Home > News

New Paradise Valley Online Guide for Squamish

For the past few years, a handful of climbers have been quietly developing new routes in Paradise Valley near Squamish.

A new topo for the area is now online for free thanks to Quickdraw Publications, Chris Singer and those who worked on it.

As Chris Small of the Squamish Access Society said, “Chris Singer released the topo for the Paradise Crag located in Paradise Valley. This immaculately cleaned collection of new sport climbs in the high 5.10s to 5.14 (primarily 5.11s) range has been under construction for the last four years.

“It even has a four-pitch sport route. This development is yet another reason to contribute to the Sea to Sky new route go fund me campaign.”

As the new topo reads, “This is also a new climbing area; while great effort has been made to clean any loose rock through pry bar and pressure washing, expect some ongoing exfoliation as the routes mature. Wearing a helmet is strongly advised!

“This Crag is still under development and there are many fixed lines still up. Please respect the fixed lines by not disturbing them. If a fixed line is in your way for a route you want to do, then feel free to tie them back or use a quick draw to move them out of your way while you climb and them restore them to their original position when you are done.

Tom Wright on Spirit of the West 5.14 in Paradise Valley. Photo Rich Wheater

“As there area is still under development there is also some gear stashed. Please leave the gear alone; it has been cached out of the way but there is some that is in the area. This includes the hose and water cache. That is how the routes were made as clean as they are and took a lot of effort to hike in and setup.”

Find the topo here.

Also, consider donating to the Sea to Sky Route Development Fund here to help with the cost of hardware and tools. A message from Peter Winter who started the fund:

“Have you ever climbed at the Commonweatlh in Murrin Park? How about sport climbed at the Playground or Fern Hill or even climbed the classic multi-pitch Sunset Strip on The Chief. These are merely a few examples of new routes and crags that have been created in the last few years.

“To keep that progress going I am establishing a Gofundme account to help offset the cost of hardware that is borne by the route developer in the Sea to Sky corridor. Over the last number of years over 500 pitches have been established in the Sea to Sky corridor. From independent new lines to entirely new crags, thousands of hours have been put in by the route developer to create these routes.

“This involves trail work, cleaning the route and adding bolts and anchors if necessary. While the hours put in only cost time and energy, the cost of hardware is straight out of one’s pocket. Currently, a bolt and hanger cost around $3.50, that’s if purchased in bulk. Anchors, can range from $15 to $25 depending on the setup. Therefore a 10 bolt sport pitch can be at least $50. Not to mention the $1,000 cordless hammer drill needed to install the bolts.

“Over the years the climbing public has asked route developers how they can help and the best way is with the almighty dollar! So it’s time to ask the climbing community to chip in and help fund the routes they enjoy.”

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

Easter Weekend Sales on Climbing Gear

Be sure that your rack is updated and ready for the upcoming rock climbing season