HomeClimbingLaid-Off

Laid-Off: A Concise Trad Climb on Greenlaw’s Quiet Slab

Greenlaw, Canada
finger crack
slab
single pitch
easy protection
beginner trad
Length: 75 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Laid-Off
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Laid-Off delivers a steady, single-pitch trad climb along a smooth slab just left of Greenlaw’s arête. It blends manageable protection with the subtle challenge of slab movement, offering a focused experience for climbers honing their gear placements and balance."

Laid-Off: A Concise Trad Climb on Greenlaw’s Quiet Slab

Laid-Off offers a straightforward, single-pitch trad climb that invites you to test your slab skills on Greenlaw's calm rock face. Situated just left of a defining arête, this route starts by threading past two strategically placed bolts, giving you confident protection in the early moves. The slab here demands subtle footwork and steady balance as you ascend, all the while placing your own gear predominantly in thin finger cracks that trace the rock’s textured surface. The climb has a smooth rhythm, rising steadily for 75 feet before reaching a comfortable ledge. This ledge is your reward—spacious enough to catch your breath and clip into a bolted anchor for a secure top out.

Greenlaw itself feels like an unhurried invitation to climb without the noise of heavy crowds. The slab’s orientation yields patchy sunlight throughout the day, which can soften or sharpen the friction depending on timing. Expect tactile rock underfoot: not overly featured, but just enough friction to build a sense of flow. It’s a perfect warm-up or confidence builder for those new to traditional slab climbing or looking to dial in precise gear placements on finger-sized cracks.

Gear-wise, bringing a rack focused on smaller cams and a handful of nuts will cover the protection needs efficiently. The bolts offer solid backups but don’t rely solely on them—your placements make the difference here. The approach is straightforward with a short walk from established paths, making access simple and low-fuss. This route’s modest rating of 5.6 belies the attention slab climbing demands, emphasizing finesse over brute strength.

Planning your climb in cooler temperatures will provide more friction, as the slab can become slippery in direct afternoon sun or wet conditions. Always check weather forecasts before heading out, and ensure your shoes have a snug fit to maximize sensitivity and grip. Once at the top, the clear bolted anchor allows easy setup for rappelling or a secure top-rope practice.

If solid slab skills and relaxed, mindful movement on rock appeal to you, Laid-Off offers a refreshing change of pace in Greenlaw’s traditional climbing scene. It rewards patience and precision and stands as an accessible climb for adventurers eager to sharpen their trad technique without the complications of longer pitches or complicated approaches.

Climber Safety

While the slab is generally solid and stable, finger crack placements can be thin and require attentive placement. Watch for slick patches in afternoon sun, and ensure proper belay anchors on the bolted ledge before descending.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length75 feet

Local Tips

Approach is a short, easy walk from main trails—wear sturdy shoes suitable for light hiking.

Climb in cooler temperatures to maximize slab friction and prevent slipping.

Double-check your gear placements on finger cracks; secure pro is key to comfortable movement.

Use the bolted anchor at the ledge for safe rappelling or top-rope setup.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.6
Quality
Consensus:The 5.6 rating here feels true to form: it’s approachable but demands quiet focus on footwork and gear placement. Unlike tougher slab routes in the region that push balance further, Laid-Off remains accessible, making it ideal for climbers stepping into traditional slab movements without a cruxy section.

Gear Requirements

Two fixed bolts assist the initial moves, but expect to place your own protection primarily in finger-sized cracks that run the length of the slab. Bring a rack stocked with smaller cams and nuts for secure placements.

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Tags

finger crack
slab
single pitch
easy protection
beginner trad