"Linus delivers a direct, balanced trad challenge on the steep slabs of Lone Route Wall above Kitselas Canyon. With precise gear placements low on the route and bolted anchors top-out, this single-pitch climb offers both grit and flow in northern British Columbia’s wild frontier."
Linus offers a straightforward yet engaging climb that cuts a direct line through the slab above Kitselas Canyon’s Lone Route Wall. From the moment your feet press into the rock, the route presents a thoughtful challenge—a precise, balancy move off the ground sets the tone before you commit to a vertical crack protected with small gear. This initial sequence demands careful footwork and steady hands, drawing you into the rhythm of the climb. Above, the rock leans steeply but remains surprisingly consistent, allowing climbers to test their slab skills as they progress toward the anchors. The route shares the same steep slab as the nearby Schlabby climb, delivering a similar tactile experience that blends friction moves with technical gear placements.
The setting around Linus is quietly commanding. The Lone Route Wall towers over the Kitselas Valley, caught between the forested slopes and the open skies of northern British Columbia. The air here carries a clean, pine-scented chill, and the morning light casts long shadows that accentuate each crack and bulge on the face. Despite its remote location, the approach is manageable, giving paddlers and climbers alike the chance to escape to a landscape where the rock dares you upward, but the views coax contemplative moments below.
Practical preparation is key to making the most of Linus. This single-pitch climb spans about 50 feet—compact but requiring focus. Since protection near the base relies on smaller gear, having a well-rounded rack with friends in the smaller-sized cams or nuts is essential, even though two hangers with rings mark the top anchors. The blend of trad gear and fixed bolts calls for versatility in your setup. Timing your climb for early light hours helps avoid the stark afternoon heat, especially on the reflective slab surface. Hydration remains critical; the valley can warm unexpectedly as the sun rises, and carrying enough water supports both steady movement and clear thinking.
Linus represents a grounded adventure for climbers searching for a no-frills line with enough technicality to sharpen trad skills. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a 5.9 rating seeking a neat blend of crack climbing and friction work, perched within the calm yet rugged wilderness of northern BC.
Watch your footing on the slab—some sections leave little margin for error, especially near the bottom where small gear is needed. The anchors are solidly bolted, but the approach can expose climbers to sudden weather shifts; pack accordingly.
Start early to avoid the afternoon sun warming the slab excessively.
Bring a light rack focused on small gear for the bottom crack protection.
The approach trail is moderate; sturdy footwear with good traction helps.
Check weather conditions; northern BC can shift quickly from clear to wet.
Prepare a rack that includes small cams and nuts for protecting the vertical crack near the base. The remainder of the route is bolted with two hangars and rings at the anchors.
Upload your photos of Linus and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.