Adventure Collective

Fun: A Compact Finger Crack Challenge in The Smoke Bluffs

Squamish, British Columbia Canada
finger crack
slab
single pitch
granite
anchors
the smoke bluffs
Length: 30 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Fun
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Fun offers a short yet sharp finger crack in Squamish’s Smoke Bluffs, perfect for climbers looking to refine technical jam skills. With secure placements and easy anchor access, this compact route blends manageable difficulty with pure granite quality."

Fun: A Compact Finger Crack Challenge in The Smoke Bluffs

Located in the heart of Squamish's iconic Smoke Bluffs, Fun presents a brief but engaging climb that beckons those drawn to the subtle art of finger crack climbing. This single-pitch route stretches 30 feet up a clean slab, offering a sharp contrast to the surrounding boulder-strewn approaches and expansive forest canopy. As you start along the slender finger crack just left of the stepped hand crack known as Fun, the wall feels surprisingly secure despite its initial appearance. The crack demands precise hand and finger placements, rewarding patient climbers with confident upward moves and the tactile satisfaction of smooth rock meeting skin.

Above the slab lies a broad ramp peppered with reliable anchors, easily accessible thanks to a fixed rope tucked to the right—a thoughtful feature that streamlines the topout or lowers. While short in length, Fun packs a useful dose of techy jam climbing that fits well into a day spent exploring Smoke Bluffs' rich climbing terrain. The approach is straightforward, guiding adventurers through gentle forest paths to rocky outcrops framed by fresh mountain air and the distant murmur of wilderness.

Gear-wise, bring an assortment of finger-sized protection; the placements are more abundant than they initially appear, though tight, requiring patience and attention to detail. The climb’s moderate 5.9 rating aligns with the physical demands of precise crack technique rather than brute strength, making it perfect for climbers looking to sharpen delicate jamming skills or warm up before tackling more committing routes nearby.

Planning your trip here means timing your ascent for mid-morning or late afternoon when the wall shifts between sun and shade, balancing comfort with optimal friction. The route is a pragmatic choice for those who appreciate climbing that blends accessible commitment with technical finesse—ideal for climbers eager to sample Squamish’s legendary granite without a major investment of time or energy.

Nearby, the busy corridors of Smoke Bluffs offer extensive options from bouldering to longer trad routes, turning Fun into a sharp, enjoyable pause amidst a larger day of adventure. This climb not only sharpens your finger crack technique but also connects you to the rhythmic pulse of the Pacific Northwest’s renowned climbing community.

Climber Safety

The ramp above the slab has good anchors but requires careful navigation. The fixed rope makes access safer, but always double-check placements and avoid loose rock during descent.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length30 feet

Local Tips

Approach via Funarama trailhead; the walk is under 15 minutes on well-marked paths.

Use moderate friction climbing shoes for the slab and crack transition.

Avoid climbing immediately after rain to ensure the granite’s friction holds.

Bring a fixed rope or prusik for easier access to anchors on the ramp.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.9, Fun’s technical crack climbing emphasizes precise finger jams over raw power. The grade feels fair, with the main crux in mastering gear placements and maintaining steady movement up the narrow crack. Compared to nearby Funarama routes, it leans slightly easier but demands finesse and good technique.

Gear Requirements

Finger-sized cams dominate the protection—bring a solid set focusing on smaller sizes. Gear is tighter and less generous than it looks from below, so patience is key for secure placements.

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Tags

finger crack
slab
single pitch
granite
anchors
the smoke bluffs