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Uppity Buddha: A Compact 5.10d Challenge in Cranberry Meadows

Whitehorse, Canada
sticky granite
side pulls
technical crux
balanced moves
single pitch
east facing
remote area
Length: 45 ft
Type: Sport, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Uppity Buddha
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Uppity Buddha delivers a sharp, powerful 45-foot pitch carved into the granite of Golden Canyon. This 5.10d sport climb challenges you with a tricky balance crux and diverse crack and face features, perfect for climbers seeking a technical push in an isolated Yukon setting."

Uppity Buddha: A Compact 5.10d Challenge in Cranberry Meadows

Uppity Buddha slices through the granite faces of Golden Canyon with directness and intensity, offering a focused burst of climbing just 45 feet off the ground. The route demands mental agility and steady footwork as you begin by navigating a tight, slightly awkward corner that tests your creativity. Holds are scattered between the small corner and the left face—grab the perfect grip, trust your feet, and move deliberately to the first bolt.

From this stable perch, the climb transitions into its core challenge. The crux presents a balance puzzle with its left-handed side pull paired with smearing against the rock, inviting two distinct approaches: a precise, direct overhead movement or a powerful right layback that engages your entire upper body. Three bolts protect this sequence, giving you the confidence to push hard without hesitation. Beyond the crux, a flake to the right offers access to a sizable shelf. Treat it with care—though secure, it's not made for brutal pulling.

The final section asks for reach and finesse, as you clip yet another bolt and hunt for a wide horizontal hold just above and off to the left. Grabbing it feels like unlocking a secret passage, leading you to mantle your way smoothly atop the bulge. The concluding moves traverse large blocks peppered with generous hand and fist jams, augmented by an array of right-handed side pulls that keep your options open.

Cranberry Meadows sits deep in Yukon Territory, Canada, and the approach itself whispers of northern wilderness—boreal forests frame the canyon, and fresh mountain air mixes with faint sounds of trickling streams. Upping your game here means preparing for a concentrated, technical sport climb that rewards the focused climber. Stick clipping is advised for the first bolt to ease the initial moves, a welcome option since the route shares its anchor with the adjacent Yellow Brick Road.

Getting here demands steady preparation: pack footwear suited for sticky granite, consider a stick clip for safety, and plan your day to coincide with stable weather. The wall faces east, so mornings bring cool shadow, warming gradually under a clear sky. Ideal climbing seasons stretch from late spring through early fall, when daylight stretches long and the rock sheds winter moisture.

Uppity Buddha offers a dense, memorable route in a remote setting, perfect for climbers craving a precise, powerful 5.10d climb without a prolonged approach. Expect a mix of technical smearing, side pulls, and strategic jams, all framed by the crisp air and quiet isolation of northern Canada.

Climber Safety

The flake section and ledges are reliable but should not be overstrained; avoid aggressive pulling to prevent damaging holds. Stick clipping the first bolt is essential to minimize risk early on. Be aware that the approach to Golden Canyon can be slippery when wet.

Route Details

TypeSport, TR
Pitches1
Length45 feet

Local Tips

Use the taped stick clip for the first bolt to avoid risky moves on the ground.

Plan your climb during morning hours when the east-facing wall is shaded and cool.

Wear climbing shoes with a sticky rubber sole optimized for smearing on granite.

Bring a light brush to clean holds, especially the flake and shelf sections.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10d
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10d grade on Uppity Buddha reflects a focused crux that challenges balance and power simultaneously. This pitch feels well-graded, with the crux bolt sequence offering solid protection that calms psychological pressure. Compared to other Yukon 5.10 routes, this climb is compact but technical, demanding precise footwork and commitment rather than endurance.

Gear Requirements

Eight bolts secure this route, including a fixed top anchor shared with Yellow Brick Road, equipped with two rappel rings. A taped stick clipped nearby helps safely clip the first bolt, a smart move for reducing runouts. The route can be easily top-roped after leading Yellow Brick Road.

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Tags

sticky granite
side pulls
technical crux
balanced moves
single pitch
east facing
remote area