HomeClimbingFace the Music

Face the Music

Squamish, British Columbia Canada
technical
boulder problem
sport
granite
quick access
single pitch
Length: 45 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Face the Music
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Face the Music is a focused 45-foot sport climb featuring technical granite moves leading into a demanding boulder problem crux. Situated in the heart of The Circus, this route challenges climbers seeking a sharp blend of finesse and power in a quick-access mountain setting."

Face the Music

Face the Music presents a compact, intense test of sport climbing skill set along the rugged sea-to-sky corridor between Squamish and Whistler. The single pitch climbs approximately 45 feet on a wall that offers a measured progression of technical moves leading to a challenging boulder problem crux about two-thirds of the way up. The route’s granite surface invites climbers to engage a blend of balance, finger strength, and precise footwork, providing a sharp contrast between smoother lower sections and the powerful sequence near the top. Throughout the climb, five well-spaced bolts with permadraws provide solid protection, enabling climbers to push confidently into the hardest moves while managing fall potential with care. The positioning within The Circus sector gives the line exposure to the fresh mountain air and occasional sun patches, creating varied conditions depending on time and weather. Approaching the climb is straightforward, with trails that wind through forested slopes before opening onto the rock face. This proximity to Squamish offers quick access without sacrificing a sense of retreat into a wild climbing environment. Climbers should prepare for dynamic movement on the boulder problem crux, as the rating reflects a step up from moderate sport climbs to a sustained challenge demanding both technique and power. Footwear with a slight downturn and sticky rubber will maximize contact on the slabby holds and crimps, while hydration and timing are essential when tackling this route during warmer months. Face the Music rewards those willing to tackle its concentrated difficulty with a satisfying send and a keen sense of accomplishment in one of British Columbia’s most vibrant climbing zones.

Climber Safety

While protection is solid with five fixed bolts and permadraws, the crux sits above the third bolt, so maintaining control through the sequence is crucial to avoid risky falls. Be mindful of weather changes that may make the granite slick, and carefully scout the landing zone for any sharp or unstable features.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length45 feet

Local Tips

Arrive early in the day to avoid warming sun on the wall, which can reduce friction on holds.

Stick with high-friction climbing shoes to tackle the technical crux effectively.

Carry enough water to stay hydrated; the approach trail is exposed and can get hot.

Check local weather forecasts as afternoon showers can quickly slick the rock.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.12a
Quality
Consensus:Featuring a 5.12a grade, Face the Music packs its challenge into a short, powerful pitch. While the rating is accurate for the crux sequence, the lower section feels approachable, offering a warm-up before the demanding moves. Climbers accustomed to local sport routes in Squamish will find this one a crisp test of finger strength and technique, especially during the boulder problem near the top.

Gear Requirements

Equipped with five bolts and permadraws placed for optimal protection, this one-pitch climb requires a sport rack with minimal additional gear. The fixed draws mean climbers can focus on the movement rather than gear placement.

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Tags

technical
boulder problem
sport
granite
quick access
single pitch