HomeClimbingRattle My Bones

Rattle My Bones: Overhang Power at Foreplay Cliff

Penticton, British Columbia Canada
overhang
sport climb
single pitch
crux start
sunny aspect
solid protection
Length: ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Rattle My Bones
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Rattle My Bones kicks off with a demanding overhanging start that tests power and precision. After a grab for a ledge, the route continues on a steep upper wall, inviting climbers to push strength and technique on this sunny sport climb at Foreplay Cliff."

Rattle My Bones: Overhang Power at Foreplay Cliff

Rattle My Bones demands a strong start—a steep, overhanging introduction that tests your commitment from the first move. The route refuses to ease up early, asking climbers to engage locked-off positions and precise footwork immediately. The initial section’s intensity is real, and many find a stick clip advisable to spare grip fatigue and maintain focus. Once past this strenuous opening, the climb opens into a more forgiving terrain, flowing into easier climbing that leads to a small, well-earned ledge. Here, the body can shake out and the mind recalibrate for the final push.

The upper section ramps back up, scaling a steep wall that commands both power and balance. Protection is straightforward with well-placed bolts and solid chain anchors securing your progress and descent. The single pitch layout keeps the focus tight, delivering a concentrated blast of sport climbing that’s perfect for climbers ready to test their endurance and technique on overhanging rock.

Foreplay Cliff, located at the Evergreen Drive Crags near Skaha in British Columbia, offers a climbing experience framed by dry, warm conditions and approachable access. The crag’s south-facing aspect means sun warms the rock through much of the day, but early mornings and late afternoons bring pleasant shade, ideal for longer sessions when the sun peaks overhead. It's a favorite among local climbers who appreciate its blend of solid rock and the punchy challenges it offers.

Getting to Rattle My Bones is convenient, with an easy approach path carving through dry shrub and scattered ponderosa pines. The trail is well-trodden and should take about 10–15 minutes from parking, with coordinates at latitude 49.45248 and longitude -119.56587 to guide your GPS. Bringing climbing shoes with sticky rubber and chalk is a must; the overhung start demands strong friction and reliable holds.

Climbers venturing here should prepare for the crux near the beginning, as it can feel like a grade harder than the rating suggests if you’re not warmed up. The bolts are well spaced but reward confident clipping, so patience and efficiency pay off. After top roping or leading this route, descending via the doubled chain anchors is straightforward, but make sure to back up your rappel and double-check gear to ensure safety.

While the route may be brief, it's a satisfying testpiece that complements a day at the Evergreen Drive Crags, where a range of sport climbs offers possibilities for every skill level. Water and sun protection are advised, especially during the dry summer months common to this region. Hydrate well and time your climb to avoid the peak heat when the rock can become unforgiving.

Rattle My Bones is a route that calls for focused effort and rewards with clear movement and solid holds—a perfect addition for climbers eager to push their limits while enjoying approachable access and dependable protection in one of Canada’s sunny climbing hubs.

Climber Safety

Beware the powerful overhung opening—stick clipping is recommended to reduce risk and maintain control during the crux. The ledge offers a good rest zone, but take care on the steep upper section where the consequence of a fall could be serious due to bolt spacing. Always double-check your rappel setup at the chain anchors.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches1
Length feet

Local Tips

Stick clip the first bolt to conserve energy on the overhang.

Start your climb early or late to avoid midday sun on the south-facing wall.

Hydrate well before the climb—shade is limited near the approach trail.

Use the chain anchors for a straightforward rappel down or walk off carefully.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10+
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.10+ with a stiff overhanging crux right at the start, Rattle My Bones feels closer to a solid 5.10b/c in difficulty for many climbers. The route’s technical moves early on bump the effort beyond the grade’s base range, making a strong warm-up essential. Compared to other nearby Foreplay Cliff climbs, it matches well where power and endurance meet.

Gear Requirements

The route is protected by eight well-spaced bolts finishing in secure chain anchors. Consider stick clipping to handle the overhanging crux safely. Bring standard sport climbing gear: quickdraws, helmet, and strong shoes with sticky rubber.

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Tags

overhang
sport climb
single pitch
crux start
sunny aspect
solid protection