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Dance Me Outside: The Steepest 5.12a in Bow Valley’s White Imperialist Wall

Canmore, Canada
pocketed roof
steep
limestone
single pitch
technical
body tension
5.12a
grassi lakes
bow valley
Length: 50 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Dance Me Outside
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"At the far right of White Imperialist Wall, Dance Me Outside commands attention as one of Bow Valley’s steepest 5.12a sport climbs. With powerful moves through a pocketed roof and a tricky slabby midsection offering elusive rests, this route demands both strength and finesse."

Dance Me Outside: The Steepest 5.12a in Bow Valley’s White Imperialist Wall

Dance Me Outside stands out as one of the most demanding and exhilarating 5.12a sport climbs in Alberta’s Bow Valley. This single-pitch route hugs the far right edge of the White Imperialist Wall at Grassi Lakes, offering a steep and physical challenge that tests finger strength and body tension across its 50-foot length. From the moment you latch the first blocky holds, the rock pulls you upward and rightward, each move requiring controlled precision and an eye for rest positions amidst a nearly slabby midsection that compels careful footwork and body awareness. Here, subtle smears offer a brief but precious reprieve before the climb explodes into powerful sequences along a pocketed roof. The crux demands deep pocketing and dynamic commitment as you pull yourself through a desperate turn at the lip—go deep in the pockets and trust your technique. The sheer steepness combined with technical demands make Dance Me Outside a rewarding ascent that leaves a lasting mark on anyone who squares up to it. Rounding out the experience is the climbing environment itself—Grassi Lakes’ limestone wall rises sharply above the valley floor, surrounded by crisp mountain air and the distant hum of Bow Valley’s outdoor playground. While draws are usually left hanging on the route, many haven’t seen fresh hardware for over a decade, reinforcing the need for climbers to perform thorough gear checks before sending. With anchors fixed at the top, rappelling back down is straightforward, but the approach through forested trails and moderate elevation gain still requires solid preparation. This route invites climbers ready to push their limits in a setting that balances natural beauty with high-performance sport climbing. Whether you’re conditioning for harder routes or chasing that sharp 5.12a burn, Dance Me Outside rewards focus, technique, and tenacity with a brief yet powerful encounter with Bow Valley’s vertical edge.

Climber Safety

Despite fixed anchors, some of the draws along the route have not been refreshed in over ten years. Be cautious clipping aged hardware and consider bringing a few extra quickdraws. The steep terrain demands precise footwork to avoid sudden falls, especially on the slabby midsection. Weather changes in the Bow Valley can also affect rock conditions quickly—avoid climbing when wet.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length50 feet

Local Tips

Inspect all fixed draws before clipping; many are aged and may need replacement.

Approach via the well-marked Grassi Lakes trail; it takes about 20 minutes and passes through shaded forest.

Start climbs in the late morning or early afternoon for optimal sun and warmth on this east-facing wall.

Plan for water and snacks as the approach involves a moderate elevation gain and no nearby amenities.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.12a
Quality
Consensus:The 5.12a rating suits climbers with solid technical skills and finger strength. The route’s steepness and the powerful roof crux add to the challenge, though the brief slabby section grants an unusual but limited rest. Compared to nearby climbs of similar grade in Bow Valley, Dance Me Outside feels on the stiffer side due to sustained moves and the committing roof sequences.

Gear Requirements

The route requires 9 quickdraws, though existing draws have often been hanging for over a decade. Climbers should bring their own gear and prepare to inspect placements carefully. Fixed anchors at the top simplify the descent.

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Tags

pocketed roof
steep
limestone
single pitch
technical
body tension
5.12a
grassi lakes
bow valley