Skaha
Introduction
Skaha is a rock climbing area located near Penticton, BC, in the Okanagan Valley. It is generally pretty dry, making it a common destination for times of the year when Squamish is a little soggy. The VOC usually runs a trip there around Halloween. Skaha has climbs at all levels, in both the traditional and sport styles. There is also a lot of top-roping possibilities for beginners.
The club has some guidebooksfor this area, including "Skaha Rockclimbs" by Howie Richardson.
There is only one way to access the bluffs legally, and it involves paying to park on a private farm. This fee is around $5/day per car but could have changed. The access situation is complicated, and constantly in flux, so do your best not to annoy the locals and hopefully things will continue to work. The farmer has graciously donated his land so please respect the area.
Directions
From Vancouver take the #1 east to Hope. At Hope, you have two options: Taking the #5 Coquihalla saves 40 minutes but costs a $10 toll. Taking #3 is adviseable because we're all poor students. Take #3 east towards Princeton and keep going past Princeton to Keremeos. At Keremeos take #3A north towards Pentiction, joining the #97 north for the final few kilometers along Skaha Lake into Penticton.
Camping
Food
Climbing
What to bring
Cars
If you have space in your car, please post the spots. Passengers pay for gas. If you have a rope and/or rack, please indicate so that we can try and even out people with gear into cars with less gear.
- Jordan Tam