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Dark Therapy: A Focused Climb in The Asylum’s Sea to Sky Corridor

Squamish, British Columbia Canada
crack climbing
sport
single pitch
technical moves
reachy clip
Sea to Sky corridor
Length: 48 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Dark Therapy
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Dark Therapy is a focused and sustained 5.9 sport climb in The Asylum sector, offering crisp movement up a prominent crack with a challenging reach near the top. Ideal for climbers looking to sharpen technique close to Squamish and Whistler."

Dark Therapy: A Focused Climb in The Asylum’s Sea to Sky Corridor

Dark Therapy offers a compelling single-pitch sport climb that challenges both technique and endurance on a sustained 5.9 grade. Located in The Asylum sector—a steep, rugged crag on the Sea to Sky corridor between Squamish and Whistler—this route commands attention with its clean line and prominent crack feature. The climb moves steadily upward on well-placed bolts, demanding precision and commitment with each movement. While the route stays consistent in difficulty, expect a reachy clip among the upper draws that adds a burst of physicality just as the summit nears.

The rock here feels alive with energy, the vertical face reflecting the cool, dampness of the coastal mountains. The air carries a faint cedar scent from the surrounding trees, and distant bird calls punctuate the quiet focus required on the wall. As you ascend, the crack on the right side acts as both landmark and challenge, offering subtle variations that test finger strength and footwork without resorting to brute force.

At 48 feet tall, Dark Therapy is short but intense, perfect for climbers looking to sharpen their sport skills in a northern British Columbia setting. The approach follows well-worn forest trails with moderate elevation gain, providing an energizing warm-up under a canopy of evergreens before reaching the rock. This climb’s proximity to the Sea to Sky route means you’re not far from the traffic and amenities of Squamish or Whistler, but the wall itself remains a quiet retreat for focused ascents.

For preparing your session, be sure to bring a helmet, a set of quickdraws (eight or more given the bolts), and sticky shoes that can handle the small edges and the occasional smear. Timing your climb for mid-morning ensures a mix of shade and sun, with the wall warming gradually as the day progresses. While exposure is limited, don’t underestimate the physical demands of sustained climbing at 5.9; pacing yourself will make the difference between a smooth send and a tense retreat.

Dark Therapy offers more than just a climb—it delivers a moment to interface directly with the mountain’s challenging personality. This route suits climbers seeking a reliable sport pitch free of excessive crowds but rich with solid rock and consistent difficulty. Whether you’re adding it to your Squamish-era training or searching for a fresh line near Whistler, this route earns its place on any serious climber’s list.

Climber Safety

Although the bolt protection is reliable with 8 fixed bolts, remain aware of loose flakes near the crack and wear a helmet. The rock can retain moisture early in the day, creating slick spots. Approach trails can be muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is advised.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length48 feet

Local Tips

Approach on well-marked trails that gain moderate elevation under forest cover.

Mid-morning climbs offer ideal light, combining shade with warming sun.

Watch for wet rock patches after rain since the coastal climate can leave damp surfaces.

Use a helmet despite the sport nature; occasional loose flakes exist near the crack.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:While rated a clean 5.9, Dark Therapy feels steady and sustained rather than suddenly cruxy. The reachy clip near the top adds an extra layer of challenge that may push some climbers slightly beyond the standard rating, but overall the grade is approachable. Compared to neighboring routes in The Asylum, it is often seen as slightly easier than Psychosomatic, making it an accessible test of technique.

Gear Requirements

Bring a standard sport rack with at least 8 quickdraws for clipping bolts spaced evenly along the 48-foot pitch. Sticky shoes with reliable edging ability are recommended to handle the subtle foot holds, especially approaching the reachable bolt near the top.

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Tags

crack climbing
sport
single pitch
technical moves
reachy clip
Sea to Sky corridor