Bow valley climbing. 1,010 likes. Please post things that are at least relatively close to the Bow Valley. Feel free to… The third edition of this full-colour guidebook continues to be the definitive resource for sport climbers traveling to Alberta’s Bow Valley, just west of the city of Calgary. The Bataan Crag approach trail has a new starting point at the Echo Canyon parking lot due to increased mining activity on Graymont’s land, which has closed the lower portion of the original route. Scale the ice with Cloud Nine's IFMGA Certified Mountain Guides - $975 for 1 or $530/person for 2. Here is a short list of cliffs that are usually dry and warm when weather gets better. 1, off the Hwy. Climbs range from 5. I hope to help maintain access to our beautiful crags through my contributions to the Bow Valley Climbers Access Society. Bow Valley Select Sport Climbing and Bouldering Evan Hau & Jeff Moore updated July 2025 The Bow Valley is a great base for probably the best ice climbing in the world. 10d, which you can read about here. Wasootch Slabs - A South facing crag that is a great place for kids, beginners and the expert slab technician. Moose Mountain - Moose Mountain is one of the closest climbing area to Calgary and offers the closest option to year round rock climbing in the Rockies. 9) as well as the less frequently visited Upper Amphitheatre with it's incredible stone and well Zach Watson Vice President Growing up in the Bow Valley I started climbing and competing inside, eventually, I fell in love with the climbing at the many crags and walls in the valley. Share beta, look for a partner, or post things of interest. This is located near the town of Morley and is 60km from Canmore, or 13km from Cochrane, AB. This Guide includes includes all of the best modern sport climbing areas such as Echo Canyon, Grassi Lakes, Cougar Canyon, Bataan, Acephale and the new Apocalypse Cave. Feel free to post anything related to climbing. Printed guidebooks feature an award winning format that is informative and easy to use. The climbs are a pleasant 20 minute hike from the road and are all within a close proximity to one another with the exception of the Hedgehog Sector that is an addition 20 mins down the valley. 6-5. After all, the master of the mountain has established more than 2,000 pitches and 600 sport climbs in the Bow Valley and Canadian Rockies from 1982 until now. It includes over 2,500 climbs around Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise with lots of route pics, topos and action shots. Jul 14, 2009 · 2009 era notes: The Coliseum is significant new sport climbing area on Grotto Mountain that has beenunder development since spring 2005. All of the Apr 12, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Unfortunately, with this progression, more risk was also introduced. Description Grassi Lakes is a unique climbing are in the Bow Valley. Everything from off vertical to very steep overhanging rock with lots of neat features. The grade spread is from 11a to 13d. Apr 25, 2023 · Projecting in the Bow Valley Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies is a climbing area like no other. Following these as closely as we can will Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. 

Heart Creek is also home to the 17 pitch, fully equipped, Heart Line (5. Bow Valley Route descriptions for some of the ice climbs in the Bow Valley including the Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise area. Grassi Lakes - Some of the best climbing in the Bow Valley with steep pocketed climbing on an ancient coral reef. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Listing routes with no first hand experience available is not what this page is about. See full list on vertical-addiction. 13 plus range. Aug 1, 2023 · Remembering the Wolverine Gery Unterasinger “The Wolverine” was a legendary figure in the Bow Valley Climbing Scene. Close to Canmore and Banff are a number of fun and mellow early season ice climbs, below are five of the best. 12s. 14s and everything in between. Dec 4, 2024 · The Canadian Rockies have hundreds of pitches of ice climbing, from short rambles and pillars to monster alpine lines. 