This small tube container is located on Souper Smoke, a great 4 pitch, 5.4 fully bolted sport climbing route located on the Door Jamb Mountain Slabs, developed by Grant Parkin in Summer 2021. This is a very nice and easy slabby rock climb that would be perfect for beginner rock climbers or any climber looking for an easy day out. The stone is beautifully textured and offers fairly low angle slab climbing. This climb would likely be a classic easy rock route if it weren't sitting quite literally at the top of a mountain! Note that this geocache is an extreme challenge which requires specialized skills in multi-pitch rock climbing and the appropriate climbing equipment.
A Rough Idea of the Route Location on Door Jamb Mountain:
The Route
Climbing Slabs up High on Souper Smoke:
Souper Smoke is a lovely slab rock climb that sits high up on the Door Jamb Slabs, a climbing area right near the summit of Door Jamb Mountain. Owing to the long approach, the Door Jamb Slabs are generally a very quiet climbing area. The only people you are likely to see up there are lost scramblers looking for the proper route up Door Jamb Mountain! There are close to 10 established routes on the slabs, all in the 5.4-5.6 range. Although first developed back in the late 90's as a gear-climbing venue, the slabs have recently (2020 / 2021) been re-discovered as a location for high quality bolted rock climbs. The rock is beautiful textured slab, and the modern well-protected bolted routes are sure to attract more climbers than ever before.
Souper Smoke is one of the longest routes at the Door Jamb Slabs. It sits at the far left-hand slab near (or on?) an old trad route called High Altitude Graffiti. Souper Smoke climbs generally straight up the 45 degree slab for 4 x 30 m pitches. The climbing is never really more difficult than about 5.3 / 5.4, and a beginner climber would likely have no trouble once they are used to friction smearing on slab (climbing shoes help a lot!). The route is well bolted for somebody who would be challenged by the grade. All of the pitches are at or just over 30 m in length, with 2 bolt rappel anchors placed every 30-ish meters. Souper Smoke is a fun route that would definitely be a classic easy multi-pitch route if it were right beside the highway and not at the summit of Door Jamb Mountain. That said, if you're not afraid of a little hike with a heavy pack, you will be rewarded with stunning views, no crowds and a beautiful rock climb to the summit!
Recommended rack: 10 quickdraws, 60 m rope.
The Approach & Descent
In my opinion, the crux of this climb is the approach. Expect a steep and relentless hike up the Door Jamb Mountain scramble route to the base of the climbing slabs. Follow the standard scramble route upwards until you start to approach the large slabs. The trails lead you left towards the slabs (which is confusing for scramblers trying to head up the ridge for the summit). Once at the slabs, traverse left - you may have to carefully backtrack and downclimb to keep pushing left. Pass below the beautiful runnel-filled Machu Picchu slab, pick up a trail and follow it to the base of the climb (waypoint provided). Approach: 2 km, 550 m gain, 1-2 hours
Walking off from this route is preferred over rappelling. You will top out your climb at the summit of Door Jamb Mountain, which is pretty cool! From there, simply scramble down the standard scramble route. You can rappel the route with a 60 m rope. Some of the rappels are about 31 m long - tie knots or you will almost definitely rappel off the ends! A 70 m rope is preferable if you are planning on rappelling.
Safety Blurb
This geocache lies high up on a steep cliff face. Without the proper rock climbing equipment and knowledge, attempting to reach this geocache could easily be fatal. Even with the proper climbing equipment (which I will not describe - you should know what you need!), you and your climbing partner will need the appropriate skills for multipitch sport climbing. Even though this is a fairly easy route suitable for beginners, bring climbing gear and know how to use it. You will need climbing gear to access the geocache. If you are not 100% confident in your equipment or skillbase, seek guiding or training from a certified professional!
Leading up Pitch 3 of Souper Smoke:
Awesome Views from High Up on the Slabs:
