| From highway 95, Ben
Hynes Loop road is accessed
north or south of Harrogate. From there, look for Headly road; the
first kilometers are indicated on the topo map. At 399477,
take the
less-traveled road on the left, it is signed Headly road and has yellow
km markers. Cross Hot Creek and continue to 375520 heading in a
north-west direction. Just past the 7 marker the road switchbacks, it
is possible to drive up to a
landing at 383517; we drove our car up that part very slowly,
shallow water bars interrupt the road. Hike the south-west slopes to a
saddle below the rock face, 389522. Traverse and contour on the east
side,
towards the ascent gully which is followed to the summit ridge, 389528.
The connecting ridge has a few minor dips to break up the steady climb
to the top. |
|
 |
|
Castle's summit on
the left and the top of the ascent gully right of the rock
face. |
|
 |
|
|
We aimed between the
rock face and the mound. |
| Snowshoe trip:
RT 5.0;
3.25 up. We planned this trip hoping the dogs would be able to carry on
to the upper gully and stay with Fab while I continued to the top. It
turned out to be a great outing close to home. The hike into the ascent
gully was short and the gully itself was straightforward. Once at the
crest, Fab decided to go back down a little because of the steep drop
on the east side; he set up a nice, safe area for the dogs. I proceeded
easily to the summit, pulling out my snowshoes on the connecting ridge.
The final stretch was quite enjoyable with awesome views. At the top, I
was granted a look into the Beaverfoot Valley and its numerous
surrounding peaks. Heading down was quick and eventful; while
taking a break lower, we started picking off ticks in the hounds'
fur. The itch soon followed as we checked each other's back of the
neck, feeling our scalp repeatedly... I recall Fab picking off at least
12 of the little buggers! Click on tick to see a
picture. |
|
 |
|
Hiking in burnt
trees with no undergrowth (yet) was nice. |
|
 |
|
|
Rupert and Lincoln;
Daisy is out and about, she never rests! |
|
|
 |
|
|
Entering the ascent
gully with just a little height loss. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Nice hiking up this
easy gully. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The upper gully. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking south-west. |
|
|
 |
|
|
At the crest of the
gully, the top is not that far. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Fab and the hounds
are heading down a little to wait for me. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Good travelling on
snowshoes. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking south-east
along the Beaverfoot Range. |
|
|
 |
|
|
South ascent ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
North-east view
towards the Beaverfoot with Mount Mollison and Striped Mountain (right
margin) among many. |
|
|
 |
|
|
This summit plod was
quite enjoyable. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Last bit before
reaching the crest of the gully. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The steepish
backside of the gully; not a good spot for the dogs. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Crest of the ascent
gully, Fab is just below. |
|
|
 |
|
|
All focused,
anxiously waiting to go again. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Down the gully to
the saddle below. |
| Back
to home page |
|
|
