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Rock Climb at White Buddha

Bragg Creek, Alberta

4.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

1.9 miles

Elevation Gain

492.1 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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!

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Features

Rock Climbing
Chillin
Hiking
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Rock Climb at White Buddha Reviews

Not too bad, the ascent was a bit of a grind, wish we had brought hiking poles. Wear proper hiking shoes as the descent was slippery at times. Rated 3 stars because the trail was confusing at times & the views dont compare to some other top rated hikes. Easy and quick if youre in a time crunch.

This mild winter's got me itching to get back to Buddha to boulder. Always a great day sending in the sun.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike White Buddha via Powderface Trail

Winter Hike Up Vent's Ridge

Hike Iyarhe Ipan

Prairie Mountain and Elbow Falls

Hike to Bragg Creek Ice Cave

Hike Nihahi Ridge