| Head
towards Ya Ha Tinda Ranch and park along the side of the road at a
clearing, 079260, with the Minos-Labyrinth Col to the west. Hike to the
river, a trail exists in the trees on the right of the cutblock but it
could be difficult to find. Ford the river and bushwhack towards the
col, climber's right of the drainage. A good horse trail goes around
the west side of the mountain and continues to the Bighorn Campground;
it's unclear where to pick up this trail along the river, it seems to
veer north, running along the east side of Labyrinth before crossing
the river. Once on the trail, follow it until the forest opens up,
047273. Ascend the south-west slopes to the summit. |
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Minos-Labyrinth Col
from the road. |
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Matthew à cheval
while Crux contemplates other options. |
| Scramble:
RT 8.5; 4.5 up. This weekend we decided to plan a trip with the dogs
and head to our
new favorite spot, Ya Ha Tinda Ranch. Raff had Labyrinth
Mountain
in mind, it seemed like a good objective to try with the dogs. In good
fashion, Raff invited a couple of victims: So, Matthew and Crux. Fresh
snow fell overnight and the temperature was below zero; it felt like
winter, even the small mountains were engulfed in low cloud, brrr....
The outing started with an unnecessary crossing of a deep creek; Crux
didn't want to cross it so Matt and Fab found an easy way further
north. We then crossed the knee-deep Red Deer River; Rupert and Lincoln
had no trouble but Daisy hesitated and whined as she crossed, pauvre
pitoune. Ice formed on their fur, I was really hoping for some sun
soon. After putting our boots back on, we proceeded to bushwhack
towards the col, looking for the horse trail. We thrashed blindly
before coming to the drainage between Labyrinth and Minos. We knew
the trail was supposedly on the north side of the drainage so we
traversed and made our way on the sunny side; we found the trail
shortly thereafter. Following the trail was delightful, better yet, the
sun came out. In a hurry to start climbing, we ascended the light
timbered slopes. Well into the trees, we encountered
abrasive blocky terrain, Fabrice and Matt stayed behind with the
dogs. Above treeline, the convoluted terrain hosting huge blocks is
easily negotiated. A short treed summit ridge leads to the top. At the
highpoint, we
verified we truly reached the summit before stopping to take
pictures. Returning wasn't the fastest in the blocky terrain and got
even slower when So sprained his ankle. With a fair amount of
discomfort, he continued to the horse trail where we met up
with the hounds and their masters. We followed the trail until it
veers north along labyrinth's east side, we then followed the odd game
trail back to the river. Back at the truck, we put the heater on full
blast for our hounds and said our goodbyes before retreating to the
Bighorn
Campground for a great night around a fire. |
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About to ford the
Red Deer River. |
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Lincoln says: follow
me mummy! |
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On the horse trail
with the sun shining. |
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The boys, Rupert and
Lincoln. |
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Lovely trekking on
the west side of Labyrinth Mountain.
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Ascending
Labyrinth's south-west slopes. |
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Abrasive rock well
below treeline; unfortunately,
doggies stay behind... |
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Typical terrain. |
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Convoluted rocky
terrain, not doggy friendly. |
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Looking back. |
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Sporting a Bighorn
Sheep rack. |
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Summit ridge. |
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Mount Minos from the
top. |
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Summit Kung fu!
Picture courtesy of Raff. |
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Heading down. |
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Wapiti Mountain
(left) beyond big blocks. |
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Back on the horse
trail. |
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Rejoined with my fur
babies. |
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Fabrice is
dispensing treats. |
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Matthew and his
loyal peak-bagging hound, Crux. |
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Lincoln leading
Fabrice back to shore. |
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More treats for the
wet hounds. |
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Raff, get a grip
will you! |
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Another fine day
beating around the bush! |
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