Climbing
Sport climbing, Trad climbing
Alpine climbing NCCS rating
Grade II
Elevation Gain
30.00 m (98.43 ft)
Distance
0.11 km (0.07 mi)
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Sunshine Slabs is the easiest crag to access in the Bow Valley. You can basically belay out of your car. For route information, check out the latest addition of Bow Valley Rock. The crag is located about 100 meters south of the turnoff to Sunshine from the Trans Canada. The crag stretches across a big rock face and has a very high concentration of routes for a Rockies crag. It is mostly sport climbing on limestone, though there are a few odd trad climbs. It has a unique feature in that one section of the crag requires a scramble to access. You'll need to amble up a ledge to get to the belayer's spot for about six of the routes. This is worthwhile as they are great routes with superior views. On the climber's left are the longer routes. There are a few 5.6 routes that are nearly 30 metres along with some trickier problems. In the center are most of the hardest routes, mostly 5.10ds and a couple af 5.11as. 

The river running beside the crag is fairly cold, though it can be nice to hop in for a dip. There is an offshoot of the main flow, so you don't have to worry about getting dragged away. On sweltering days this can be really nice, but the crag is in the shade for nearly the whole day, which is rather nice. 

While there aren't many places to walk up from behind and set up a top rope, it is a good spot to take beginners if you don't mind leading. Watch out for guided parties on the weekends. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Spring

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National or state forest pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Roadside access. Lots of easy and intermediate climbs. Shaded.

Cons

Busy. No hard routes.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Trailhead Elevation

4,396.33 ft (1,340.00 m)

Highest point

4,494.75 ft (1,370.00 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Big vistas

Access

Vehicle

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Primary aspect

South facing

Class / Rating

5.6 - 5.11b

Drinking water

Unfrozen water

Location

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