"Game Trail at Woodbury Bluffs stands out as a compact single-pitch trad climb featuring a right-facing corner crack that rewards careful jamming and laybacking. With thin gear placements and a recently added bolt for extra security, it blends solid protection with tactical movement in the wild Kootenays."
Positioned along the rugged contours of Woodbury Bluffs in British Columbia’s renowned Kootenays West, Game Trail offers a focused trad climb that invites you into a subtle dance with the rock. The route begins over surprisingly manageable ground, where careful placement of thin gear keeps the ascent secure but attentive. As you approach the base of a sharp, right-facing corner, the climb transitions into a test of technique: jamming and laybacking your way upward, negotiating the rock’s natural rhythm with steady hands and a keen eye. A rusty pin, now backed up by a recent bolt installation, marks the final stretch toward the anchor, reassuring climbers navigating this historically protected challenge. For those looking to push a little harder, a variation peels off about 10 feet right, delivering a more demanding overhanging fist crack that edges around a 5.10b difficulty. Beyond the climbing itself, the location provides a quiet communion with the landscape—a blend of crisp mountain air and the whisper of forests just beyond the crag. With a length of 90 feet wrapped into a single pitch, this climb’s compact nature makes it an excellent choice for trad climbers wanting a technical yet approachable test of their skills amid a natural setting that feels off the usual beaten path. Practical gear, including finger to thin hand-sized cams (.3 to 1 BD range), covers the protection needs well without overwhelming the rack. Whether you’re ticking off a new 5.10 grade or simply seeking a clean, classic corner crack, Game Trail puts you right in the game—challenging enough to demand focus, yet straightforward enough to invite repeated visits.
Although the rusty pin is now backed by a fresh bolt, always treat it with caution. Thin gear placements demand attentive rigging, and the exposed corner can amplify fall potentials. Double-check your anchor and keep communication crisp with your belayer.
Approach early to avoid afternoon sun on the crack, which can make holds slippery in warm weather.
Thin gear requires careful placement—don’t rush the placements on the jamming sections.
Check hardware before climbing; the rusty pin is backed up but inspect fixed gear thoroughly.
Wear shoes with stiff edges to maintain control on laybacking moves along the corner.
Bring a rack with a focus on finger to thin hand cams (.3 to 1 BD range) to manage tricky placements along the corner crack. The fixed anchor and a newly added bolt next to the original rusty pin increase safety on the final moves.
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