The Arrow Lakes climbing area holds yet another fine south facing crag here that really has a nice concentration of good climbs in spitting distance from your car and the lake. The whole wall is full of these basalt dykes (read: full of jugs) that run vertically down the wall mixed in with the gneiss that make for some really nice climbing. There is almost something at every grade and the easier routes are bolted really well and the climbing is quite friendly, making this a nice casual spot to run laps.
Included here is a nice little photo & topo that should see you through. Thanks again to Vince Hempsall and Climbing the Koots for providing the online updates to the West Kootenay Rock Guide! Link: Rock Guide Update
ACCESS: As you approach Castlegar from Nelson, follow signs pointing you towards Syringa Provincial Park & Robson. Turn onto Broadwater Rd. and follow this past the Pulp Mill & the Dam on Arrow Lake. After a few minutes you will reach Scotty's Marina on your left, pass this, drive a few hundred more meters down the road and you will spot a small waterfall on your right (Waterfall Wall) and a nice little pullout on your right. Park here and walk 2 minutes further down the road to where you will find the Zebra Wall directly off the road on your right. Climbs are listed left to right.
ZEbRa WALL
1 - THE TEST - 5.10d - SPORT - 26m *
From an awkward start, (needs some maintenance) climb the blocky corner into some funky moves in the basalt, pull a small roof then transition into some really nice exposed face climbing.
2 - MERCENARIES - 5.10+ - SPORT - 27m ***
Climb an easy ramp of basalt then switch gears into some tricky face climbing. The climb is sustained and gets harder the higher you go! Very well protected and my vote for the best on the cliff!
3- MISSIONARIES - 5.9 - SPORT - 25m **
A sporty start through the roof or from the left (bolt) leads into a stellar basalt jug haul! Friendly!!
4 - MANIACS - 5.9+ - SPORT - 25m **
Climb the next vertical line of basalt on amazing jugs to a surprise finish on the gneiss.
5 - THIS IS SERIOUS MAN - 5.11b - SPORT - 23m **
Climb through the awesome crescent features on fingery liebacks and reachy moves. Gets harder the higher you go, tenuous!
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