10a All Bolted Bow Corridor, Nanny Goat First ascent: Brian Spear, Jeff Storck Spring 2006 8 quick draws, 4 long slings, 2 anchor slings. Jul 13, 2022 · Always wear a helmet on multi-pitch climbs and don’t climb beneath other teams. This group is for those discussing climbing in the Bow Valley. The crag consists of three different Rock, ice and mixed climbing in the Bow Valley. If you Highly recommended. Difficulties range from 5. The Bow Valley is known amongst sport climbers as some of the best summer climbing in Canada. Currently there are a dozen or so routes that range in length from 12m to 45m. Particularly on the Golf Course Wall and Real Good Time crags. In 2022, Montemurro and Chris Petrauskas established The Black Labyrinth above Rockbound Lake, a 225-metre 5. The Bow Valley Mountain Club has put together a free online PDF called Bow Valley and Kananaskis Bolted Multi-Pitches: a Scrap Book. Helmets are recommended as any kind of animal (Mountain Goat) or human traffic can dislodge rocks from above. Francois Beargeron is one of those guys that just lives and breathes climbing. To support the Bow Valley community through advocacy, stewardship, and encouraging low-impact use of our climbing areas and trails. 10 and under level. Climbers’ access society of Alberta, Western Alberta Bouldering Association and Bow Valley Climbers Access Society will be hosting an evening of beers, socializing and climbing news. Grassi is famous for overhanging limestone with large juggy pockets. Jupiter Sector has a brilliant concentration of high quality 5. Dec 24, 2008 · Path of the Goatman ** 5. It is located in the large canyon west of Bataan, aone hour hike from the Alpine Club of Canada. The Bow Valley, Alberta has some of the best sport climbing in Canada. Banff National Park and Alberta Provincial Parks 5 Day Mountaineering Summer Camps in the Bow Valley – Canmore / Banff AB Rock Climbing, Hiking, Scrambling, Peak Ascents, Skills, Adventure, Friends and FUN The Bow Valley is known amongst sport climbers as some of the best summer climbing in Canada. Because of the TABVAR The Association of Bow Valley Area Rockclimbers New Route Submissions Have you developed a new climbing route in the Bow Valley? Submit it on the Route Updates page. Turn West onto the Forestry Trunk Road and follow it for about 30 minutes (24km) until it turns to gravel. Interpretive programs, concession, playground and showers are available here. The third edition of the full-colour Bow Valley Sport guidebook continues to be the definitive resource for sport climbers traveling to Alberta’s Bow Valley, just west of the city of Calgary. Bow Valley Select Sport Climbing and Bouldering - A Select Guide to some of the best climbing in Alberta's Bow Valley from Kananaskis to the Banff Gates. Posts may include content from Bow Valley climbing OR other areas that Bow Valley climbers may be interested in. Oakley grew up in Calgary, spending his weekends hiking and scrambling in the bow valley. 11b quartzite multi pitch in beautiful alpine settings. Jan 16, 2011 · Bow Valley Sport Climbing Our guidebook company, Quickdraw Publications, is currently working on a brand new guide to the high-quality limestone sport climbing in the Canadian Rockies. The majestic Bow Valley, Kananaskis, and the Ghost River Valley boast ample opportunities for climbers looking to hone their skills, while the Icefields Parkway Area—known for being the crown jewel of ice climbing in the Rockies—is an ideal destination for those in search of an adrenaline-fueled adventure. If you are looking for a climbing buddy or etc just ask! Good Luck on your Projects! Our favourite Multi-Pitch Ice Climbs around the Bow Valley. It didn’t take long before these activities progressed into more technical and involved mountain hobbies. Mar 29, 2022 · Bow Valley sport by Galloway, Derek Publication date 2011 Topics Rock climbing -- Alberta -- Bow River Region -- Guidebooks, Rock climbing, Bow River Region (Alta. Mar 22, 2019 · The Bow Valley extends from the eastern edge of the Rockies near Yamnuska to Lake Louise and has dozens of fun multi-pitch routes and steep sport climbing test pieces. A good portion of its climbs are on an old coral reef. It does not include hiking and scrambling. 13c most are in the 5. I love sharing my climbing passion while working at local climbing gyms. Home to everything from single pitch gems to fully equipped multi-pitch Sport climbs. Aug 30, 2015 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 11 to 5. Although a few of the more popular routes have become a little polished, there are some real gems to choose from in the canyon. CASA and BVCAS are working with Graymont and Alberta Parks on a long-term solution "Beautiful Century" 230m 7 Pitch 5. Share crag condition reports, share new route info and post new route info. With freezing temps here for the season, it’s a good time to make a list of routes you want to climb before spring. com Jan 8, 2020 · There are thousands of sport climbs in Alberta’s Bow Valley, from single-pitch intro routes to multi-pitch 5. This sport climb has 94 sends and was recently redpointed by Yoshiki Hashiyada May 29, 2025 · A large campground found in Bow Valley Provincial Park, about 30 km east of Canmore just north of Hwy. The Bow Valley is Canada's premiere summer