"Splat starts with a pumpy overhanging crack leading past a compact granite tufa before easing into wider jams that guide you to the top. This concise trad climb at The Smoke Bluffs blends technical challenge and accessible protection in a vibrant forested setting."
Splat offers an engaging single-pitch climb that challenges you right from the start with an overhanging crack that demands focused technique and steady footwork. The initial moves push you past a small granite tufa, a striking feature adding character and a slight bulge to the route’s opening. As you move beyond this technical crux, the climbing eases onto wider cracks that invite more relaxed hand jams and secure placements, allowing you to focus on smooth movement towards the top anchor.
This route sits within the rugged expanse of High Cliff in the Smoke Bluffs area, a climbing destination known for its granite walls and varied trad lines. At 50 feet, Splat is perfect for those seeking a sharp but concise test of their trad skills, fitting easily into a half-day climbing schedule without sacrificing quality. The rock is solid granite, offering reliable friction and clearly defined cracks that make gear placements straightforward, yet the overhang near the start introduces a spice of difficulty.
Protection demands a standard single rack up to 3 inches, which suits the crack widths well. The anchor is fixed at the top, providing a safe and stable belay station. Be ready for a slight rope drag near the beginning, balanced against the risk of fall zones with rock edges. Smart gear management here can keep your line clean and minimize any rope-related challenges.
Approach to The Smoke Bluffs is well established, with clear trails winding through forested slopes offering a mix of shade and sunlight. Expect a 20- to 30-minute hike through moss-covered ground and towering firs. The area’s latitude at 49.7 degrees places it comfortably within British Columbia’s coastal temperate climate, meaning climbing outside the wettest months gives you drier and warmer conditions.
Whether you’re sharpening your trad techniques or simply craving a solid, technical climb without committing to multi-pitch complexity, Splat provides a fulfilling session. Its blend of sustained difficulty in the overhanging start and a more restful finish make it an appealing choice for climbers with intermediate to advanced skills. The setting feels alive—granite edges cutting the skyline and the evergreen forest whispering with wind, as the rock challenges your focus and stamina.
Be mindful of rope drag and potential contact with rock edges near the beginning of the climb. The fall zone includes exposed rock surfaces, so helmet use is strongly advised. Rock quality is generally solid, yet the overhanging start means footing can be tricky—review your gear placements carefully.
Approach via the well-marked High Cliff trail; expect forested, shaded paths with moderate elevation gain.
Start early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and to benefit from cooler granite on the shaded wall.
Double-check your gear placements near the overhang; protection spots are solid but tight.
Watch for occasional rockfall near the route’s base—helmets recommended.
Bring a single rack of trad gear up to 3 inches. The anchor is fixed at the top anchor. Expect some rope drag near the start and be cautious of rock fall zones in that section.
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