Pineapple Peel offers a compelling alternative to the classic Slab Alley climb, sitting comfortably between its established neighbors Slab Alley and Banana Peel. This moderate 5.9 traditional route extends across five pitches and approximately 700 feet of varied slab terrain, carving an adventurous path on Squamish’s iconic granite face. The climb demands steady feet and calm nerves as it weaves through runout sections punctuated by a few well-placed bolts. Approaching the first pitch, you begin on familiar ground mirroring Slab Alley’s initial sequence before diverging onto a path that embraces tree roots and smooth flakes, urging a respectful touch toward the living anchor of the climb—a sturdy tree. Muscle power gains the initial height, then the route eases into leftward trending terrain, guiding you toward a bolted anchor perched near Slab Alley’s second pitch terminus.

From here, the second pitch side-steps left through a delicate traverse along a crack that hovers beneath a shrub-lined groove—a natural feature that hints at the climb’s blend of smooth slabs and subtle vegetation. The next segment unfolds with a careful ascent up a cleaned granite streak, leading to bolts spaced to test confidence. The terrain dances between easy crack climbing and brief runout slab, requiring a focused rhythm. Pitch four brings you straight up a groove lined by scrappy trees, eventually transitioning into a steeper slab section that demands attention, comparable in texture and challenge to Squamish’s well-known routes Sparrow and Snake.

The final pitch re-connects with the Slab Alley route, climbing slightly right and then zigzagging up a slab that softens into a corner framed by a cedar tree. The finish rewards climbers with both a sense of accomplishment and a poised vantage point surveying the surrounding granite expanse. Protection is sparse, relying mostly on small nuts and cams up to 2 inches, plus occasional bolts, making gear placement skills essential. The route’s blend of nature and granite encourages climbers to move deliberately, respecting both the rock and the trees that stand as silent partners throughout the ascent.

This climb suits those who appreciate slab climbing that engages mental focus and finesse more than brute force. The route’s exposure and occasional runouts call for cautious progression, balanced by sections that allow relaxed movement and breath-catching moments. Pineapple Peel shines as an approachable yet thoughtfully challenging experience within the Squamish climbing scene, offering a distinct route flavor that blends technical climbing with the natural roughness of untouched granite and fragile greenery.

Planning your climb here means preparing for a moderate approach via the well-trodden trails of The Apron area. Time your ascent for mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday heat, as the rock holds subtle warmth that rewards early or late day climbs. Footwear with sticky rubber and solid edging capability will provide the edge needed on these slabs. Carry extra water, as shade can be limited along certain pitches, and be ready for changing weather common to coastal British Columbia.

Pineapple Peel is not just a route, it’s a calculated dialogue with the rock – demanding respect, offering challenge, and inviting climbers into an intimate encounter with Squamish’s granite wall artistry.