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The Reacharound: A Unique Trad Challenge in Murrin Park

Squamish, Canada
hand crack
fingers crack
chimney
traverse
trad
Murrin Park
single pitch
Length: 80 ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
The Reacharound
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"The Reacharound is a singular traditional climb perched in Murrin Park, offering a dynamic mix of crack climbing, a technical traverse, and a compelling chimney section. This 80-foot pitch tests your gear placement and technique with an atypical challenge for the Squamish climbing scene."

The Reacharound: A Unique Trad Challenge in Murrin Park

Set in the lush wilderness of Murrin Park near Squamish, The Reacharound offers climbers an engaging and uncommonly technical trad experience that stands apart from the usual granite classics of the area. This 80-foot route ascends a steep hand and fingers crack that demands precise jamming and steady footwork within a right-facing corner. Midway through, the climb takes a distinctive turn with a traverse right along a horizontal crack leading into a chimney beneath a subtle roof or overhang — a feature that breaks the monotony of typical Squamish cracks and provides an uncommon but thrilling puzzle.

The chimney section challenges you to shift tactics, moving from open face climbing into a narrower, more enclosed space where body positioning and patience become critical. Exiting the chimney, the route leads upward through a series of cracks etched into the wall, guiding you toward the summit with well-protected moves and varied holds. The combination of crack climbing, a technical traverse, and chimney negotiation makes The Reacharound an excellent test for climbers seeking variety within a single pitch.

Gear choices are key to success here. The line takes a range of traditional protection from small Metolius yellow-sized cams up to larger Black Diamond #4 equivalents, with an emphasis on doubling up mid-sized cams in the 0.5 to 1 range. This mixture not only ensures safety on tricky placements but also helps maintain confidence while moving through the challenging chimney and traverse sections.

Access is straightforward from the Murrin Park area of Lakeside in the Woods, a beloved climbing spot known for its forested trails and proximity to Squamish town. The approach is a short hike over a well-marked path, passing beneath towering pines and vibrant moss, with the river’s distant murmur lending a steady rhythm to your ascent on foot. It’s a crisp, invigorating walk that sets the tone for the technical climbing ahead.

Fall and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures for tackling this route, as summer can heat the exposed rock intensely. Early morning climbs benefit from cooler conditions and softer rock friction. While the rock quality is generally solid, moisture buildup after rain can make crack jams slick, so timing your climb for dry days maximizes your grip and fun.

Whether you’re a seasoned trad climber seeking a route that veers from the standard slabs and cracks common around Squamish or an eager adventurer ready to push your crack climbing skills, The Reacharound delivers an immersive experience. Its combination of technical moves, interesting features, and manageable length makes it a perfect highlight for a single-pitch day, promising an adrenaline-filled ascent wrapped in rich forest atmosphere and classic west coast wilderness.

Before you head out, pack a set of nuts and cams as specified, bring plenty of water, and prepare for a moderate approach through the trails of Murrin Park. A helmet is strongly advised given the potential for loose flakes near the chimney roof. With careful preparation and respect for the route’s unique challenges, The Reacharound rewards climbers with a varied, engaging climb crowned by memorable views of the surrounding forested cliffs.

Climber Safety

Loose flakes can occur near the chimney roof, so helmet use is recommended. Moisture from recent rainfall may reduce friction inside cracks, increasing risk during jams. Always check weather and rock conditions before heading out.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length80 feet

Local Tips

Start early to avoid climbing on hot rock during summer afternoons.

Double up mid-sized cams for extra security in tricky sections.

Bring plenty of water; nearby trails can be physically demanding.

Wear a helmet due to potential loose flakes near the chimney roof.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.9
Quality
Consensus:Rated at 5.9, The Reacharound sits at a moderate difficulty level that feels fair to slightly stiff for local Squamish standards. The crux comes during the traverse and chimney section, where steady technique and precise protection placements bump the effort beyond a straightforward crack climb. Climbers familiar with similar BC granite cracks will appreciate the balanced challenge.

Gear Requirements

Use a full range of traditional gear from small Metolius yellow cams up to Black Diamond #4s. Doubling mid-sized cams (BD 0.5 to 1) ensures secure placements, especially around the chimney and traverse segments.

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Tags

hand crack
fingers crack
chimney
traverse
trad
Murrin Park
single pitch