limestone sport climbing area and includes cliffs around Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. This group is moderated mostly by Admin Assist. bow valley sport is pretty well the bible for local sport climbing and they published a new edition a year or so ago. 60m rope. New group expectations for the 2019/20 season. This cliff is home to the some of the hardest climbs in the country. A crag with a short approach (even with the recommended parking lot used) and a fantastic variety of grades to choose from. Heads Up, Climbers: New Approach Trail to Bataan Crag. Climbing here outside of the of the summer months would be rare. The Bow Valley features long arduous approaches with majestic views, unpredictable weather, and superb climbing on technical, varied, and difficult to read limestone. Okotoks Big Rock - This quartzite erratic is perhaps the first rock to be bouldered on by local climbers. Everything is bolted and retro-fitting has been complete on lots of the routes. The Bow Valley is likely the most visited ice climbing area in Canada and is home to many classic routes. This includes rock, ice, aid, mixed, etc. Parking may be congested, so carpooling is recommended. Jan 8, 2025 · Support local hockey in the Bow Valley by purchasing a 50/50 ticket! All proceeds go directly to helping grow the game, supporting players, and strengthening our community. From the parking, head south towards the drainage. It is an awesome crag for mixed skill level groups because of the close proximity between easier and harder routes. You will find Short (15-25 meter) HARD routes here, although a few longer routes can be found at the Lower Wall. Rock climbing in the Golden area although not very well known has all the makings of outstanding rock climbing. Some crags take over two hours to reach and others take only a few minutes. 11b, 345m Andy Genereux & Peter Gatzsch This climb is located on the upper reaches of Goat Mountain following the good grey rock left of the climb “The Wild Colonial Boys” described in “Bow Valley Rock” page 87. Posts must generally be related to climbing and relevant to Join us for a day of climbing, community, and conservation at one of the Bow Valley's most beloved crags—Echo Canyon! The organization's primary objective is to assist the Bow Valley community by engaging in advocacy efforts, practicing responsible management, and promoting environmentally-friendly utilization of climbing areas and trails. Bow valley climbing crew is a group created to help connect climbers in the Bow Valley for crag days, routes, and beers. If your The Bow Valley is Canada’s premiere summer limestone sport climbing area and includes cliffs around Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. Stoneworks is also home to the Vision Wall cave that has only recently seen long time projects open up in the 5. Follow IFMGA-certified guide Brent into the wonderful world of rock climbing on this day program in Bow Valley. Condition Reports for the Canadian Rockies Ice Climbing season. From moderate limestone to 5. Jun 11, 2021 · The Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country have dozens of classic and new climbs just waiting to help spread the crowds out on busy weekends. The scene of wild parties, native celebrations and artwork, questionable hygiene, broken bottles and broken legs, the Big Rock has a fabled history that extends well beyond bouldering. Rather the listing involves “first hand accounts only” of waterfall ice routes in the Canadian Rockies. Porcupine Creek - A very beautiful valley that has a good variety of climbs for for various levels of experience. 12b range. If your post or comment is removed or if you are suspended from the group it was an automated action triggered by keywords in your post. The third edition of this full-colour guidebook continues to be the definitive resource for sport climbers traveling to Alberta’s Bow Valley, just west of the city of Calgary. Yes, 45m. For a list of options in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country visit here. 1X. Titles include rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking, hiking and trail running. Bow Valley Includes the ice climbs from Calgary to Lake Louise along the Trans-Canada Highway including climbs near Canmore & Banff, & Lake Louise, Alberta. Bow Valley crags typically have long approaches so bring good shoes. Jul 12, 2017 · There are few routes that showcase the hard work and dedication that the Perry family has given to the Bow Valley Climbing Community better than this one. His booming laugh, wide infectious smile, and his imposing grizzled demeanor were ever present, seemingly everywhere all at once, no matter which crag you decided to head to for the day. 

