I Hate Snakes slices through the rugged veins of Sea to Sky's Well of Souls with a concise, sharp-edged challenge that rewards precision and composure. Situated in the shadow of towering granite spires between Squamish and Whistler, this sport route presents 30 feet of sustained edging that steadily tightens in difficulty as you ascend. The climb’s straightforward approach belies its demanding footwork and finger placement, inviting climbers to test their finesse within a compact, vertical frame.

The wall’s face is a coarse, weathered canvas where each hold dares you to trust balance over brute force. Five solid bolts secure the route, offering a secure ladder yet requiring confident clipping and smooth movement. From the ground, the cliff feels approachable—a perfect spot for those seeking a focused warm-up or a quick, technical tick on a day exploring the Sea to Sky corridor.

Surrounding you is an atmosphere charged with the crisp, pine-scented air of British Columbia’s coastal mountains. Birdsong punctuates the silence, and the occasional rustle in the underbrush reminds you nature is never passive. The well-worn trail to the base is short and accessible, moving through patchy forest where sun filters through branches, warming granite that tests your grip.

Though modest in length, I Hate Snakes demands respect for its subtle cruxes—small edges that feel more treacherous the higher you climb. The route intensifies in difficulty, urging you to stay dialed-in as you push through the last moves. It’s a route that favors technique over power, rewarding climbers who linger on foot placements and move deliberately. For those venturing deeper into the area, this climb offers a practical pulse check, sharpening skills without requiring a full day commitment.

Prepare to approach with climbing shoes tuned for edging and chalk at the ready to combat the smooth, often dusty holds. Given the exposed bolts, a standard sport rack suffices—no need for pro beyond quickdraws and a rope. Aim for mid-morning or early afternoon to find the wall dappled in sunlight but not overheated, as the face catches and holds warmth without baking in the coastal fog.

Though this route rates a 5.9, it walks the line between accessible and technical; many find the grade true to its rating but acknowledge the crux moves add an extra pinch of challenge higher up. It’s well suited for climbers stepping into the 5.9 range and those hungry for a short, engaging clip-and-send. Safety-wise, the bolts are solid but spaced with care—good clipping rhythm maintains a smooth ascent and avoids any surprise falls.

Descent is straightforward: rappel from the bolt anchor or downclimb the easy terrain back to the trail. The approach trail is well-maintained, about 10 minutes from the main parking area, with GPS coordinates marking a clear entry.

In summary, I Hate Snakes delivers a compact dose of Sea to Sky’s climbing flavor—sharp, focused, and rooted in the wild coastal mountain environment. This climb invites a practical, no-nonsense approach that leaves you satisfied, ready to explore more of the Well of Souls or just revel in the crisp mountain air.