| Ref: Aaron Cameron and
Matt Gunn's Hikes
around Invermere & the Columbia River Valley.
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Trailhead to Jumbo Pass.
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Scramble:
RT 6.0; 3.25 up. After a short scramble on saturday, I felt
recovered enough to head out again. The weather was very nice and I
didn't want to pass that up. I figured it was a great opportunity to
try out Bastille Mountain; the drive isn't long, there's a superb
approach trail to Jumbo Pass and the scramble seemed fun without being
too long. As expected, hiking the trail to Jumbo Pass was fast and
delightful. From there, we quickly gained the first peak of Bastille
without difficulty. The second peak looks challenging if you chose to
stay on the ridge, which we did. First we had to negotiate downsloping
slabs losing a bit of height; then we aimed for the ridge proper just
before a short section of moderately difficult moves that precede the
top. It is also possible to go up random places on the bluffs,
climber's right of the ridge; we chose a weakness through there on the
way down. In my opinion, the second peak is the toughest of all 4
summits but all difficulties can be avoided by circumventing the peak
on the south side. The third peak is easily gained after dealing with a
small rockwall from the saddle. From the top of the third summit we
scrutanized the final peak, it looked straightforward. The description
in the book warns of a couple awkward crux moves up a mossy chimney; we
experienced no crux moves and nothing mossy! The whole traverse didn't
take very long and was quite easier than expected. We stayed at the top
for a good while enjoying the surrounding glaciated mountains, I even
had a short nap which is rare for me... We backtracked the way we came,
except for a short variation down the second peak that also offered a
short challenge. Once back on the trail, it was a quick and painless
return to the trailhead. I really recommend this outing, the view is
stellar for the amount of effort!
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Very good trail.
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Bastille Mountain.
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At the pass we head towards our objective.
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Ascending to the saddle to gain the first peak on the left.
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At the saddle, it's a glorious day.
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Easy climb up peak one.
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On the first summit of Bastille with glaciated mountains all around.
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Jumbo hut is on the opposite ridge.
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The second peak offers the crux of the trip!
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Navigating downsloping slabs before aiming for the ridge on the left.
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Little ramps lead to the ridge proper.
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The crux looks easy on this picture but it is exposed for a few moves.
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Fabrice rounds off the crux and gains the top of the second peak.
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Looking back, the crux is in the shade unfortunately.
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Third peak appears easy.
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Off I go.
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The small rockband below me grants a slight challenge.
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Chosing a fun option to the top of peak three.
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Third summit.
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Looking at the fourth summit, seems simple.
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Down peak three.
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Last one!
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Up peak four, we never encountered the fore-warned awkward moves...
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Yep, simple....
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Voila, peak four!
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Stunning views.
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Summit ballet.
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Heading back down.
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Backtracking up peak three.
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Being silly!!
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Chosing an
alternate way down peak two; there's several options here and of
course, it's possible to go around and circumvent difficulties.
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Fab's turn.
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Back at the saddle below peak one.
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| Back
to home page |
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