| Ref: Drew
and Mark in the Canadian Rockies |
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Parked at the Stoney
Trail trailhead. |
| Scramble: RT 6.75; 3.25 up.
This small mountain is a great early season objective. It is possible
to reach the base of the peak directly by wading the Kananaskis River
or by following the cutline for 7 kilometers; we chose the latter. We
took the Kananaskis Village turn off and parked at the Stoney Trail
trailhead. The bike ride is pleasant and casual. After stashing our
bikes near the ascent ridge, we proceeded on foot through light timber.
We found a good trail higher up, along the ridge; it was nice to be
plodding on ground again. Shortly after leaving the bikes, we attained
treeline. We were pleased to see the summit ridge free of
snow, as it presents some challenge. The ridge is steep and near the
top, an exposed section requires hands-on scrambling. Fab had to coax
me up the crux; I didn't want to think about coming down... The
following stretch seemed easier to negotiate, even if I had to crouch
down on a narrow bit. Within minutes, we stood by the cairn, engulfed
in cloud. Visibility was near zero and the occasional drizzle
made it feel almost eerie. We had a quick break before returning the
same way. I faired out better than I thought at the crux; in no time,
we
were back in the trees where we stopped for a sheltered break. Once
again, we enjoyed our day out in K-Country; Mary Barclay is
a short, fun scramble! |
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It's about 7
kilometers along the cutline to reach Mary Barclay's south ridge. |
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Looking back towards
The Wedge. |
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Following a good
trail to treeline. |
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The summit ridge is
short but impressive. |
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Low clouds start to
move in... |
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Looking back again. |
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Scrambling is
required for the last stretch. |
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Fab's about to
tackle the moderately difficult crux. |
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Nearing the top. |
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Happy to be
at the summit cairn! |
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View west. |
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Standing on a narrow
section of ridge, shortly after leaving the top. |
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Breaking out of the
clouds. |
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Descending the crux,
Fab makes it look easy... |
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Thumbs up for this
thrilling short scramble. |
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North-eastern view. |
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Last glimpse at Mary
Barclay's steep summit ridge. |
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The road, river and
cutline are clearly visible. |
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Back at the cutline
for a casual ride. |
| Back to home page |
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