"Caterpillar is a welcoming 25-foot trad climb at Lily Pond featuring a wide fingers crack perfect for beginners. Its secure protection and approachable length make it an ideal first trad route or warm-up crack climb within Manitoba’s rugged granite terrain."
Caterpillar offers a straightforward and accessible introduction to traditional climbing on Lily Pond’s granite walls in Manitoba. This short, 25-foot route features a wide fingers corner crack that lays out an inviting path for climbers stepping into trad for the first time or warming up their skills. The crack’s consistent width allows for secure placements with cams ranging up to 1 inch, providing shelter and steady protection throughout the pitch.
Starting at the base, you might catch sight of small wilderness moments—like the namesake caterpillar that inspired this climb’s moniker—reminding you that nature is quietly present amid the stone. The rock itself feels solid but expect some loose blocks near the descent, a reminder to tread carefully on the approach back down.
The route is single-pitch and relatively short, making it a perfect stop for those who want to enjoy trad climbing in a manageable dose without the commitment of longer, more technical lines. At the top, you’ll find small cam placements suited for building a reliable anchor, allowing for a controlled rappel or a cautious scrub back to the ground.
Nestled within the larger Lily Pond area, this climb offers a quiet spot away from busier crags, making it an ideal location for those wanting to get their feet wet in traditional protection or hone crack climbing techniques. The granite is firm and the crack’s angle moderate, meaning the effort feels approachable with no tricky cruxes to unsettle beginners.
Approaches here are straightforward, though climbers should be aware of some loose rock on the scramble back towards 'The Pig.' Weather in Manitoba can shift quickly—early mornings and late afternoons bring cool air that enhances grip, while mid-day sun can warm the granite, making for pleasant, varied climbing conditions depending on timing.
Protection is straightforward: a set of cams up to 1 inch, with emphasis on smaller devices around 0.5 inch to establish the anchor above. Being compact and easy to protect, Caterpillar is suited to climbers building trad confidence or adding a reliable crack climb to their repertoire.
In sum, Caterpillar is a modest but rewarding climb that welcomes adventurers with clear terrain, dependable rock, and the quiet company of the Manitoba wilderness. Whether you’re aiming to improve crack skills or simply enjoy a low-pressure climb, this route fits the bill with practical gear needs and a friendly profile.
While the climb itself is well-protected, the descent area features loose rock—exercise care when scrambling off the route, especially near adjacent climbs like 'The Pig' to avoid dislodging debris.
Keep an eye out for loose blocks near the descent scramble around 'The Pig' route.
Plan your climb for early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat on the granite.
Wear sturdy climbing shoes that can handle crack climbing comfortably.
Stay hydrated and prepare for quick weather changes common in Manitoba.
Bring a cam rack with sizes up to 1 inch, focusing on a solid spread of cams around 0.5 inch to build your anchor at the top securely. Given the crack’s width, these placements will cover the route well.
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