"Dihedral is a concise trad climb in Manitoba that tests your crack climbing finesse with a slippery horizontal traverse and a solid hand/fist crack dihedral. Offering steady protection and a single pitch of varied moves, it’s an ideal outing for climbers sharpening traditional skills in a quiet forested setting."
Dihedral presents a focused, rewarding challenge on solid Manitoba stone just a short hike from Lily Pond’s main area. This one-pitch trad climb stretches about 50 feet, offering a varied sequence that tests both delicate technique and straightforward crack climbing. The route begins immediately to the left of the base of the prominent wall known as 'The Nose,' situated just right of its distinctive bulge. Climbers must navigate a horizontal crack that runs across, requiring precise footwork to maintain balance on often slippery rock. From here, a thin finger corner crack beckons, demanding careful hand placement and body positioning as you edge your way toward the bulge’s summit.
After surmounting this initial challenge, the climb shifts toward the central dihedral — a hand and fist crack that offers more secure jamming opportunities and a chance to settle into steady upward movement. This section rewards measured laybacking and steady crack technique, testing climbers on grip and stamina in equal measure without pushing into harder grades.
Protection on Dihedral requires a thoughtful rack. Early sections are guarded with smaller nuts in the 3 to 4 rock range, useful for the delicate horizontal traverse. Just above the bulge, a well-placed #2 Camalot can be pre-placed to counter the slick patches of rock that can surprise climbers. The final stretch in the dihedral calls for a pair of cams ranging from #2 to #4 Camalots, ensuring solid placements in the wider crack. Anchoring is straightforward with two bolts securing the top, allowing for a confident top-rope setup or safe top-out.
Approach is manageable with a short hike from Lily Pond’s central trailhead, passing under shaded forest canopy before opening to the rocky base. The rock here has a cool, earthy feel in the morning light, with moss and occasional pine needles scattered nearby, reminding climbers of the northern climate’s gentle grip on the rockscape. A careful eye on footing in the early scramble helps smooth access and keeps the start fresh.
Climbers often comment on the route’s balance of physical engagement and mental challenge — the crack climbing is not overly demanding in rating but requires focus on technique and protection awareness. The area’s quiet ambiance and sweeping views over Manitoba’s forested stretches add to the overall climbing experience.
Practical considerations for Dihedral include starting early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and moisture that can settle on the rock, increasing slipperiness, especially on the horizontal crack section. Footwear with sticky rubber is recommended, and a lighter rack focusing on small to medium cams and stoppers will suffice. Whether you’re honing crack skills or seeking a solid introduction to trad on Canadian granite, Dihedral offers a clear, achievable goal with a rewarding finish.
Exercise caution on the horizontal crack where the rock can be slippery and holds smaller than they appear. Protection is solid but placing gear carefully in the bulge section is key to prevent long falls.
Start early to avoid moisture buildup on the rock, especially on the horizontal crack section.
Sticky rubber shoes greatly help secure footing on slick spots.
Pre-place your #2 Camalot on the horizontal crack for added safety.
Watch your footwork crossing the bulge — small holds require deliberate steps.
Carry small nuts in sizes 3-4 for the first corner crack, plus a #2 Friend pre-placed to protect the slippery horizontal crack above the bulge. Bring cams from #2 to #4 Camalots for the final dihedral pitches. Top anchors are two bolts.
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