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Poster Boy: A Bold Line on Squamish’s Up Among the Firs Arete

Squamish, Canada
slab
arete
trad gear
bolted
single pitch
face climbing
Granite
Squamish
Length: 100 ft
Type: Trad, Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Poster Boy
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Poster Boy offers a compelling mix of slab and crack climbing, straddling the line between trad and sport in Squamish’s serene Up Among the Firs sector. This one-pitch route rewards careful footwork and precise gear placement, delivering a memorable 5.10+ challenge on clean granite."

Poster Boy: A Bold Line on Squamish’s Up Among the Firs Arete

Poster Boy stakes its claim as one of Squamish’s more intriguing climbs, blurring the line between sport and trad with a bold, mostly bolted route that demands steady nerves and a sharp eye. Located in the Up Among the Firs sector of Murrin Park, this single-pitch climb stands out with its striking arete that leans into the characteristic Squamish granite slabs, testing balance and footwork from the first draw to the top anchor.

Your ascent begins with a smooth but slightly intimidating slab following the initial two bolts of Unusual Panic. For climbers keyed into Squamish’s slab style, this section will feel like the real test—a friction dance on rock that grades mental as much as physical. Just after the second bolt, the route veers right to meet a crack where the slab merges with a bolted arete tucked in a left-facing corner. Here, your trad skills come into play: a solid #2 Camalot, placed carefully in the crack and extended with a runner, provides the critical pro spot on an otherwise bolt-spaced climb.

From this secure foothold, you push up the crack, transitioning smoothly onto the still-bolted arete. What follows is sustained climbing on clean, featured granite, the kind of face climbing that rewards precise foot placement and steady breathing. The holds are committed but trustworthy, encouraging a confident rhythm all the way to the anchors.

At roughly 100 feet in length, Poster Boy offers an engaging, approachable 5.10+ lead that’s challenging enough to push your limits without feeling discouraging. The climb combines the controlled risk of minimal trad gear with the security of bolts, making it particularly appealing for climbers who want to sharpen trad instincts while enjoying the reliability of sport anchors.

Murrin Park’s Up Among the Firs sector is known for its open forest environment and peaceful atmosphere, making the approach a relaxed moment of decompression before you engage the rock. The granite here is classic Squamish—smooth and weathered but with clearly defined features, allowing for confident placements and clean movement.

For those planning a trip, timing your climb for the morning or late afternoon can help avoid the harsh midday sun, which beats down strongly on this south-facing wall. The area is quiet compared to the busier downtown crags, granting a slice of solitude that’s rare in this climbing hotspot.

Be sure to pack climbing shoes with excellent friction, as the slab sections demand precise edging and smearing. Bring plenty of water and plan for variable weather—the coastal climate can shift quickly, and the granite becomes slick when damp. A #2 Camalot or equivalent is essential along with a full sport rack to cover the bolts.

Coming down from Poster Boy is straightforward with a rappel from the top anchors, so don’t rush your descent. Double-check your ropes and gear before lowering to ensure a smooth exit back to the forest trail.

Poster Boy is a rewarding climb that teaches respect for Squamish’s unique mix of slab and crack. It challenges climbers to blend technique with mental focus, leaving you with a strong sense of accomplishment and a desire to keep exploring this remarkable climbing area.

Climber Safety

Keep an eye on the single cam placement in the left-facing corner—it’s crucial for protection and must be racked with a runner to avoid rope drag. The slab can be slippery when wet, so avoid climbing in damp conditions. The rappel descent requires careful setup and should not be rushed.

Route Details

TypeTrad, Sport
Pitches1
Length100 feet

Local Tips

Approach in the morning or late afternoon to avoid intense sun on this south-facing wall.

Use sticky climbing shoes for confident edging on the slab sections.

Be prepared for slick rock when wet—avoid climbing if it’s damp or raining.

Rappel from the top anchors; double-check your rope set-up before descent.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10+
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10+ rating on Poster Boy feels just right for the blend of friction slab and technical arete moves. The slab above the first two bolts tests balanced footwork and can feel harder than the grade implies, especially if you’re not accustomed to Squamish’s granite. The need for a single well-placed #2 Camalot adds a trad nuance that slightly ups the mental game. Compared to other nearby Murrin Park climbs, Poster Boy offers a confident yet subtly demanding experience that doesn’t overwhelm but rewards composure.

Gear Requirements

Climb is mostly bolted with about seven bolts, but requires one solid #2 Camalot placement in a crack to protect the key left-facing arete. Bring a full sport rack plus trad gear for this cam.

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Tags

slab
arete
trad gear
bolted
single pitch
face climbing
Granite
Squamish