Updated Public Notice

Due to Phase II of the flood mitigation construction by the MD of Bighorn at Jura Creek, please park in front of the Exshaw Legion (Prospector Trail MTB parking) and walk around the shoulder of Exshaw Mountain to The Drive-In. This helps minimize our footprint in the construction zone and supports continued access.

Where is The Drive-In?

The Drive-In is located on the left side of Jura Creek, just before the canyon—east of Exshaw. Park at the Exshaw Legion and follow the trail around the base of Exshaw Mountain, avoiding active construction. A .kml file is available for GPS guidance. This trail crosses private land, so please travel respectfully.

How Did We Find The Drive-In?

Unlike most drytooling crags in the Bow Valley, The Drive-In offers sun exposure and easy access. Originally spotted by Jay Mills and later revisited by Rafal Andronowski and our team, the crag was identified as a perfect moderate drytooling venue. With Jay’s support, development began to create a user-friendly training crag.

Current Routes at The Drive-In

Routes are listed from left to right, each approx. 15m in length:

• Happy Feet D5+ – FA: Liam O’Sullivan, Rob Fulton
• True Romance D5- – FA: Amanda Bischke
• Deception D5 – FA: Joel Faubert
• Tropic Thunder D6 – FA: Alex Lawson
• Dirty Dancing D6 – FA: Paul Taylor
• Batman Begins D7- – FA: Mark Bramble, Paul Taylor
• Joe Versus the Volcano D7- – FA: Mark Bramble
• Groundhog Day D6 – FA: Mark Bramble
• Jackie Brown D6+ – FA: Mark Bramble
• Demolition Man D7 – FA: Mark Bramble

Crag Notes

• The Drive-In is new and has loose rock. Communicate with your belayer.
• Routes are on a narrow ledge above a 15–20m embankment. Be mindful with pets.
• Sport anchors have fixed steel carabiners. If top-roping, use a personal anchor to avoid wear.

Route Development

Routes were cleaned on rappel and tested on top rope. Holds have been selectively enhanced to improve durability. The goal is to create thoughtful movement—not just power routes—while respecting the rock.

Feedback

We welcome input on grades, movement, and safety. If holds are damaged or if a route feels off, please do not modify it. Contact the development team to ensure consistent, safe updates. Most routes were tested by Amanda (5'1") to ensure accessibility across body types.

What is Drytooling and Mixed Climbing?

Drytooling is the use of ice tools and crampons on bare rock. It's part of a growing discipline that overlaps with mixed climbing—used to gain waterfall ice via rock terrain. The UIAA World Cup Ice Climbing circuit supports the sport’s global growth.