La Griffon demands focus and finesse, perched on the rugged face of Montagne d'Argent within Quebec’s Laurentians. This single-pitch climb stretches 85 feet of slabby terrain that leans toward a delicate balance between confident smearing and steadied precision. The route traverses a smooth slab ramp veering right with care—particularly when damp, where moisture turns stone into glassy challenge. Your path then shifts to the first bolt tucked just left of a corner, calling for a straight head-up approach that tests footwork and trust in small gear placements.

Early season rain or misty mornings heighten the risk factor here; the rock’s subtle slickness doesn’t forgive hesitation. Stick-clipping the initial bolt is a sensible move if slab climbing isn’t your daily bread or conditions are iffy. With just three bolts anchor points and finger-to-hand sized protection scattered sparingly, La Griffon leans on a climber’s ability to read the stone and adapt fluidly.

The belay sits at a glue-in anchor, a reliable perch after your ascent. While the rock is mostly solid, the slab style demands patience and precision more than brute strength. Montagne d'Argent offers a quiet setting away from busier crags, inviting climbers who seek a focused, technical challenge with minimal fuss.

To reach La Griffon, plan for a straightforward approach through the Laurentians’ forested trails that soften the off-trail trudge with cool shade and fresh pine scents. The coordinates set you right at the base, allowing for a calm pre-climb ritual under the open sky. Because the slab can turn treacherous when wet, timing your climb for mid-morning after dew dries or during summer’s driest spells maximizes safety and enjoyment.

Though the route rates 5.9-, the grade here is on the softer side compared to crag staples but demands mental sharpness more than raw power. A subtle crux around the slab’s bend encourages careful body positioning. Climbers familiar with Quebec’s subtler technical routes will find La Griffon a satisfying stretch of deliberate movement and measured gear placements.

Bring shoes with solid rubber for maximal friction and tape if you’re prone to skin wear on slabby edges. Hydrate well and pack a light windbreaker—weather shifts quickly in these mid-elevation woods. Leave no trace on the approach and descent trails, preserving this quiet slice of the Laurentians for the scrappy climbers who follow.

This route isn’t about adrenaline rushes but layered challenges, where stone and climber engage in a dance of subtle trust. La Griffon holds a quiet allure for those patient enough to read its slab and confident enough to trust small edges and delicate gear.