"Slesse's 500 offers an accessible two-pitch sport climb in Squamish’s Raven’s Castle area, blending solid granite climbing with a straightforward route and bolted protection. This line balances approachability with enough challenge to keep climbers engaged."
Slesse's 500 offers climbers a straightforward yet engaging sport route set against the imposing backdrop of The Raven's Castle in the Squamish area of British Columbia. Beginning with a moderate first pitch at 5.7, this climb eases you into the movement, guiding you leftward toward a well-placed bolted anchor tucked in a shallow depression. The rock is solid and inviting, with just enough variation in texture to test your footwork and balance without overwhelming. As you prepare for the second pitch, the angle steepens to 5.9, demanding more focus and power. Here, the route goes straight up, crossing a striking horizontal dyke before veering left toward the summit anchors. This section rewards keen attention to holds and body positioning, making it an excellent pitch for those looking to sharpen their sport climbing skills while soaking in panoramic views of the forested peaks and granite faces typical of the Squamish region.
Located within The Raven's Castle area — a favored spot on the approach to The Chief's renowned faces — the climb benefits from a great mix of accessible wilderness and rugged scenery. Climbers will appreciate the directness and efficiency of the route, which measures roughly 210 feet across two pitches. Protection is bolted with 3 on the first pitch and 5 on the second, offering a confident climb while still requiring attentive clipping and situational awareness.
Getting to Slesse's 500 involves a manageable approach through classic Squamish forest trails, where the scent of cedar mingles with the crisp mountain air. The descent requires either two ropes for a safe rappel or a walk-off heading right, so bringing the appropriate set of ropes and familiarizing yourself with the descent route is essential for a smooth conclusion to your climb.
For climbers seeking a concise but rewarding outing that balances moderate difficulty with quality rock and scenic appeal, Slesse's 500 stands out as an ideal choice. It’s approachable enough for climbers solid at 5.7 and 5.9 grades but also offers a sense of accomplishment with its technical second pitch. With its bolted anchors and clear line, it fits well in a day of sport climbing in Squamish’s storied landscape.
While protection is solid, climbers should be cautious during the descent—two ropes are essential for safe rappelling. The anchors are reliable but always double-check before committing. Wet conditions can make the approach trail slippery, so sturdy footwear is advised.
Arrive early to secure parking and avoid afternoon crowds.
Bring two 60m ropes to comfortably rappel both pitches in one go.
Check rock conditions after rain; Squamish granite dries quickly but some spots may stay damp.
Wear approach shoes with good traction for the forest trail access.
Pitch one features 3 bolts, leading to a bolted anchor situated in a shallow depression. The second pitch uses 5 bolts, climbing straight up through a horizontal dyke before trending left to the anchors at the top. Two ropes are recommended for the rappels down or walking off to the right if preferred.
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