Escape Velocity is the gateway to summiting Mt. Habrich, a granite giant standing prominently above Squamish, British Columbia. This route invites climbers into a blend of technical trad pitches and alpine exposure, threading its way through seven pitches that total approximately 450 feet of vertical challenge. The climb offers more than just physical movement; it balances moments of purposeful climbing with transitions across rugged bush ledges, reminding climbers that mountaineering is as much about terrain navigation as it is about the rock itself.

From the base, the wall greets you with solid granite etched with cracks and flakes that demand careful gear placements. Protection ranges from small to large cams, roughly from sizes SR to 3 inches. Though some pitches feature a handful of bolts and fixed anchors, much of the security depends on competent gear management and route-finding. This is a climb that asks for respect—the rock’s character and the alpine environment require both mental and physical readiness.

As you ascend, the forested ledges announce themselves with a chorus of pine scent and the occasional chatter of birds, giving space for breath and recalibration. These walking sections are grounded moments, but never entirely easy—the terrain fluctuates between stable dirt patches and spiky shrubs, demanding good footwear and sharp attention. Above these lulls, the climbing picks back up with crack systems and face moves leading to each belay.

Near the summit, the views unfold, rewarding effort with sweeping panoramas of the Howe Sound fjord below and the rugged peaks surrounding the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The sense of altitude sharpens as the mountain’s open wind-swept ridges push the air cooler and thinner.

Planning this climb means preparing for alpine variables: weather can shift rapidly, so layering and protection against chill are essential. The route shines in late spring through early fall when the rock is dry and temperatures moderate. Early starts maximize daylight and avoid afternoon storms common in the region.

Whether approaching from Squamish town or further afield, the trailhead access involves a moderate hike through dense forest and well-traveled paths, about a 30 to 45-minute approach depending on pack weight and pace. GPS coordinates at 49.6586 N and -123.08305 W mark the heart of this climbing zone, enabling navigators to track their progress precisely.

Escape Velocity offers a mix of adventure and classic climb qualities: from the tactile friction of granite holds, the strategic gear placements, to the invigorating summit views. It’s a climb that teaches patience between moves and provides a meaningful challenge for those looking to stretch their trad-alpine skills in one of Canada’s iconic climbing landscapes.