Life On Earth is a striking five-pitch trad route that calls to climbers willing to navigate a lengthy approach for clean, well-featured rock and impressive alpine ambiance. Set high on Mt. Habrich just outside Squamish, British Columbia, the climb offers a compelling blend of sustained moderate difficulty paired with sweeping views over surrounding peaks and valleys. As you begin, the mountain’s granite face rises sharply ahead, its arêtes and buttresses carved with corners and flakes that invite varied movement.

The climbing leans mostly toward technical face work on small holds, interspersed with translated crack sections that give climbers a mix of style and challenge. Early pitches lead you through left-facing corners protected with a mix of bolts and traditional gear, though the route generally favors fixed bolts for belays and crux protection. Expect runouts here and there—a reminder to stay focused and methodical. Notably, the route follows an arête that feels purposefully laid out; alternate, easier crack lines peek just a few paces away, calling for a balance of commitment and route-finding choices.

Pitch one sets the tone—a 40-meter climb starting right along the arête before veering into a left-facing corner. The rock feels stable yet textured, rewarding precise footwork and steady hand jams. Only one large cam you’ll place makes this pitch gear-light, as bolts mark the key crux sections. The second pitch weaves through a slightly grainy corner bulge before shifting onto a face with well-spaced bolts that safeguard your moves.

By pitch three, the climbing steps up a notch—this 50-meter section combines easier cracks with bolt-protected face climbing, culminating in a crux where you must step left from a groove and punch a challenging move up a technical face. Subsequent pitches continue the rhythm, with the fourth pitch featuring a tension-filled start where the initial bolt sits far out, demanding confident nut placements. The final pitch eases up to a lower angle yet keeps you engaged as you climb toward a short crack and then segue right on bolted face holds. The summit of Mt. Habrich is just a brief scramble beyond the last anchor, a rewarding finish that brings expansive northwest views.

Getting to the base is a solid adventure itself—expect a demanding approach through forested trails and rocky terrain with careful navigation required. The route’s alpine setting means timing your climb for stable weather and dry conditions is critical; early summer through early fall tends to offer the best windows.

Descent options are straightforward but require planning. The recommended rappel uses two ropes to descend the route directly back to the base where your packs await. For adventurous souls, an alternative descent involves a series of six fixed rappels down the nearby Escape Velocity route, requiring up to 30-meter pitches and solid anchor confidence. Another option is a challenging downclimb of the regular route, aided by fixed lines but possibly interrupted by sections requiring short rappels.

Whether you’re drawn by the clean granite, sustained pitch count, or panoramic exposure, Life On Earth delivers a thorough alpine trad experience that blends technical climbing challenges with the wild beauty of British Columbia’s mountain landscape. Prepare well for route-finding, protection management, and weather variability to fully enjoy this demandingly rewarding climb.