Bouldering

Big rock is a large glacially deposited boulder located on the North side of highway twenty in Tweedsmuir park. Also known as split rock following its splitting several years back, Alhliiqwalh has several climbing problems.

There's a V6 problem up the south-west corner, a fun dyno move on the East side, some fun climbing up the North-east corner, going either left or right, an interesting mantle type start problem on the North-west face, and of course, there's the crack to climb up and the tree.

Be aware that Alhliiqwalh is also an important landmark connected to Nuxalk history, and is linked to events going back several thousand years. There are also petroglyphs on the rock itself, which have been damaged in the past, though it is unclear whether this has been by climbers or by vandals. Efforts to clean up graffiti have been misguided as well, and the grey paint sprayed on the side of the rock may have done even more damage.

All this is to say, please think carefully before using the rock recreationally, be careful to do no damage, both out of respect and because damaging archaeological sites is a crime carrying significant penalties.

This series of boulders are on the upstream flank of Snootli Slab / Mount Noohalk (Anulhk'als). They can be reached from the skating rink parking lot: follow the trail behind to a small road, then continue on the trail immediately on the other side of the road rather than the Snootli descent trail that begins several metres to the right. Follow this trail up the hillside for ten minutes and eventually you will arrive at the boulders. At present, I've been calling the four boulders by the names of the four mountains going upvalley from Noohalk: Noohalk (or Snootli Slab), Schoolhouse, Noosatsum, and Tabletop, but I've been using their Nuxalk names: Anulhk'als (scraped wall), Snukulhikuus (with a high forehead), Nusq'alst (place of axe-stone), and Wapat (Sideways). I've added -ii to the end of each name.

The first boulder is a slabby problem, called Anulhk'alsii (scraped wall), Little Snootli slab. There are a number of fun ways to get to the top on every side, and a very good place to introduce people to slabs and footwork.

The trail splits just beyond the first boulder and goes down the hill. Just to the right of the trail is the second boulder, Snukulhikuusii, Little Schoolhouse Peak. There are again a number of ways to get up - a few different approaches from the right corner, as well as from the left. You'll need a pad for this, as there are some nasty rocks and stumps.

A minute down the trail, and down in the trees to the left is a massive boulder called Nusq'alstii - Little mount Noosatsum. Like the mountain, it is massive. You can climb up a tree on the downhill side, and top-rope the problem on the uphill side, or you can just go for it!

Another minute along the path the trail takes a sharp turn up the hill, and off to the left of the trail twenty or so yards is the final boulder, Wapatii - Little Tabletop. This is very much what it sounds like, a broad-faced boulder with a nice edge all around the top and a few nice places to put your feet. It's a mildly pumpy traverse and a good place to practice hanging with your feet!

Fifteen minute hike to the back boulder, though the trail continues further to function as a descent trail from the east wall of the mountain.