"Old Was Bold offers a single-pitch slab climb on Solar Shot’s grey granite, challenging climbers with delicate footwork and confident movement. With well-placed bolts and two cruxes that reward calm technique, it’s a practical yet adventurous route in Yukon’s vast wilderness."
Old Was Bold invites climbers to engage with an intriguing slab face that balances challenge and composure on its 147-foot single pitch. Located on Solar Shot along Grey Mountain in Yukon Territory, this route demands focus and a steady foot, rewarding those willing to embrace the subtle art of slab climbing. The rock leans slightly leftward, guiding you past two distinct cruxes that hinge on precise footwork rather than brute strength—a reminder that here, confidence in your footing is key.
The route’s bolts are thoughtfully spaced, offering peace of mind and eliminating any fears of sharp, uncomfortable holds. Midway up, a rappel station equipped with common rings provides an option to descend or to continue climbing rightwards to reach the top anchor. This flexibility adds a tactical element to your ascent, allowing you to tailor the experience to your comfort and goals.
Surrounding you is the quiet expanse of the Yukon’s rugged terrain, where the cold air sharpens your focus and the granite’s subtle texture demands respect. Solar Shot itself is a well-regarded crag that blends practicality with adventure—accessible enough to tempt intermediate sport climbers but demanding enough to keep their attention. The climb’s rating of 5.10c places it in a category where skill must meet poise, and where hesitation can make the slab feel more intimidating than it appears.
For those mapping out their day, approach trails are manageable but variable, requiring steady boots and preparation for fluctuating weather typical of northern wilderness. Dress in layers, pack hydration, and embrace an early start to make the most of steady light and pleasant temperatures. Given the bolted protection, extensive gear racks aren’t necessary, but a solid quickdraw setup and knowledge of slab movement—compressions, smears, and delicate weight shifts—will elevate the experience.
As the sun arcs over Grey Mountain, Old Was Bold can shift from cool and shaded to warmed by direct light, making spring and late summer ideal climbing windows. Descending via rappel is straightforward, but vigilance is encouraged as early-season snows or moss patches can increase slip hazards on the approach and at anchor points. Those who appreciate technical routes with a refined mental game will find this sport climb rewarding—a quiet challenge that tests balance, steadiness, and trust between the climber and the stone beneath their feet.
The slab’s smooth nature means footing can feel insecure to the uninitiated; be wary of slipping near the cruxes and ensure your shoes are well-maintained. The mid-pitch rappel station is secure but always double-check your anchor setup before committing. Weather can change rapidly, so pack extra layers and monitor conditions closely.
Start early to avoid afternoon warmth on the slab, which can reduce friction.
Wear shoes with sticky rubber optimized for slab technique to boost confidence on smears.
Use the mid-pitch rappel station if conserving energy or assembling a multi-pitch plan.
Approach with sturdy trail shoes and prepare for loose sections in the lower trail.
Equipped with 10 bolts leading to a common anchor system featuring rappel rings at mid-pitch and summit. Quickdraws covering all clips will suffice, with no need for traditional gear placements.
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