Multi-pitch Climbing Plutonian Shores, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Mike climbing Plutonian Shores with Banff in the background
With no shortage of multi-pitch routes in the Banff area, Mike and I were looking to check another one out and had gotten a recommendation to climb Plutonian Shores. This climb is located in Raven Crag on the southwest side of town. We parked at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site and initially hiked on the Sundance Trail. We then cut off from this and turned onto a dirt road for a few minutes before turning by a cairn onto Raven Crag Trail. The trail was not super obvious so keeping an eye out for it is recommended. As with most climbers’ trails, the trail went straight up the ridge.
At the base of the climb
After 1.2 miles of hiking, we found ourselves at a fork in the trail and turned left towards the bottom of the route. After a few more minutes of hiking, we were at the base of the climb. The climb is a seven pitch sport route that is rated 5.9. Ratings of the pitches:
Pitch 1: 5.5
Pitch 2: 5.7
Pitch 3: 4th class
Pitch 4: 5.8
Pitch 5: 5.8
Pitch 6: 5.9
Pitch 7: 5.8
Mike and I switched leads every pitch and with how the climbing worked out, I ended up leading the sixth pitch, which was also the crux. It looked more difficult than it ended up being as the holds would always appear just as you needed them, but I still found it a stout 5.9. It likely didn’t help that I found the entire route a bit polished so I was hesitant to trust my feet in certain spots. The whole climb we had great views looking towards town and the mountains around it. After a few hours of climbing, we found ourselves at the top. We found the trail at the top and walked off the route. The descent was steep in places, but thankfully it wasn’t too long until you were back on the approach trail, which was easy walking. Overall, we had a great day. I did enjoy the climb, but as I mentioned I did find it to be polished in places which detracted from the climbing experience. Either way, it was a great day spent outside!
Total stats: 2.8 miles, 1350 ft of elevation gain, 7 pitches, 0 rappels
