Crossroads roots itself in the rugged granite cliffs of Highlander, a sector within Squamish’s famed climbing landscape. This single-pitch trad route weaves through a left-facing corner crack that quickly demands precision and commitment. The crack evolves into challenging hand jams before the climb shifts right onto a face where balance and finger strength are tested. Near the top, the route pulls you onto a slabby section where uncertain footholds force a decisive move—particularly demanding for those shorter of reach. While it wears the label of Highlander's easiest climb, Crossroads doesn’t offer a gentle introduction; it teases with a raw, upfront challenge that hands you the baseline for the area’s granite toughness.

This 60-foot climb entices climbers seeking a compact route that merges technical crack climbing with face moves requiring smart gear placements and body control. Protections range from large cams down to small finger-sized pieces, with some tricky spots that reward a diverse rack and thoughtful placement. The rock’s texture offers consistent friction while the corner’s natural features invite hands and feet to work in close cooperation, awakening senses to the subtle shifts granite can demand.

Approach to Highlander is straightforward compared to looser wilderness sectors, but the trail’s terrain still keeps you alert. Rough-granite slabs and patches of moss frame the path, while the occasional scrub pine leans into the breeze. Expect a short hike from parking to the base, making it well-suited for climbers who want immediate engagement without a long trek.

For those prepping their gear, prioritizing a range of cam sizes between 3 inches and small fingers ensures steady protection, especially on the transition from crack to face. Footwear with sticky rubber and a responsive sole will pay dividends on the slabby top section, where every micro edge counts. Timing your climb in the morning can help avoid the intense afternoon sun that heats exposed slabs, smoothing your grip with consistent granite coolness.

After sending Crossroads, climbers can appreciate how this route serves as a vivid introduction to Highlander’s mixed crack and face dynamics. While it challenges the strength and technique of the hands and feet in even limited exposure, the exposed moves instill confidence to push into harder routes nearby. It’s a compact taste of the Squamish grit, where simply standing atop the climb brings a rewarding view of the dense coastal forest stretching toward the horizon.

Whether you’re dialing into hand jams or testing your slab technique, Crossroads invites climbers to engage directly with the rock’s character. This isn’t a route to take lightly, but a solid notch on your trad campaign in one of British Columbia’s most storied climbing locales.