| Ref: Andrew
Nugara's More scrambles in the Canadian Rockies 2nd edition |
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The trail map indicates the
private property on the Sheep trail. |
Scramble:
RT 12.5; 6.25 up. After last weekend's 30 kilometer hike
to Association-End, I knew I was good to do the mileage required to
reach Gibraltar via Mist Ridge. I was looking forward to hiking the
lengthy ridge and its good trail, it boasts incredible views along the
way and apparently does not disappoint. The other "less scenic" option
via the Sheep River is no longer recommended; private property, which
is clearly marked on the trail map, must be crossed and biking is not
as efficient anymore because of the numerous washouts on that trail.
This season the weather has been unstable for most part; it seems that
afternoon thunderstorms have been the norm. Despite such a forecast on
this day, I decided to give this long trek a try and get an early start
to put the odds in my favour. I invited Jay and he agreed to meet me at
the trailhead bright and early. I spent the night at the trailhead to
avoid having to get up super early and drive, I've done this quite a
few times already this year and I rather enjoy this arrangement. When
Jay showed up, I was ready and we got on the way. The sky was already
mostly overcast; to the east there was some blue but to the north-west,
clouds were forming. We hiked at a steady pace only stopping for a
brief break at the southern summit of Mist Ridge. We continued at a
good speed to the north summit, it took us a little less than 4 hours.
We both felt time was of the essence, the clouds to the north were
getting darker and puffier although they seemed rather stationary; yet,
east of us, blue sky remained luring us to go ahead. After another
very brief break, we descended from the north summit of Mist Ridge
towards Gibraltar. We skirted the first set of bluffs and scrambled the
lower bluffs right in the middle. Following a short section of tights
trees, we reached the saddle and started our hasty ascent to the summit
ridge. Once on the summit ridge, we scrambled to the first summit that
is wrongly labeled as the true summit on the topo map. From there, the
summit ridge is a little bit more challenging; at times we travelled on
the south side to avoid difficult terrain on the ridge proper. As we
neared the true summit, Jay negotiated the ridge's outcrops while I
circumvented them by losing height. The weather had been moving in by
now, we heard some thunder to the north and it started to drizzle. At
the top, we took the time to sign the register and grab a quick bite.
There was no time to linger with the increasingly darkening sky, we
discussed wether we should return the way we came or beeline down the
south-west slopes towards Cliff Creek. The lather option wasn't too
appealing as it was unknown to us; from fear of being cliffed out, we
decided to return on the ridge. I followed Jay over the first outcrop
when we started to see lightning over Mist Mountain, we
instantly changed our plan and beelined down the mountain. To our
delight, the descent to the creek was easy and from there, we picked up
a really good goat trail along the east side of Mist Ridge. Travelling
lower down was great as there was thunder, lightning and it was
also raining with hail. We couldn't believe the timing and
how lucky we had been making the summit and descending an unknown route
with no hiccups. We even joked as we plodded on the unexpected goat
trail that led us below the south summit of Mist Ridge; that was
convenience at its best!!! Once we were back on the main trail, the sun
came out briefly and we took a well-deserved break. The sun felt so
nice, we peeled off our wet layers. That wonderful break was short
lived though, the clouds returned chilling us quickly. At that point,
we just picked ourselves up and resumed the mindless trudge back to the
parking lot. Honestly, this was a very satisfying trip with a fair
share of luck; I thought it would take us much longer and I wasn't sure
if the weather would cooperate. All and all, a superb day out chased
by storms!!!
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Lovely cows
greeting us on the trail.
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Junction for
Mist Creek trail and Mist Ridge on the right.
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Hiking on a
good trail.
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Our
objective, we'll ascend the left skyline and come down the main gully
almost straight down from the top (center).
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On Mist
Ridge's south summit, the north summit is visible in the far distance
(left center).
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Steady
pleasant plod to the north summit.
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A bit of
height loss to reach the northern end of the ridge.
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Gibraltar's
ascent slopes.
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At the north
summit of Mist Ridge, 4 hours later.
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Looking back
at Mist Ridge.
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We
negotiated some bluffs on the way down to the saddle.
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At the
saddle.
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Looking back
at the north summit of Mist Ridge.
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Starting on
the summit ridge.
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More of the
ridge.
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On the west
summit with the true eastern summit in sight.
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Circumventing
difficulties on the south side.
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Looking back
towards the west summit; it's possible to stick to the ridge proper
except for one outcrop which needs to be circumvented.
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At the top
but not for long..... T-storms quickly approaching.
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Eastern view
over Gibraltar's "Half Dome".
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View south
with Highwood Peak on the left.
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Dark clouds
and lightning over Mist Mountain beyond Mist Ridge.
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Survey
marker.
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Backtracking
on the ridge a short distance before our beeline down the gully.
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Time to bail
off the ridge to avoid lightning strikes, we went left of big rock on
the left.
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Easy descent.
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It's raining
now, just squeezed in that summit!!!
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From Cliff
Creek an awesome goat trail handrails Mist Ridge, thank you goats!
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Thunder,
lightning, rain and hail........
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Almost back
at the saddle below the southern summit of Mist Ridge.
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No, this
isn't a trick shot; the sun came out momentarily, break time!!!
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