Description:

Rimrocks is one of the newest crags in the North Okanagan, and features some of the most spectacular features in the entire valley. Free standing basalt towers formed from volcanic material rise from a sparsely vegetated talus. This landscape is framed by north facing cliff band that extends along the entire length of the scree. Climbs are established on both the cliff band and the pillars, and although there are only currently 15 established routes at this point, there is ample room for development. Routes will continue to be developed, so expect to see lines opened up that aren’t in the book. Please keep in mind that the routes are new and rockfall can be an issue. Wear a helmet. The walls are made of basalt cobbles that are fused together. This creates an abundance of holds, but they aren’t always as obvious or good as they look from a distance. The developed walls are mostly long and overhung, resulting in many classic power endurance test pieces. Overall, an experience not to be missed.

Directions / Travel Info:

From Vernon, drive east on Highway 6 towards Lumby. Approximately 10 km from downtown Vernon, turn right onto King Edward Forest Service Road (2WD Ok). Follow this road for 4km, and then turn left onto Brewer Road. Continue along Brewer road for another 2.5km to a Y intersection, passing the sign and parking for the Rim Rocks hike. At the Y-intersection, turn right onto Bolton Road. Follow the road for 1.1 km, as it passes through a recent cutblock and look for an unmarked pullout on the left side of the road with a skid trail leading into the brush on the right. Park here, if you cross a small creek you have overshot by about 200m. Once parked, walk 200m up the skid road on the right (west) side of the road. A large rock cairn marks where the climbers trail deviates to the right. Follow the climbers trail as it winds through the trees for about 500m to where it deposits you at the base of the scree. The main cliffs are visible from here. The trail trends right along the base of the scree for another 200-300m, at which point follow the cairns that lead left through the rock fields to the cliffs. Approximately 10 minutes to this point. Note, please stay on the established trail, and follow the cairns through the scree. The moss on the scree will not regrow easily, so it is up to us climbers to minimize our impact.