Squeaking Pikas offers a quick but rewarding 30-foot chimney climb that challenges your technique more than your endurance. Located in the Keno Hills region of Yukon Territory, this trad route invites climbers into a rugged landscape where weathered rock surfaces speak to the passage of time. The climb itself demands a careful approach as you stem upward through a narrow chimney, feeling the intimate push and pull of your body against the rock. The chimney’s tight confines send your mind into focused concentration, while the granite’s coarse texture promises secure holds—if you're ready to trust your feet and hands in this compact setting.

A crucial piece of advice: mid-climb, a loose stack of talus threatens the integrity of the ceiling overhead. Instead of pushing straight on, veer left onto an exposed face to avoid this unstable rock. This subtle route adjustment not only protects your safety but introduces a contrasting movement—stepping out from the chimney’s embrace to negotiate the wall’s face. Your belay awaits atop a prominent boulder, softened by 8 meters of webbing wrapping the natural anchor. Gear-wise, this climb is straightforward with limited protection placements: a small set of cams up to 1 inch, a #4 cam, and optionally a #6 for a more secure ground start.

Keno Hills itself is a place where the land feels both ancient and open. Sparse vegetation and rocky outcrops lend a sense of isolation, but the latitude brings long daylight summers that extend climbing sessions well into the evening. Approaching the route is a manageable trek through mixed tundra, marked by scattered shrubs and open views that remind you of Yukon’s raw wilderness. Whether you’re honing chimney skills or looking for a solid intro to trad in a northern setting, Squeaking Pikas offers a compact adventure that tests balance, technique, and situational awareness.

Plan your ascent with a mind to light layers and sturdy footwear capable of edging on rough rock. Carry enough hydration for the exposed hike in, and set off early to make the most of steady daylight and calmer afternoon winds. This climb is ideal for climbers comfortable with basic chimney movements who want a brief but memorable crag experience without extensive approach or equipment demands.