For every problem listed Sep 3, 2015 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 15b. 10 climbs. Nov 16, 2023 · For avid rock climbers in the Bow Valley, chances are very high they have darted up one of Genereux’s routes. Echo Canyon - A relatively new area to the Bow Valley with ongoing development and huge potential. Rock, ice and mixed climbing in the Bow Valley. The rock is some of the best in the Valley with a great variety of grades to choose from. The Canadian Rockies and more specifically the Bow Valley (Canmore) is truly centered regarding the best waterfall ice climbing anywhere in the world. Grotto Canyon - A unique canyon that holds some great history in the Bow Valley including the development of sport climbing as well as First Nation pictographs on the Paintings Wall. The Tall Storey is another incredible contribution to what is already one of the best climbing zones on the planet. All of the newest crags are included in this guide as well as valuable traveling information for climbers coming from abroad. Although with its short approach and great quality stone, the area can get busy, solitude is usually just a short walk away to some of the more remote sectors. Aug 20, 2012 · Bow valley climbing crew is a group created to help connect climbers in the Bow Valley for crag days, routes, and beers. 

Hyperion, Blindman's Bluff, and the Hedgehog all face south and are a Apr 22, 2020 · Here are some of my favorite shots from the Bow Valley from the 2018/2019 climbing season. This is a multi-pitch route on the right side of Nanny Goat Buttress just left of the winter route "Coire Dubh" and left of the routes "Less Art, More Pop" and "The Bell Route" - as described in the new "Sport Bataan - A brilliant Spring and Fall season crag as it is usually a little too hot to climb at during mid summer. 12a - Planet X, Cougar Canyon, Bow Valley, Alberta, Canada. A South facing sun trap, with good protection from winds, can be climbed comfortably at 0' Celcius on a sunny day. The Canadian Rockies are the perfect place to learn the ropes of this amazing sport. 

Utilizing a bike (with studs in the winter) to access the sectors reducing the approach time but the The Stoneworks - A unique crag, in a tight canyon that keeps most of the Sectors nice and cool in the heat of summer. In early 2024, we climbed 13 different moderate ice climbs and in late 2024, we started a new season of Ice. Cascade Falls Cascade falls is undoubtedly the most looked at ice climb in the Rockies and is obvious as you drive past the turn into Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway. There are countless crags with a wide range of difficulties and styles. Trip Reports for each of our climbs, including photos and detailed beta, are below. Acephale is a steep and difficult limestone crag near Canmore. Always be sure to check the avalanche forecast Jul 30, 2021 · The full-colour guide is the resource for sport climbers heading to the Bow Valley for summer limestone sport climbing. The organization's website is structured into three distinct categories for easy navigation and access to relevant Jun 17, 2025 · ★★★★ Meconium, 5. Keep it civil! See Jul 12, 2017 · The new Bow Valley Sport guidebook is available at stores and as an e-book. ) -- Guidebooks, Alberta -- Bow River Region Publisher Squamish, BC : Quickdraw Publications Collection internetarchivebooks; printdisabled; inlibrary Contributor Internet Archive Enjoy clipping some draws on limestone? Let's talk about how awesome those polished footholds are on your proj are. Approach: Park on the West side of Mt. Other Bow Valley climbing venues close to the road rock are Nanny Goat, Kid Goat, Cascade Mountain. Our winters are long, conditions remains consitent, the number of routes is mind-boggling, and the ice flows are spectacular. Canmore and Kananaskis offer world-class climbing for all abilities. 