Skaha Bluffs

Skaha Bluffs is a rock climbing area located just south of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada on a hillside above Skaha Lake. The climbing takes place in three parallel canyons. Notable climbing walls include Fortress, Red Tail, Doctors wall, The Great White Wall and The Grand Canyon. The area is mostly a sport climbing area, though many traditional climbing opportunities also exist. The rock formations in the area are predominantly a coarse-grained gneiss and are generally under 30 meters tall.

Skaha Bluffs has gained recognition as a destination climbing area due to its mild weather, easy access and high number of sport climbing routes.

The only access to the area (the Braeside farm) was closed permanently as of November 1st, 2006, but has since been reopened in 2007. A number of options for a permanent parking/access solution are being explored by a local group that consists of climbers and other interested parties such as The Land Conservancy [http://www.conservancy.bc.ca] , Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Climbers Access Society of BC [http://www.access-society.ca] . Each of these latter groups are assisting where they can. As of December 2006 a task force has been established (chaired by the mayor) to try and find a solution to this problem. A fundraising group is currently (2007) raising funds to purchase a permanent parking area for the bluffs. For up to date information please contact the Penticton Visitor Centre at 1-800-663-5052.

External links

* [http://www.skaha.org Skaha.org]
* [http://www.tourismpenticton.com Penticton's Official Tourist Site]

Permanent access to Skaha Bluffs in BC's South Okanagan has been secured. The local climbing community has worked for years to secure public access to the Bluffs. Mountain Equipment Co-op and The Land Conservancy (TLC) joined the effort in 2006. With financial support from the province of BC, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Climber's Access Society, and other partners, TLC closed the $5.2 million deal on January 16, 2008.

All in all, more than 740 MEC members gave over $140,000 to the campaign. MEC matched those donations up to the first $100,000 and kicked in an additional $250,000 – for total contribution of $350,000 towards the land purchase.

Local climber and guidebook author Howie Richardson said, "This is truly a landmark deal, the culmination of 20 years of effort that came to fruition because of the shared vision and generosity of many individuals and organizations. Climbers and conservationists will be elated that they and their children are now assured of enjoying this jewel of the Okanagan in the future."

The success of this effort is an outstanding example of what can happen when like-minded organizations work together towards a common goal. And, thanks to everyone's efforts, the public will always be able to access the Bluffs – one of the most popular climbing areas and an ecological jewel.