| Ref:
Alan Kane's Scrambles
in the Canadian Rockies |
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Following the trail
towards Sunset Pass. |
| Scramble: RT 11.0; 6.25 up.
Mount Coleman is an alluring tall mountain accessed by a popular trail;
it warrants a visit! With a promising forecast, we were quick to plan
an attempt; we called Charles, who's always keen to get out in the
backcountry. We met him at the trailhead and got a quick start up the
pleasant trail. After two hours, we reached the twin falls where we
crossed, leaving the trail behind. We aimed for the slide path and soon
veered towards the forest to evade the alder. Light bushwhacking led to
treeline and a lovely ascent to the col on firm snow. From there we
weren't too sure where the route went exactly but as we got closer to
the upper mountain, the way became clear. We clambered onto the summit
ridge with little difficulty. We continued towards the summit and were
surprised when we saw the top so near. A couple of steps close to the
edge, over the steep north glacier is the crux; it is followed
by a short traverse on the glacier prior the summit block. We sat at
the top for quite a long time. The view is spectacular from this lofty
viewpoint and even more enjoyable when there are few clouds and the
breeze is cooling on a hot day. We came down the same way and took
advantage of the softened snow. We managed to avoid the alder in the
bottom of the slide path by continuing along the forest's edge,
climber's left. Once on the trail, we carried on a good pace back to
the parking lot. Some trip reports mention that the scramble is less
difficult than expected, we agree. |
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We left the trail
and crossed over the twin falls. |
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Bottom of the slide
path, we quickly beelined to the forest climber's right. |
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At treeline, the
view opens up and the ascent to the col is revealed. |
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Hiking up the snow
was great. |
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More snow to assist
our plod to the col. |
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At the col, we aim
for the shallow gully (snowpatches). |
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Frozen tarn on the
north side of the ascent slope. |
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We veered climber's
right and went towards a distinct rock outcrop. |
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Going left of the
outcrop is a bit more difficult than the right side. |
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The upper gully is
straightforward. |
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Once on the summit
ridge, we are moments away from the top. |
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Cirrus Mountain. |
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The crux, a couple
of steps over the very steep north glacier. |
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Short glacier
traverse to the summit block. |
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Moving onto the
summit block. |
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Minutes away! |
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At the top with
Mount Columbia (left margin). |
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Alexandra River to
the south-west. |
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Mount Columbia lined
up with Coleman's false summit. |
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Eastern view. |
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Leaving the top. |
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Crossing over to the
glacier. |
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Hanging on for dear
life! |
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Short summit ridge
with exquisite sights. |
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Back down the upper
gully, the distinct outcrop is in the middle. |
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Charles practices
with the alpine axe. |
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Back at treeline. |
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We crossed just
below the twin falls and rejoined the trail. |
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Awesome day out in
the mountains! |
| Back to home page |
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