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Walk of Shame: The Gateway to Paint Mountain's Alpine Trad Climbs

Haines Junction, Canada
trad
alpine
bolt
small gear
exposed ledge
short pitch
gateway route
Length: 20 ft
Type: Trad, Alpine
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Walk of Shame
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Walk of Shame eases climbers into Paint Mountain’s alpine terrain with a short, focused trad pitch. Perfect for warming up and linking to deeper climbs, it blends exposed ledges with precise gear placements to prepare you for the challenge ahead."

Walk of Shame: The Gateway to Paint Mountain's Alpine Trad Climbs

Walk of Shame serves as a practical yet characterful approach climb tucked within the rugged terrain of Upper Chunder on Paint Mountain, Yukon Territory. While modest in length—just 20 feet—this route forms a vital link for climbers advancing to more challenging pitches under alpine conditions. Upon reaching the anchor at Chunder’s third pitch or progressing upwards from Awesome Sauce, you'll traverse a narrow ledge that challenges your focus with its exposed setting. A single bolt provides security before negotiating a subtle bulge that tests steadiness and balance. From here, the route climbs to Juniper Ledge, a natural resting spot surrounded by open Yukon skies and the whisper of hardy alpine pines.

The approach has you keep an eye on the sporadic smaller gear placements around your feet, particularly useful for those carrying limited protection. The scarcity of fixed gear urges climbers to gauge their rack carefully, primarily a #0.5 cam, to shore up the safety factor over the single bolt. Despite its brevity, Walk of Shame demands respect for its alpine character, where wind and altitude subtly influence movement and decision-making.

Although offering just one pitch, this climb is crucial for those hoping to advance deeper into Paint Mountain’s traditional routes, blending technical pitch climbing with the raw atmosphere of the Yukon wilderness. The surrounding landscape is both austere and invigorating—granite features humbly stand against the horizon, and the solitude emphasizes the experience’s intimacy. This route is ideal for climbers with basic trad skills seeking a logistical stepping stone rather than a standalone challenge.

For planning, consider weather windows carefully; alpine conditions on Paint Mountain can shift suddenly, impacting rock temperature and grip. Solid footwear with reliable edging capability is advised, given the slick polished ledges and occasional loose gravel patches. Hydration remains paramount—carry sufficient water despite the cold air, as elevation and effort can quickly dehydrate. Timing your climb in the early morning hours will help avoid afternoon winds and possible weather buildup, making your ascent safer and more enjoyable.

Walk of Shame’s essence lies in its role as the threshold. It readies climbers for the terrain’s intricacies ahead, offering just enough exposure and movement to engage the senses without overwhelming. This route teaches patience, precision, and gear management—a fitting prelude to the alpine challenges beyond. Whether you’re arriving from Chunder’s pitch three anchor or carrying momentum from Awesome Sauce, this short yet meaningful climb influences the overall day in the mountains, reminding adventurers that sometimes the path itself is as important as the destination.

Climber Safety

Be cautious on the ledge crossing—while the route is short, exposure and loose gravel demand careful foot placement. Limited fixed protection means reliable gear skills are crucial. Check weather before climbing, as sudden alpine shifts can affect rock conditions.

Route Details

TypeTrad, Alpine
Pitches1
Length20 feet

Local Tips

Approach from Chunder’s pitch 3 anchor or continue upwards from Awesome Sauce to access the start.

Bring a modest rack focused on small cams to supplement the lone bolt.

Start early to avoid afternoon wind and improve grip on polished ledges.

Watch your footing on the ledge—gravel patches can reduce traction.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.5
Quality
Consensus:The 5.5 grade reflects a straightforward climb, but its alpine exposure and the single-bolt protection add a layer of seriousness. The difficulty feels fair for those comfortable placing small gear, with no gulp crux but requiring steady movement over the bulge. Compared to nearby routes like Awesome Sauce, Walk of Shame is less complex but essential for progression.

Gear Requirements

Protection consists of a single bolt complemented by small trad gear, primarily a #0.5 cam. Sparse fixed anchors make competent gear placement essential for safety.

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Tags

trad
alpine
bolt
small gear
exposed ledge
short pitch
gateway route