Abbott, Mount (Traverse)

elevation: 2,465 m. height gain: 1,225 m.
area: Rogers Pass,BC map 82 N/4-5-6
2012-Sep-16


Ref: Bivouac
at the trailhead


At the trailhead.
Scramble: RT 11.5 (including Mount Afton's Traverse); 4.5 up. What a treat to be able to go on a trip with my friends from Revelstoke on this last weekend of summer; even better on a bluebird day. Val wanted to go somewhere close to home; I proposed this popular outing in beautiful Rogers Pass. Research hints at a traverse from Mount Abbott to Mount Afton (class 4) and also an easier route up Afton exists via its north-west ridge; I was hoping to do the traverse. We met at the Illecillewaet Campground and were soon on our way. Two hours of hiking took us to treeline. I love this place with its tall, majestic mountains and numerous glaciers. We continued towards Abbott Ridge on the excellent trail, conversing. After rounding the north end of Abbott, Bonney Glacier comes into view; climbing to the ridge reveals the Asulkan Valley, Mount Sir Donald and the end of the trail. The ridge is interesting, fun hiking; further, Mount Afton's blocky terrain is more apparent and the alpine tarn in the bowl is visible. We hiked down a dip and picked our way up Abbott's summit ridge. Big blocks and wide ledges grant easy scrambling to the top. We had lunch, soaking in the view and fantastic weather. Afton's east ridge looks daunting from here, we discussed possible ascent lines. By 2 PM, we started coming down Mount Abbott, aiming for Mount Afton's east ridge.
along the way

Mount Jupiter (left) and Mount Abbott.

abbott ridge


Abbott Ridge.


looking back


Looking back at Mount Sir Donald and Perley Rock.


nice pond


Nice pond along the way.


abbott's north end


Rounding Abbott's north end.


parsons peak


Parsons Peak comes into view.


bonney peak


Bonney Peak.


beyond the trail


Beyond the trail with Mount Afton to the right.


fun ridge walk


Interesting and fun ridge walk.


mount abbott ahead


Mount Abbott is after the dip (right center).


abbott/afton bowl


Lovely tarn in the Abbott/Afton Bowl.


summit ridge


Ascending the summit ridge.


easy scrambling


Easy scrambling.


at the top


At the top, time for lunch.


mount sir donald


Mount Sir Donald again.


mount jupiter, the dome and youngs peak


Yui with Mount Jupiter, The Dome (right) and Youngs Peak (left).


mount afton


Mount Afton's east ridge offers difficult scrambling.


Continue on to Mount Afton
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