards near the first bolts.

Approach during cooler parts of the day for improved friction and comfort.

Take time to warm up with nearby easier routes to prepare for the intense crux moves.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.11d V4+ R
Quality
Consensus:The 5.11d V4+ R grade proposes a bold challenge with specific emphasis on the low crux between bolts one and two, where precision and explosive power converge. The R rating warns of some risk if protection isn’t taken seriously. Compared to other Southern Crags climbs, Daycare feels more compressed and demanding, favoring climbers who excel at short sequences of dynamic moves.

Gear Requirements

The route relies on a pair of bolts attached to the face, complemented by two bolts at the top forming a reliable anchor. Bring at least one crash pad to protect against the risk of falling early on, especially between the first two bolts where the crux lies.

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Tags

bouldery
crux between bolts
short route
Southern Crags
5.11d
bolt anchors
powermoves
fall hazard