This 5.13a in B.C. is a Must-Climb at the Grade

Despite only being a few years old, it's one of the most sought-after 5.13s near Squamish

Photo by: Denis Ng

Gripped March 13, 2023

The Lorax is a classic 5.13a in the Sea to Sky Corridor just north of Squamish. The 20-metre eight-bolt route, found at The Monastery in Cheakamus Canyon, is one of the most-climbed at the grade in the area.

You just have to check out Sendage, where it’s one of the highest rated routes with over 40 logged ascents. It lists its description as, “A bouldery start leads into a mid-pitch rest. From there, trend into either the crimpy left line or the powerful right line. No matter which option you choose, both return into the redpoint crux to the chains.” In 2022, Jake Tiger said, “My favourite route I’ve done in Squamish so far.” And in 2018, Kim McGrenere said, “Awesome route! Felt quite stout to me, and the pump sure packs a punch. The crux is so cool. Loved it.”

The Lorax is a relatively new route in Squamish, with the first ascent by Eric Hughes coming in 2017. Shortly after the FA, Tom Wright repeated it in two goes, noting, “Thanks Eric for this fantastic route… Struggling to think of a better 13a sport route in Squamish.”

The Monastery has some of the best hard routes in Cheakamus. To find it, walk past Electric Avenue and continue into the forest and up the trail to the backside of Cheakamus Mountain. Watch climbers on The Lorax below.