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Skaha

Submitted By: Peter Spindloe on Apr 15, 2007
Administrator: Peter Spindloe
Latitude: 49.4458  Longitude: -119.5634 
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This area has parking and access issues. MORE INFO >>>

There's some steep climbing to be had in Skaha! P...


Description 

Skaha is the rock climbing destination most people think of when they think about the Okanagan area of BC. As one of the only dry deserts in Canada, a visit here could change your image of the Great White North. The area is on the edge of the town of Penticton,

The climbing is extensive with over 50 crags. The routes are mainly sport, but there are some excellent trad lines as well. The grades range from 5.0 to 5.13, with large numbers of 5.10, 5.11 and 5.12 routes to choose from. You'll find a reasonable selection at 5.9 and below as well. The rock is Gneiss and crisp edges are the bread-and-butter holds. Vertical is the predominant angle but you'll find it tipping in either direction to suit your taste.

The season runs from March to October or November. As with most places it's possible to get lucky at other times, but it's usually cold and snowy in the winter.


Getting There 

The four to five hour drive from Vancouver is probably how most non-locals arrive, but it's possible to drive in from the east or from the south, and possible to fly into the Okanagan area.

Camping and reasonable motels are abundant, but can still be very busy in the summer as this is not just a rock climbing destination but a major tourism, summer holiday, boating and wine making/drinking area. Look here for some accommodation ideas: http://www.penticton.ca/tourism/default.asp

Buy Howie Richardson's guidebook (http://www.elaho.ca) for complete details and directions, but note that the parking situation changed completely since publication of the guide. Directions to the parking can be found here: http://www.skaha.org. There is also a downloadable supplement to the guidebook with new routes and updated information on previously published routes.

An excellent Google Earth view of all the crags, as well parking information is at http://www.skaha.org/Skaha.kmz.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Skaha:
Wings of Desire   5.11b     Sport, 100 feet   Great White
Not Fade Away   5.12a     Sport, 50 feet   The Wave
Browse More Classics in Skaha

Featured Route For Skaha
Toward the start of Wings of Desire

Wings of Desire 5.11b  International : Canada : ... : Great White
One of the all-time great climbs at Skaha. A must-do.The sweeping clean expanse of the great white wall is one of the largest faces in Skaha. This route follows a seam, crack, and series of features straight up through the gently overhanging wall, to a small alcove beneath a roof. Pull the roof, and you've only got to hang on for a few more meters to the chains.This route has been lead on gear, which would make it a much more serious endeavor. Cl...[more]   Browse More Classics in International


Photos of Skaha Slideshow Add Photo
Kelly Franz on The Future is Now.  Photo by Matthew Buckle, used with permission.

Kelly Franz on The Future is Now. Photo by Matthe...


Comments on Skaha Add Comment
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By Peter Spindloe
Administrator
From: North Vancouver, BC
Dec 17, 2008

Good news about the parking lot:
http://www.skaha.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&>>>>>

By Peter Spindloe
Administrator
From: North Vancouver, BC
Dec 17, 2008

Nice image gallery:
http://www.skaha.org/index.php?option=com_rsgallery2&Itemid=>>>>>

By Krista m
May 27, 2009

How long is the approach? Want to go with kids this summer.

By Peter Spindloe
Administrator
From: North Vancouver, BC
May 28, 2009

The approach from the new parking lot is now much more kid friendly than the old parking lot as it's more level. It probably takes about fifteen minutes to get to the Day Care crag. There are still some uphill sections, but nothing like the old staircase.

By Krista m
Jun 3, 2009

Thanks Peter....that helps.
What's the best guide book to buy for the area?

By Peter Spindloe
Administrator
From: North Vancouver, BC
Jun 3, 2009

This book is still the only one, I believe. When combined with the supplement and link to parking info, both listed above, you have everything you need.