15 minutes outside of Canmore. A Select Guide to some of the best climbing in Alberta's Bow Valley from Kananaskis to the Banff Gates. Grotto Canyon Route information for ice climbs in Grotto Canyon including Grotto Falls (WI2), His (WI4), and Hers (WI4) Cascade Falls III, 200m, WI3 Rogan's Gully II, WI2-3, 300m Spray River Falls IV, WI5, 150m of ice The third edition of Bow Valley Sport, the definitive resource for sport climbers traveling to Alberta's Bow Valley, is also available as a digital download. A great regional brewery has even taken the name for its own. The third edition of this comprehensive guide includes the newest crags, as well as the best cliffs that Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise has to offer. The crux section near the top is really fun and The Alberta Bouldering Guide is relatively recently published and AFAIK really the only bouldering guide for the province. With over 30 sectors, Cougar Creek has something for everyone. A page to get info on sport climbing in and around the Bow Valley. Photo Brandon Pullan Cougar Canyon - Currently Closed for Flood Mitigation Construction A pleasant canyon that is a short walk to the closest sector and about an hour and a half to the very steep and challenging Planet X. Keep it civil! See Bow valley climbing crew is a group created to help connect climbers in the Bow Valley for crag days, routes, and beers. It is situated along the Bow River for pleasant views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The Bow Valley Parkway offers somethig for everyone, from wildlife viewing from the roadside, well marked trails of varied difficulty, look out points, cycling, paddling, climbing and mountaineering oppertunities. Posts must generally be related to climbing and relevant to climbers in the Bow Valley area. 12a at Grassi Lakes, now one of the area’s must-climb 5. Baldy, around the corner and down the hill from the Barrier climbing parking spot in a gravel lot. All belays but the final one are bolted. The route is a mixture of protection bolts with extensive natural protection. 10a - 5. Jun 3, 2022 · The Bow Valley has no shortage of rock climbing and multi-pitch climbing. Otherwise members are free to post what Jul 29, 2021 · Bow Valley Sport. Ghost River Driving Directions: Drive to the intersection of the Bow Valley Trail (Hwy 1A) & the Forestry Trunk Road (#734). The Bow Valley is Canada’s premiere summer limestone sport climbing area and includes cliffs around Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. Mar 24, 2019 · One of the biggest asset the Bow Valley offers to climbers is the ability to rock climb almost year round. They are found on the walls of canyons, above lakes and on alpine cliffs bands. Not already a member? Sign up for free and join our growing global community of rock climbers. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Today he enjoys alpine climbing, ice/rock climbing, backcountry skiing, caving, and canyoning. Aug 9, 2019 · Rock, ice and mixed climbing in the Bow Valley. In 1996, Roger Chayer and Bruce Keller bolted and climbed Raw 5. r/BowValleyClimbing: Enjoy clipping some draws on limestone? Let's talk about how awesome those polished footholds are on your proj are. Risk always seemed like something Ice Climbing We have been enjoying climbing moderate ice in Kananaskis, the Bow Valley, along the Icefields Parkway and in the David Thompson area. Keep it civil! See. The first edition of the sport climbing resource for areas from Calgary to Lake Louise was a big hit. May 5, 2021 · The 1990s saw a boom in Bow Valley sport climbing with most new routes being established at Grotto Canyon, Cougar Creek and Heart Creek. The Tall Storey rises over 1000′ from Echo Canyon in Grotto Mountain. Sites are well-treed with a variety of options: unserviced, power/water, and walk-in. The path will follow this drainage, on it's left side until you reach the crag. It is an excellent climb that gets lots of sun and offers moderate climbing throughout. Mt Baldy - A pleasant crag, with a pleasant approach and a good variety of climbs at the 5. TABVAR was founded in 1994, for the purpose of raising and distributing funds to help with the material costs incurred in the installation of fixed hardware on and maintenance of climbs in the Bow Valley and adjacent areas. Keep it civil! See Join certified guide Jeff Bullock on a full day ice climbing adventure on some great ice falls in the Bow Valley in Alberta, Canada. Share beta, look for a partner, Aug 4, 2023 · You can read about it on the Bow Valley Climbing Community page here and watch a short reel from Sevalrud below. Krysten Wiebe on the FA of Battle of Alberta. snkft bhvpa qgeeeingb rvlspdeg ecc fdlk tdfdtx lfehc xfn bnvwatwy