"The Glass Slipper demands precision and power across 50 feet of technical sport climbing on Quercus Cliff. This succinct pitch offers delicate balance moves before shifting into a strong finish, framed by Squamish’s dramatic granite and inviting a memorable day out."
Carved into the rugged face of Quercus Cliff, The Glass Slipper offers climbers a focused sprint of technical sport climbing that demands attention from start to finish. This single-pitch route stretches 50 feet, beginning with a quiet precision that tests balance and subtle footwork, before shifting swiftly into a more powerful sequence that tightens the intensity. As you ascend, the rock’s texture vibrates under your fingertips—gritty and sure—providing both challenge and confidence. The line lays bare a blend of subtle moves and bursts of strength, held together by six well-spaced bolts that secure your progress. The climb is perched within Murrin Park, a climbing haven just outside Squamish, British Columbia, where cedar and fir frame dramatic gray walls and the distant roar of the river dares you to push higher.
Approaching The Glass Slipper requires a careful eye on timing and conditions. The route favors morning climbs when the sun grazes the eastern face, warming the holds without baking the rock. As the day advances, the wall slips into shade, keeping the granite comfortably cool during warmer months. The short approach leads you through manageable terrain with manageable trail markers that guide your way in approximately 15 minutes from the parking area. A steady approach ensures your body is primed for the precision climbing waiting above.
Protection is straightforward but demands respect, with six bolts placed thoughtfully to protect the steeper and more sustained sections. The first half of the climb moves delicately, requiring a tight core and controlled weight shifts, while the second half demands burly moves and a final push that leaves little room for hesitation. This dynamic sequence makes The Glass Slipper ideal for climbers ready to engage a blend of finesse and power in one clean effort.
Local climbers speak of the route as a memorable test piece where precision and commitment meet. The route’s 5.10d rating feels true to its character: firm but fair, with a crux that nudges climbers out of their comfort zone without tipping into punishing territory. The anchor sits halfway up the Querculator system, allowing for a confident top-rope option or a quick, safe double-rope rappel descent.
Plan your gear to include a sport rack with quickdraws and harness efficiency, as the bolts make traditional placements unnecessary. However, solid footwear with dependable edging and sticky rubber will maximize your hold engagement during the delicate opening moves. Hydrate well in advance and monitor weather conditions; the coastal climate can shift quickly with a breeze pushing moisture from nearby Howe Sound.
In all, The Glass Slipper is not just a climb but a sharp, intimate dialogue with Quercus Cliff’s granite—a place where focus sharpens, and movement flows. It’s a perfect choice for climbers seeking a concentrated dose of challenge paired with scenic Wild Pacific energy, all within a compact and rewarding pitch.
While the protection is reliable with six bolts, the rock face features subtle edges and delicate footholds early on. Approach with controlled movement to avoid slips. The descent rappel is straightforward but verify anchor condition before lowering off.
Begin climbs in the morning for sun-warmed holds and optimal friction.
Wear shoes with good edging to handle technical footwork in the early section.
Carry enough water to stay hydrated—the coastal environment can be deceptively demanding.
Watch the weather forecast closely; coastal fog and moisture arrive quickly.
The route is protected by six bolts, providing solid security for both lead and top rope climbing. Quickdraws suffice; traditional gear is not needed. Bring sticky-soled shoes for the delicate slab moves at the start.
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