Rock Climb at White Buddha

1.9 Miles Round Trip - 492.1 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail

Powderface Trailhead - Search Nearby - Added by Matt Ford

This is a superb climbing area with something for everyone. This area has south facing walls with a short approach. The ideal time is during spring days or summer evening.

To reach White Buddha, park at the Powerface Creek parking lot. Between December and May, Route 66 is closed at Elbow Falls, so you may need to park at the gate and walk in, about 0.3 miles (500 m). The trailhead is well marked from the parking lot.

The first section of the trail is mellow, though often still covered in slow late into the season. After 0.7 miles (1.2 km), look for a trail going up the side of the hill, at which point you should be able to see the outline of the cliffs. This trail is a short, intense series of switchbacks leading to the cliffs.

White Buddha is a shorter cliff band, so you can set up a top rope by hiking around it, if you want harder routes. There are also many medium to very hard boulder routes, mostly overhung.

Many local climbers come here early in the season to improve key techniques – there are pumpy 5.12's, slab 5.7's and even some opportunities to practice placing trad gear.

At the end of the day, take in the view of Elbow Falls from across the highway, then head over to the Powderhorn Saloon in Bragg Creek for beers and burgers!