Vitamin D offers a spirited alpine trad challenge set against the raw wilderness of Upper Chunder in the Yukon Territory. This compact 50-foot route unspools a dynamic sequence of moves that demand both finesse and commitment, beginning with a technical step-up from the base near Awesome Sauce’s first bolt. Climbers will navigate a tight corner with precise hand placements, feeling the sharp contrast of holding smaller edges before locking into a secure lie-back position that pushes high feet against granite’s rugged face. The climb’s character shifts as it opens to a ledge resting on the right—an inviting pause framed by a large jug that beckons the next surge.

With three well-placed bolts punctuating the route, protection mixes natural gear—primarily Camelots in the #0.2 to #0.4 range, doubled for reliable placements—and smaller pieces up to #2. The crack demands focused attention to secure side pulls that test footwork and balance as you inch leftward toward a slippery ledge with subtle but rewarding holds, culminating in one of two satisfying finishes at Juniper Ledge: an accessible ramp trending right or a mantle move straight up to the final bolt.

Set above the brush and scrub of Paint Mountain, the exposure here delivers sweeping views of Upper Chunder’s stark wilderness, reminding you that this isn’t just a climb but an encounter with a land that challenges you to read its stone grammar carefully. The alpine air sharpens your senses with each measured step, the granite’s textures speaking quietly beneath fingertips, while the grounding need for secure gear placements keeps adventure rooted in pragmatism. Whether you’re gauging this route for an early season push or carving out time in mid-summer’s long daylight, Vitamin D blends raw alpine exposure with calculated risk.

Preparation revolves around reliable small cams, solid traditional protection technique, and careful footwork on granite that can feel both gritty and smooth underfoot. Given the alpine setting, climbers should arrive ready for swiftly changing weather and pack layers accordingly. Hydration and nutrition remain essential, as even a single pitch in this environment can soon turn demanding once you factor in altitude and approach.

For those aiming to climb at Paint Mountain, upper Chunder’s draw comes not just from its technical demands but from the heady sense of isolation and the genuine connection to a remote landscape that still holds secrets in its cracks and corners. Vitamin D stands as a test of precise climbing and alpine savvy, suited for those who seek routes where adventure and tradition merge with the ruggedness of Yukon granite.