"Cling Peaches delivers four pitches of focused trad climbing in the heart of Squamish’s Malamute area. This 5.10c classic mixes technical crack climbing with precise slab moves, rewarding methodical route reading and solid gear placements."
Cling Peaches stands as a committed trad route within the magnetizing walls of The Malamute, a classic feature in Squamish’s renowned Grub Street sector. Stretching over four pitches and climbing roughly 350 feet, this 5.10c climb offers a precise balance of technical challenge and route variety, calling for climbers to blend strategic gear placements with careful route finding amid a vertical playground carved from basalt.
The approach takes you deep into the rugged drama of Squamish, a magnet for adventurous souls drawn to wild mountain crags, lush forested trails, and the cool Pacific air. The Malamute area demands respect for its character—quiet, rarely crowded, and presenting lines that reward patience and attention to detail. Cling Peaches in particular feels like a quiet challenge, not often frequented, preserving the raw texture of its rocky surface and the learning curves within.
Pitch one invites you off the beaten path, starting on Old Style before veering onto a bolted dyke. A crux resides between the first and second bolts, testing climbers with a precise move toward a crack bathed in delicate finger-sized holds. The rock here has an honest, slightly weathered patina—there is some grit but very little moss or dirt to obscure judgment calls or holds.
The second pitch elevates the experience with a traverse right from a far ledge anchored by a glue-in U-bolt. Passing a solitary cedar tree, this pitch demands strong body positioning to pull through a roof on reliable holds before threading upward through a thin crack. This segment is often highlighted for its sustained 10c difficulty and clean movement, rewarding climbers with a sense of flow and control as they settle into the rhythm of the line.
Pitch three shifts left into a crack system that culminates in a narrow seam—the climb’s crux—where fingers find their perfect niche and balance is key. The midsection of this pitch spins a technical narrative, with traverses threading left and right among bolts that provide protection but call on mental focus. It's a pitch marked by thoughtful moves rather than brute force, a part of the route often referred to as the "Grub St. Connection."
The final pitch scales the former Rosebud slab, an iconic slabline with a legacy as the original finish route back in the 1970s. While now equipped with bolts, it retains a sporty feel that tests foothold precision and slab technique. The existing chain anchors crown this pitch and the entire route, signaling a place of accomplishment and lookouts over Squamish’s sweeping panorama.
Cling Peaches sits within the rich climbing ecosystem of Squamish, where approachable wilderness meets technical granite. Your climbing rack should range from standard trad gear up to 2-inch cams, emphasizing finger-sized pieces that conform to the narrow cracks encountered throughout. All anchor points are bolted, easing descent and offering safe retreat options.
For timing, mornings are ideal to avoid the intense afternoon sun on the rock face, especially in summer. The northwestern aspect allows for cool, shaded climbing when temperatures rise—crucial in preserving grip and comfort on thinner holds.
The approach requires some navigation across moderate brush and talus, with about 20-30 minutes of hiking from the main Grub Street parking to the base of The Malamute. GPS coordinates 49.68213 N, -123.15665 W will guide you to this tucked-away spot. Due to limited traffic on this route, climbers should prepare for a quiet experience and rely on solid self-sufficiency.
In sum, Cling Peaches offers a disciplined day of climbing for those ready to engage with tight cracks, technical slabs, and varied pitches that sharpen both mind and body. The route’s moderate popularity means you’ll tackle it with minimal interruption, surrounded by the lush coastal wilderness that challenges and rewards all who venture.
Climbers should be cautious of older bolts on the first pitch and the exposed traverse on pitch two; although bolted anchors are in place, placements between bolts can be sparse, so solid gear and attentive clipping are essential. The final slab pitch requires confident friction climbing—wet or icy conditions can make this precarious.
Start early to enjoy cooler slabbing conditions in the shade before midday sun hits the wall.
Bring precise finger-sized camming devices to protect thin cracks.
Expect some sections with older bolts, so clip conservatively and place additional gear where possible.
Use the provided GPS coordinates for a straightforward approach to The Malamute’s base.
A standard rack that extends up to 2-inch cams will cover protection needs, focusing mostly on finger-sized gear for the narrow cracks; all anchors are bolted, simplifying anchor setup and lowering risk on descent.
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