Standing beneath the looming spires of Crescent Towers in British Columbia’s Purcell Mountains, Lion’s Way invites climbers into an alpine arena where rugged terrain and straightforward climbing merge. This trad route charts a path toward the left summit tower of the Central Towers, offering six pitches of varied climbing that demands steady footwork and confident jugging. From the outset, the route snakes upward through fractured rock and broken steps, easing into a classic 5.6 corner that sets the tone for the climb’s practical challenges. As you move beyond this, the rock shifts into blockier sequences, rewarded by occasional breathers on slabby ledges punctuated by steep steps. The route is as much a terrain negotiation as a climb, requiring good route-finding and patience with the sometimes loose rock typical of alpine settings. Reaching the base of the leftmost Central Tower, the final scramble up to the summit reveals sweeping views of the Purcell range—granite and ice stretching into the distance, wind carrying the crisp mountain air.

Descent is a key part of the experience—a route itself—dropping into the gully between the North and Central Towers. Here, rap anchors help you safely navigate the steepest pitches. Early season ascents often mean carrying an axe to handle lingering snow in the gully, a reminder of the mountain’s persistent winter grip. Preparation is essential: a standard alpine rack covers your protection needs, but be ready for blocky terrain and a route that blends climbing with scrambling and route-finding. With 47 recorded ascents and an average rating that swings towards approachable for intermediate climbers, Lion’s Way strikes a balance—rewarding alpine adventure without demanding extreme technical mastery. This is a climb where focus on fundamentals, sound gear choices, and attentiveness to alpine conditions opens the door to rich, tactile mountain experience.