If you are an avid rock climber and are itching to climb on rock outside, Sunshine Ridge is your answer. Located close to Anchorage, Alaska along the Seward Highway is a wonderful rock climb to gain confidence and learn how to place trad gear. This route is rated 5.7, however most would claim it is something more like 5.5. Without getting into the weeds about grades, the route is fun and has quality rock, which is a surprise for the area.
Sunshine Ridge is a four pitch, 450 foot, mixed rock route, meaning traditional climbing and sport climbing, that takes you to the top of a prominent prow along the Seward Highway. Many climbers will enjoy this climb after work, or on the way to work, and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes car to car.
Read on to discover what gear you need, the route description, how to know if you are ready for this climb, and so much more!
The pitch description goes as such:
Pitch 1: 5.5, from some boulders about 50ft up the scree slab, climb past a few bolts (button head) and up onto the ridge. After about 60-70ft from the deck there is small ledge to belay off of with some gear. You can also keep climbing to one bolt one chain anchor above that. 150ft.
Pitch 2: 5.7 From the anchor climb up and to the left and climb a small bulge with some bolts. Climb up past bolts to a large boulder on a ledge. Belay from here. 120ft.
Pitch 3: 5.6 From the boulder climb up the face with some bolts. Climb the 5.6 moves to more easy climbing. There is a two bolt anchor above this. 100ft.
Pitch 4: 5.6 Climb up and left from the anchor to a left to a leftwards leaning crack, climb this and cut back right past a bolt to a two bolt anchor on a small ledge. There are also opportunities to belay from gear above the anchor. 100ft
Gear Needed to Climb Sunshine Ridge near Anchorage, Alaska?
If you are new to multi-pitch rock climbing, Sunshine Ridge will be a wonderful route to practice and develop your skills. I suggest bringing the following protection:
2x cordelettes for anchors
A set of stoppers (aka nuts)
Walkie talkies
2x gri-gris
Note: this rock climb suggest bringing cams and nuts, however I did not place any and only used quick-draws. I think there has been some retro-bolting in recent years.
Other Rock Climbs Close to Sunshine Ridge:
If you have more time I suggest exploring other rock climbs in the area. There has been a large boom of rock climb develop in the area and here are some of the classics:
Make sure to enjoy the sunset views from the summit of Sunshine Ridge, the views are absolutely incredible! Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discovered what gear you need, the route description, and how to know if you are ready for this climb it is your turn to get out and enjoy this fun climb. If you have any additional information that could/would be helpful for other climbers, please drop a comment below.
