Located deep within the shadowed confines of Murrin Park’s Down Amongst the Cedars sector, Mantle Problems offers a crisp, single-pitch test of both finger strength and mental fortitude. This 80-foot climb navigates a series of thin horizontal cracks and flakes that inject rhythm and texture into the ascent, yet keep you alert with unexpected jugs that appear just when your grip begins to waver. From the ground, you face a left-facing technical corner—tight and demanding—which serves as the gateway to the route’s true challenge. Moving through the crux, the sequence tightens further, forcing delicate, precise footwork before a well-earned jug on the right signals a brief reprieve.

The mantle that follows is as intimidating as its name suggests, demanding commitment and balance as you push upward, protected safely by bolts placed strategically to give you confidence when the moves feel desperate. Beyond this, the climbing opens a little on a flake leading left and up, surmounted by a small roof that reveals yet more jugs to ease the passage. The pitch finishes with two more bolts before a reassuring, gentle runout brings you to the chains atop. Though modest in length, the climb packs a technical punch and invites those ready to engage with precise holds and sustained tension.

Murrin Park itself is a climbing enclave defined by tight forests and rugged granite faces. The approach wends through thick cedars and firs, their silhouettes picking out the path with faint sunlight filtering through. Noise from the nearby water occasionally punctuates the stillness, lending a fresh breath of wilderness to the experience. Given the route’s location, climbing during mid-morning to early afternoon maximizes dry conditions and sunlight on the wall, improving friction and comfort.

Preparation is key: wear stiff-soled climbing shoes to navigate the thin cracks and ensure reliable footholds on the flakes. Bring a set of cams up to #1 Camalot to match the natural cracks, and be ready for bolt-protected sections that allow you to push the limits without sacrificing safety. Hydration is essential, and don’t rush through the approach—give yourself time to absorb the quiet intensity of the forest and focus on your climb strategy.

For those with moderate to advanced trad experience, Mantle Problems offers a succinct but satisfying challenge. Its 5.10+ rating reflects thin, demanding movements that can feel stiff if you’re new to techy corners, but rewarding once you find your rhythm. The mix of crack climbing with bolt-protected face sequences ties together a compelling climb that mirrors the dynamic granite of Squamish’s core.

As the day wanes, descending is straightforward—rappelling from the chains back to the base. Watch your footing on the descent ledges, which can be slippery when wet or dusty. This route is an ideal choice for climbers seeking a practical yet deeply engaging taste of Squamish’s classic trad lines. It combines the exhilaration of technical moves with the reliable protection needed to push your limits confidently in one of North America’s premier climbing destinations.