Smoke Bluffs Update

Here are some updates on what is new in the Smoke Bluffs Park.  A huge thank you goes out to the Smoke Bluffs Park Committee (SBC), its chair Brian Moorhead, the myriad of volunteers active in the park and the District of Squamish.

1. Final phase of the loop trail, the upper loop, is now complete. This provides an all season route through the Bluffs, passing close to most of the important crags, and suitable for the general hiking and running public. Additionally the lower loop near Spiderfly has had the choke point graded and stairs added.
2. Due to the efforts of local cragkeepers and route developers, Funorama is poised to become one of the most popular crags in the Bluffs.  Thanks to Harry Young, Robin Barley and Alan Stevenson among others.   A good number of non standard anchors have been upgraded.
3. Harry Young did a fantastic job of cleaning up Call It a Day. The SBC crag work group with SAS support added a number of anchors, and plans are afoot to have the landing area machine graded as part of the loop trail.  The intent is to create a really user-friendly teaching crag for large beginner groups, plus provide easy crack climbs suitable for beginning trad leaders.
4. Another bike rack has been placed at the base of Burgers and Fries. These are starting to see good use so look for an additional one at Tunnel Rock area in the future.
5. A new information Kiosk has been installed at the Kids Park area near Neat and Cool. New updated maps will be installed at both Kiosks by early summer.
6. The District of Squamish has approved the development of a protocol by the SBC to better manage film industry activities in the Park.  This is a result of increased interest and use by the film industry, and pressure by the SAS over the last few years for agencies to strike a balance between the obvious benefits of the industry being welcome in Squamish and the interests of climbers and recreationalists.