Topo (climbing)

A topo for a 5-pitch climb

Topo in climbing is a term which refers to the graphical representation (sketch drawing or a photograph with routes depicted) of a climbing route. It is also used for a climbing guidebook of a crag or climbing area in which most routes are described graphically by such topos.

Individual topo gives the approximate shape of the route, the important rock formations close to the route and details of the grade and protection of each section of the climb. Topo guides usually also include the length of the climbs, where exactly each climb starts, and how to get to the area of the climbs. It will usually specify if a climb is a sport climb (with fixed protection) or a trad climb (traditional, e.g. needing gear to install protection during climb).