"Moose Jaw offers a compact 30-foot sport climb just right of Poison Ivy at Gondola Point, with three bolts protecting a focused 5.9 pitch. It’s a straightforward test of technique set in the tranquil backdrop of New Brunswick’s river valley."
Moose Jaw offers a concise yet rewarding climb tucked into the scenic cliffs of Gondola Point, just east of the Saint John River’s steady flow. This single-pitch route climbs a clean, exposed face roughly 30 feet high, providing an accessible challenge for climbers ready to test their skills on sport routes in southern New Brunswick. The rock feels solid underhand and fingertip holds, with three well-spaced bolts guiding the ascent straight to a tree adorned with colorful tat marks—nature’s own summit flag.
The approach to Moose Jaw is straightforward. Climbers arrive at Gondola Point, an area marked by mixed forest and open views of the river valley below, before heading a short scramble to the base. The rock here is a blend of traditional coastal sandstone and local formations that create friction-rich sections, ideal for confident footwork and deliberate movements. Moose Jaw is strategic in its simplicity; while it may not stretch your endurance, it demands focused technique and exact gear placements.
For climbers aiming to round out a day in New Brunswick’s climbing corridors, Moose Jaw offers solid preparation or a neat finish. The rating of 5.9 matches the pitch’s moderate difficulty, where the crux lies in balancing technical handshake moves and managing your clipping on a relatively sheltered, vertical wall. Despite the modest star rating, the route rewards attention to detail, especially given the weather’s occasional humidity and cool breezes drifting from the nearby river.
Whether you're dialing in your sport climbing skill or looking for a quick ascent with a view, Moose Jaw stands as a gateway to this part of New Brunswick’s climbing scene. Plan your gear accordingly: three bolts keep protection straightforward but limited, so bring a light rack of quickdraws and a solid harness setup. This climb’s short length invites an early-afternoon attempt, allowing enough time to explore other nearby routes or enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
In practical terms, parking is close to trail entry, and the 10-minute approach leads to a low-angle slab that warms up the fingers. The tree at the anchor zone marks a natural, visible end point, signaling safe belay options without having to rig complex rappel systems. Moose Jaw's charm lies in its no-fuss nature, a solid sport challenge for those who appreciate quality rock and easy logistics, wrapped in the quiet wilderness of New Brunswick’s river valley.
Though protected by bolts, the short route demands careful clipping and attention to footing. The tree at the anchor is sturdy but check for loose debris, especially after storms. The approach path can get slippery with wet leaves—wear shoes with good traction.
Start mid-morning to avoid wet rock from morning dew.
Footwear with sticky rubber improves grip on the sandstone surface.
Hydrate well; the approach is short but steep enough to raise your heart rate.
Check weather forecasts for river valley fog after rain—it can make the rock slick.
The climb is protected by three bolts spaced to support clip-ins on smooth sections, requiring three quickdraws and a reliable harness setup. Clipping is straightforward but critical on the vertical face.
Upload your photos of Moose Jaw and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.