Burning Down the Couch stands as a defining climb on the Petrifying Wall, towering within the rugged confines of Murrin Park, Squamish. This 120-foot sport route commands attention with its dead-vertical face and sustained sequences that test both technique and mental grit. From the ground up, climbers are invited to engage with a steady rhythm of carefully spaced bolts, demanding precise movement and relentless focus. The rock surface feels textured under fingertips, cold and compact, each hold inviting a calculated grip or a dynamic reach.

The route doesn’t hand you easy moves; its challenges accumulate steadily, with the spacing between bolts loosening near the crux, raising the stakes for confident clipping and body positioning. As you climb higher, the wall seems to dare you forward, every gasp of breath met with the clean click of bolt placements. The bolt anchors up top serve as both a safety net and a subtle reminder: the margin for error narrows here.

A stick clip is practically a must-have for the first bolt, as the initial reach can feel unsettling for less experienced climbers. Bringing a 60-meter rope ensures a smooth descent and allows comfortable movement without scrambling for every inch. While there’s an option to bail early on a nearby 11c anchor station, this shortcut sacrifices the full journey’s flavor, keeping you from fully stepping into the climb’s crescendo.

Murrin Park itself molds the experience: lush forested trails approach the base, and the air hums with the chatter of the climbing community and distant water’s whisper. The wall faces southeast, catching morning sun and moving toward the shade by afternoon—ideal for a climb that rewards early starts or cool, overcast days. Familiarize yourself with the approach, which takes about 10 minutes through well-marked paths that wind through firs and maples.

For those ready to embrace a challenge that balances dedication and exhilaration, Burning Down the Couch offers a pure sport climb that embodies Squamish’s raw charm. Navigating its vertical expanse sharpens skills, and reaching the anchor point delivers a hard-earned sense of accomplishment. Prepare well, climb smart, and let the wall push you to a new edge.