Squamish Bouldering Guide - Girl Beta & Videos

Welcome to the magical forest. Squamish bouldering is notoriously difficult and requires a fair amount of acclimating to the style of climbing. The granite boulders of Squamish are scattered throughout a densely shaded forest that lies at the base of The Chief: a large granite monolith.

There's enough bouldering here to keep you endlessly enthralled, so be sure to plan adequate time for your trip. Two weeks will barely be enough! The rock is granite, which tends to yield intricate, subtle movements, especially in bouldering. Problems often seem like they have no holds at all, but delicate and thoughtful micro beta usually unlocks a sequence.

New visitors may feel that this area is extremely sandbagged. This is particularly true if you are climbing V4 or below and are new to slopers, heel hooks, and shoulder moves. At first, you may feel like there are simply no holds and no feet - but with a little trickery, you'll be slapping your way to the top in no time.

Please be aware that the landing zones in Squamish are uneven at best and "a chasm of doom" at worst. Those with weak ankles should be extremely cautious when taking the plunge off a boulder. Spotters should stay very vigilant, and pad placement is essential to avoid injury.

We recommend bringing 2-3 tri-fold pads (at the absolute minimum). Having the flexibility of a tri-fold is key in covering the large outcrops of rocks you'll be trying to avoid landing on, and keeping you safe.

There are also a large number of very serious highballs here. Be prepared for some "no fall zone" situations if you are looking for a mental challenge.

If you're an American it's time to get your passport out! Squamish is located on the west coast of British Columbia, just under an hour north of the city of Vancouver.

You'll want to visit Squamish in mid to late summer unless you like climbing in the rain (which you don't).

If you're coming from Seattle you can certainly drive over the border, and get to Squamish fairly easily. This can make things significantly easier if you plan on car camping, as you won't need a rental. The downside is that you may hit delays at the border.

Alternatively, you may be boarding a plane set to arrive at the Vancouver Airport (YVR). From the airport, you'll need additional transportation to get up to Squamish. Renting a car for the trek is fairly easy and relatively affordable.

Camping is available in Squamish and can become very crowded during peak season. Pad and gear rentals are available at the local gear shop in town: Climb On Squamish.

Just across the highway, you'll find the pleasant little town of Squamish. We recommend going berry picking on the shoreline, grabbing a beer at the brewery, and stopping by the local Indian shop for affordable and DELICIOUS samosas.

Squamish itself is a small town in an ecologically sensitive area, and it does not have unlimited resources. There is a history of friction between residents and climbers, and it is absolutely essential to protect access and relationships. Camp only in designated campgrounds, stay on trails, respect wildlife closures, and be a good steward for climbing at all times.

As always, be sure to educate yourself on the Leave No Trace Principles as those apply to all climbing access areas. Read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) in our article: What is the Leave No Trace Philosophy?

Sometimes it helps to get another woman's perspective on which boulder problems to get on. Below you'll find a selection of female favorites, and a great roadmap on which routes to add to your tick list when visiting Squamish.

Warning: If you're climbing onsight, scroll no further. Spoilers ahead!

Kim McGrenere climbs Any Rock'll Do V1 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo thugs through the classic Easy in an Easy Chair V4 in Squamish

Chances are you will try this problem as soon as you get into the forest. You might enjoy it... or you might not! Either way, warm up your hammies - it won't go without a fight.

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Sloppy Poppy V4 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Black Mark V4 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Superfly V4 in Squamish

If you're new to climbing in Squamish, Superfly is a great place to start. Don't get us wrong - it's not easy. But for many, it's the "breakthrough" send that will get you in the right headspace for the other tough V4s in the area.

Kim McGrenere climbs Get Your Dog Off My Leg V5 in Squamish

Sonia Rackelmann climbs Timeless V5 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Prime Time Sit Down V5 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Tim's Sloper Problem V5 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Space Monkey V5 in Squamish

Sonia Rackelmann climbs Swank Stretch V5 in Squamish

Lol! We promise there are other ways to start this boulder problem... BUT this creative campus start will certainly earn you extra style points.

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Hummingbird V6 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Lounge Act V6 in Squamish

Are these the only sharp crimps in the forest? Possibly. Give your fingers a good mashing after all this sloper madness.

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Sea of Doubt V6 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Minor Threat V6 in Squamish

Whether you like crimps, slopers, compression, or foot work it doesn't really matter because you're going to experience ALL of that on this climb. Yes, the start looks impossible at first - but with a little trickery you'll be levitating your way up with ease.

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Gull Skull V6 in Squamish

Kim McGrenere climbs The Airtight Garage V7 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs The Fuzz V7 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Golden Boy V7 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Feed Us A Fetus V7 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Fantastic Mr. Fox V7 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Amazing Direct V7 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Immunity Challenge V7 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Auto Body V8 in Squamish

Kim McGrenere climbs Shanksville V8 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Hunt's Arête V8 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Missing in Action V8 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Gibbs Cave V8 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Tatonka V9 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Worm World Cave V9 in Squamish

Amanda Jaramillo climbs Progression in Backwards Thinking V10 in Squamish