"Popeye offers a focused 65-foot trad crack climb on Squamish’s Main Face, inviting climbers to engage with its slightly left-leaning line and tested protection up to 3 inches. A concise but rewarding route ideal for refining crack climbing technique in a quieter sector of Comic Rocks."
Set against the rugged granite backdrop of Squamish's Comic Rocks, the Popeye climb demands focused technique and steady nerves. This single-pitch trad route stretches 65 feet up a clearly defined crack that leans slightly left as it rises, offering a straightforward but thoughtful line to the shared anchor. The crack wears a raw, unpolished face—dusted with a light layer of grit—calling for precise hand jams and solid foot placements. The surrounding rock’s texture invites climbers to engage fully with the natural features, while the forest scent mingles softly with mountain air, grounding the experience in place. Approaching this route, you’ll find yourself in one of Squamish’s quieter sectors, where the presence of nature and rock forms a direct partnership in the climb’s spirit. Designed for climbers comfortable placing gear up to 3 inches, protection here is reliable but demands careful piece selection to secure the anchor safely. Whether you’re climbing to sharpen crack skills or seeking a moderately challenging pitch away from heavier traffic, Popeye offers a raw, unembellished slice of Squamish trad climbing that rewards focus and control. Planning your day requires attention to weather—the Main Face’s aspect means warm sunlight in the afternoon but the rocky approach can stay cool and shaded early on. Time your climb for mid-morning to late afternoon to enjoy both steady wall temps and clear descent conditions. The approach is short but requires alertness on uneven terrain, leading into a route that carries a crux near the midpoint where hand jams must be confidently deployed to maintain upward momentum. Descent is straightforward via the shared anchor rappel—double-check gear and communication before lowering to ensure smooth transitions. This climb is a rewarding challenge, perfect for those who value technique over flash, and rooted in the essence of Squamish trad climbing’s approachable but active character.
The climb features a shared anchor rappel—always double-check your anchor setup and communication with your belayer before lowering. The approach terrain is uneven and rocky, so approach cautiously, especially in wet conditions when footing can become slippery.
Arrive mid-morning to avoid the cold shaded approach and catch warming sun on the wall.
Use sticky rubber shoes with good edge to maintain solid foot jams on gritty granite.
Double-check all gear placements before crossing the crux section for added security.
Prepare to rappel carefully from the shared anchor; bring enough webbing or cordelette.
Standard trad rack to 3 inches needed to protect the obvious crack; placements are solid but require attention to placement orientation especially near the crux section.
Upload your photos of Popeye and earn up to 3000 $ADVCOIN tokens.