Carry Peak GR:365858

elevation: 2,002 m.
height gain: approx. 700 m. from the tarn (includes height loss)
area: Coquihalla Summit,BC
map 92 H/11
2022-Sep-18



From the tarn at the foot of Jim Kelly Peak, I located the trail leading to the Coquihalla/Jim Kelly Col and followed the trail segments that circumvent Coquihalla Mountain on its south side. I passed its class 2 ascent route and continued to the west end of the mountain, 402874. Then, I descended at the base of the south-west bowl, 400874, and beelined to Carry Peak's connecting ridge, 397875. I followed the long undulating ridge to the summit. I encountered no difficulties other than a short section of easy/moderate scrambling.

coquihalla col


Following the trail to the Coquihalla/Jim Kelly Col.
Scramble: RT 7.75; 3.75 up from the tarn (approach is about 3 hrs up, 2 hrs down). Carry Peak was the main goal on this visit to Illal Meadows. ClubTread provided the only source of information on this objective; the route described circumvents Coquihalla Mountain on its northern aspect. During my outing to Illal Mountain yesterday, I took note of Coquihalla's westmost north ridge (third buttress). Negotiating the buttress requires substantial height loss or route finding through ledges; as mentioned in the trip report. Part of the route, if I chose to stay high, remained hidden. I knew the southern aspect of the mountain had decent trail segments; I had travelled that route a couple of months ago to ascend Coquihalla via the easy class 2 route. So, I decided to venture on the southern aspect to gain Carry Peak's connecting ridge. A glance at Google Earth revealed promising access; however, the route was unknown beyond the trail. I started hiking early, retracing my way along the south side of Coquihalla Mountain. Although it's easy to lose the trail segments going through boulder fields, I had a general idea of where to go. I passed Coquihalla's ascent and continued heading west towards Carry Peak. I negotiated a short section of forest before reaching the vast bowl that precedes the connecting ridge. The brief bushwhack wasn't that bad. Once in the bowl, a simple traverse took me to the ridge. Frankly, the route on the southern aspect of Coquihalla looks like the way to go; it's straightforward and pain-free! I followed the goat path that avoids the krummholz and unnecessary height loss; the goats always know where to go. The lengthy ridge grants delightful hiking despite dipping several times. There were dried-up tarns along the way, a testament to how dry this summer has been. The final dip before the summit is the most significant, just like Portia Peak's ridge walk. I could see the summit; I only had a short section of easy scrambling on the ridge, and the rest was a simple walk. Once at the top, I enjoyed the feat and the view; unfortunately, I couldn't stay very long as I had a long trek back to my camp and then to the truck. The thought of my return was disheartening; I wasn't looking forward to hiking out with the heavy pack after such a long haul. I backtracked the lovely ridge to the only source of water that remained at the base of a drift snowpatch; I desperately needed rehydration. After a good drink, I continued to the camp without many stops. By 4 PM, I had all my gear packed up. The hike to the truck wasn't as bad as expected until I reached the decommissioned road; my goodness, it seemed endless... I was elated to see the truck. I drove off as darkness set upon me; today's timing was impeccable! I stopped in Merritt for a large coffee and a snack; this was a great outing.














trail segments on south side

Trail segments circumvent Coquihalla Mountain on the south side.

en route to west end of coquihalla

En Route to the west end of the mountain; the arrow indicates a rock step where the trail continues.

approaching the rock step

Approaching the rock step (center).

almost at coquihalla's ascent route

This short trail segment takes you to Coquihalla's class 2 ascent route.

beyond ascent route

Continuing beyond Coquihalla Mountain's ascent route.

terrain is easy to negotiate

The terrain to Carry's connecting ridge is easy to negotiate.

breaking out of the trees


Breaking out of the trees above the south-west bowl; the connecting ridge is in sight.


easy travel


Easy travel to the connecting ridge with Carry Peak in the distance (center).


following a goat trail


Following the goat trail through the krummholz.


lovely view


Lovely view of familiar peaks along the way.


enjoyable hiking


The undulating ridge grants enjoyable random hiking.


getting closer


Getting closer.


scrambling section


The only scrambling section on this outing.


last stretch to the top


Last stretch to the summit.


at the summit


At the summit cairn, yippee!!


looking back


Looking back at Coquihalla and Illal Mountains.


view north-west


The view north-west includes Mount Breakenridge, Traverse and Surprise Peaks.


western view


The Old Settler stands out west of me.


view north


View north.


leaving the summit


Leaving the summit after a brief stay.


back at scrambling section


Looking down the short scrambling section.


dried-up tarns


There are numerous dried-up tarns along the ridge.


varied terrain


Terrain varies along the way.


rehydrating


Rehydrating with this fresh cold water was delightful.


vibrant fall colours


The vibrant fall colours are stunning.


traverse in view


The whole traverse to Coquihalla's south side is in view.


point of entry


Once in the south-west bowl, this is the approximate point of entry into the trees towards Coquihalla's ascent route.


a bit of gnarly bush


A bit of gnarly bush, nothing too nasty.


important trail segment


Once rejoined with Coquihalla Mountain's ascent route, a crude path in the scree leads to an important trail segment.


back at rock step


Back at the rock step.


circumventing coquihalla


Circumventing Coquihalla Mountain to the Coquihalla/Jim Kelly Col.


low water level


The tarn's water level at the foot of Jim Kelly is very low.


illal mountain


Illal Mountain from the meadows on my way out.
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