"College Girls Gone Wild is a focused trad route on Lower Perching Wall, offering a tight sequence of jamming and laybacking maneuvers across three large blocks. It’s a concise, accessible 5.9 climb perfect for those ready to sharpen their crack climbing skills in a serene Northern BC setting."
Situated within the rugged expanse of Lower Perching Wall, College Girls Gone Wild offers a raw and compelling trad climb that tests both technique and composure. Spanning a manageable 65 feet, this single-pitch route guides you up the right flank of three prominent blocks, demanding precise jams and laybacks. As you ascend, you’ll find yourself moving into a narrowing crack that leans left, compelling careful footwork and steady balance before reaching a more direct, vertical crack leading to the top. The climb’s character is straightforward, but the rock demands attention: some sections may benefit from a recent scrub to clear loose debris, making conditions variable depending on seasonal maintenance.
The exposure here feels intimate rather than vast, anchored by trees at the belay or fixed bolts at the lip. This route appeals to climbers looking for a solid 5.9 that blends accessible challenge with varied crack climbing techniques. The surrounding environment in Northern British Columbia adds a quiet, contemplative backdrop, where the cool air carries the sounds of distant forest life and the subtle scrape of rock under fingers. Gear placements are well-suited for cams up to 4 inches, rewarding careful protection choices. Though not lengthy, the climb’s compact intensity offers a satisfying push for those honing their trad skills amid a landscape that feels remote and untouched.
Approach involves navigating typical forested terrain within Copper Mountain’s broader climb zone. The path to Perching Wall is marked but can be rough underfoot, making well-broken-in shoes a must alongside layered clothing for variable mountain weather. The climb is exposed to morning sun on the wall’s face, warming the rock early while tending to cool off by afternoon, making spring and early fall the preferred climbing windows to avoid intense summer heat or winter chill.
For those drawn to the tactile demands of cracks and clean, crisp protection, College Girls Gone Wild offers a grounded, hands-on experience with enough technical interest to keep both beginner and intermediate trad climbers engaged. Remember to check local conditions, as seasonal clearing may enhance friction and safety. Overall, this climb is a testament to the rewarding focus of crack climbs in British Columbia’s quieter mountain sectors.
Watch for sections with loose debris or dust that may reduce friction and compromise gear placements. Since belays depend on trees or bolts, always double-check anchor stability. Approach conditions can be slippery after rain, so wear appropriate footwear for uneven forest trails.
Check for recent cleaning as loose rock can affect jams—scrub if needed before leading.
Wear shoes with solid edging to maintain footing on the narrowing crack sections.
Approach early in the day to catch sun warming the wall; afternoons can cool off quickly.
Carry a rack focused on cams between 1" and 4", plus slings to extend gear over flared placements.
Standard trad rack up to 4-inch cams works best here. The crack system offers reliable placements, but some sections require careful cleaning and inspection before trusting small pro. Trees at the belay provide secure anchors, supplemented by bolts at the lip.
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