Riverrun offers an engaging ascent on the East Face of Tunnel Mountain, weaving through technical slab climbing, sharp roofs, and occasional pockets of loose rock that challenge your focus without overwhelming the experience. Situated within Banff National Park, this nine-pitch route stretches roughly 775 feet, tracing an obvious prow filled with sport bolts to guide your way through the Rockies’ rugged contours. Each pitch presents a fresh combination of holds and moves, blending steady slab work with sudden bursts of difficulty—whether it’s leaning off a roof, balancing on delicate foot placements, or negotiating a tricky finger crack at the crux.

From the trailhead, your approach leads you left along the base of the cliff rather than upward toward The Scoop, passing a small rib before arriving at a clear row of bolts marking the start. The route’s opening sequences deliver a warm-up to the rhythm of the rock: slabs that invite careful footwork and dynamic moves that test your technique without demanding maximum power. Loose rock remains a subtle companion on ledges and corners—reminders that this route evolves with each climber’s footsteps, gaining solidity over time but asking for vigilance now.

Pitch after pitch, Riverrun beckons with a mix of slab climbing where your balance is tested and steeper sections that reward good hand positioning and calculated reach. The route’s varied character sustains momentum, punctuated by roofs and bulges that push you to adjust body position mid-move. Protection is well-maintained with bolts spaced to encourage fluid climbing while allowing you to rest, regroup, or appreciate the sweeping views of Banff’s rugged skyline.

The final pitches open up onto long horizontal ledges and slabs where the rock feels more solid, and the scent of alpine air mingles with the distant rush of the Bow River below. Time your climb for cooler parts of the day to avoid heat on these exposed slabs. The descent is a walk-off, a welcome relief after nine pitches of attentive movement, though caution remains vital as loose rock lingers near the base.

For climbers visiting Banff and craving a sustained, moderately challenging route with varied technical climbing, Riverrun provides an accessible but satisfying test. With an abundance of fixed bolts and a 30-meter rappel if needed, it’s adaptable to different party sizes and skill levels. Packing slings for extended draws ensures better rope management in some of the traverses and roofs. Remember to plan for a moderate approach and leave extra time for a relaxed exit—Tunnel Mountain’s favorite pocked line rewards not just climbing ability but good judgment and respect for its changing character.