"Plein les mains offers an 80-foot single-pitch trad climb in Quebec’s Laurentians with a mix of bolted and traditional protection. Navigate a face with moderate cruxes and engaging route-finding that makes this a prime choice for climbers ready to hone their skills in a crisp mountain setting."
Plein les mains presents a focused and engaging challenge on the right side of the Julien-Labedan sector, set within Quebec’s sweeping Laurentian range. This single-pitch climb stretches 80 feet up a solid face that demands both careful route-finding and balanced movement. From the starting point just right of the roofs of Entre Deux, climbers navigate past an overhang by moving left, steadily working the face toward a small ledge near the top. The rock breaths a quiet roughness beneath your fingers, offering secure holds with occasional smooth patches that ask for precise foot placement. The approach is straightforward yet inviting, allowing the natural rhythm of the cliff and forest to ground you before the ascent begins.
The climb mixes bolted sections in the lower half, ensuring confident progress through the steeper initial moves. Higher on the wall, protection shifts to traditional gear, making a small rack essential for safety. This combination calls for a versatile rack and trust in your ability to find subtle placements above the bolts. The route’s 5.9 rating accurately reflects the steady crux sequences, offering climbers room to test technique and commitment without hidden surprises. Whether you’re gearing up for an exploratory day in the Laurentians or looking to sharpen trad skills in manageable terrain, Plein les mains strikes a balance between adventure and accessible challenge.
Lay of the land surrounds you with the deep greens of pine and spruce standing tall alongside granite walls that reflect the shifting Quebec sky. The climb’s quiet isolation feels like an invitation to connect with the mountain’s pulse. The moderate height of the route means that timing your climb to capture the morning light or afternoon shade pays off—especially on clear days when the air holds a sharp freshness.
Prepare for your ascent with sturdy climbing shoes offering reliable edging, and carry hydration suited to the season’s temperature swings. The approach trail is well marked and should take no more than 20 minutes from the nearby parking. As you make your way down, a careful rappel or a cautious downclimb back to the base completes the experience. Observing the rock quality and staying alert to natural features along the way ensures a safe descent.
In short, Plein les mains delivers a straightforward, practical trad climb where the rock and route talk clearly through each move. It’s a perfect outing for an early season test or a solid day pushing skills in Quebec’s Laurentian folds. With a bit of preparation and respect for the mixed protection, your efforts here will be rewarded with an engaging climb framed by nature’s quiet persistence.
Upper section relies on gear placements and isn’t fully bolted, so prioritize proper rack selection and inspect placements carefully. Be cautious of loose rock near the small ledge at the top and avoid attempting the climb after heavy rain which can make holds slippery.
Check bolt conditions since the re-bolting is recent but not fully verified across the route.
Bring a small, versatile trad rack to cover the top section where bolts end.
Approach time is about 20 minutes from parking at Labedan; follow marked trails carefully.
Plan your climb for early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct midday sun on the face.
Lower section is fully bolted for protection, while the upper part requires traditional gear placements. A small rack for nuts and cams will complete your setup for safe advancement beyond the bolts.
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