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Hang Him High: A Sharp 5.9 on Southern Crags

Penticton, Canada
small holds
shared anchor
sunny wall
short approach
5.9 crux
Length: 40 ft
Type: Sport | TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Hang Him High
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"A compact but testy 5.9 sport climb on Southern Crags, Hang Him High challenges with a spicy opening move on small holds before easing into a broad ledge finish. Perfect for climbers honing their tech on solid, sunlit rock."

Hang Him High: A Sharp 5.9 on Southern Crags

Hang Him High situates itself on the rugged Southern Crags of Skaha, a bold sport route that challenges climbers right from the start. The initial move demands precise finger work on small holds before reaching the safety of the first bolt—a moment that separates casual from focused climbers. After this shakeout, the route opens into an easier climb, rewarding you with a broad ledge that invites a brief pause, letting the cliff’s silent pulse echo through the air. This single-pitch, 40-foot climb shares its anchor with the nearby Dogged route, making for efficient top-rope setups or quick sport ascents. The rock here is solid, though the protection is straightforward with just three bolts spaced to allow confidence but encourage careful placement of every move. Southern Crags sits within a striking landscape of Okanagan’s drier climate and sun-drenched cliffs, offering climbers a straightforward but satisfying test of technique and mental grit. Approach this climb with sturdy shoes, a fresh mindset, and a head for the initial technical sequence—it’s that first move that sets the tone, after which the rock opens up, allowing flow and recovery beneath the hot British Columbian sky. Whether you’re setting up a top-rope or leading this route for the first time, Hang Him High is a quick, smart option for climbers keen to sharpen their sport moves on solid bolts without committing to a multi-pitch ordeal. Expect a straightforward descent from the shared anchor, and enjoy the rugged quiet of Southern Crags on your way back down. Scouting water and sun protection are sensible precautions here—the ledge provides space but little shade, and late spring through early fall bring the best climbing conditions.

Climber Safety

The first move demands careful focus—falling before the first bolt could be risky due to the lunge required on small holds. The ledge is large but exposed to sun; heat exhaustion can be an issue mid-summer. Approach and anchor are solid but check bolting integrity before leading.

Route Details

TypeSport | TR
Pitches1
Length40 feet

Local Tips

Approach is short with a straightforward path; a trail map helps locate the quickest access.

Bring sun protection; the wall gets strong afternoon sun without much shade.

Focus on footwork for the initial move; shaky hands won’t find much rest until the first bolt.

Water and snacks are essential—there’s no natural water source right at the cliff base.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:The rating feels true to the 5.9 standard, with a crux move that’s technical but not overhanging, demanding finger strength and body tension. Once past the first bolt, the climb flows with less intensity, making it a useful benchmark for climbers stepping up from 5.8. Compared to surrounding routes, Hang Him High tests precision rather than endurance, providing a sharp but accessible challenge.

Gear Requirements

Equipped with three bolts, this route demands precise clipping and solid movement on small holds. The shared anchor with Dogged makes setting up top-rope easy and efficient.

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Tags

small holds
shared anchor
sunny wall
short approach
5.9 crux