Just
east of Craigellachie, locate Avoca West on the north side of the
highway. Shortly after, take a left onto Perry River FSR (labeled
North Fork), 808509.
Stay on the main road; just passed the 20 km marker, take a left on the
Mustang Lodge access road (5200 Road), 825682. The 11-kilometer road
consists of a series of switchbacks that climb steadily to the lodge at
1,740 meters, 801706; park there. Find the cat track behind the shop
(see pictures); the skid road leads to the broad ridge above the lodge.
Once on the ridge, take note of the area to relocate the cat track on
the way down. Head in a northerly direction to a highpoint, 794722;
descend to the saddle, then follow the south ridge. Near the summit,
bluffs bar the way. The easiest route is via the west ridge. It is
possible to access the summit from the east side; however, that route
requires route finding and is more suitable for the way down.
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This signage is posted shortly after turning onto the access road.
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Mustang Powder Cat-skiing Lodge. |
Scramble:
RT 6.5; 3.0 up. My visit to this mountain was thoroughly
spontaneous. After a failed attempt on Probity Peak last weekend due to
a flat tire and
endless days of working in 30º+ weather, I decided to take a weekday
off. I quickly planned this outing during the evening. Pious Peak
appeared to be a good candidate as it is relatively close to Salmon
Arm. Also, its trailhead at Mustang Powder Cat-skiing Lodge
would most likely grant access on a decent road. Indeed, the road to
the lodge is in good shape; I parked after a
2-hour drive. The caretaker came out to inquire about my visit; he
informed me of the cat track heading to the top of the ridge, which
eliminates all bushwhacking. Once on the broad ridge, a straightforward
plod through treeline and high alpine meadows delivered me to a
highpoint where I got a great view of the objective. From there, I
dipped to the saddle and began climbing toward
Pious Peak. While I gained height on the south ridge, trees gave way to
rocky terrain. Near the summit, bluffs bar the way; there are a
couple of options, an easy ascent via the west ridge or a
short-sighted climb from the east side. I chose the easier route. After
dropping down from the ridge, I
traversed to a gully to gain the west ridge; the terrain was steep but
not as loose as expected. After some easy scrambling, I
reached the top,
took numerous pictures, and enjoyed a nice break. I scoped out the
north-east ridge and decided to descend that way. I had noticed the
possibility of following a snow ramp back onto the south ridge earlier
when bluffs interrupted my ascent. So I scrambled down and
negotiated a short stretch of drift snow onto the south-east facing
slopes; then, I started making my way through minor rockbands towards
the snow ramps below. A prominent notch provides a simple passage back
onto the ridge. That descent worked well and granted a nice loop.
Backtracking was pleasant; even on the short, steep climb from the
saddle, I used a skid road that wasn't visible from the highpoint. I
resumed carefree hiking along the broad ridge and
located the cat track.
In a short time, I was back at the lodge. I met with the caretaker and
mechanics to give them a quick update regarding the telemetry's
condition. After petting the dog, I
headed home. This lofty Anstey Range summit is easy to access; it ranks
high on the enjoyment scale; highly recommended!
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The cat track begins behind the building on the left. |
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Look for a skid road in the trees.
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Following the cat track to the ridge.
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The broad ridge grants pleasant hiking through open terrain.
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Tiny ponds dot the ridge.
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Pious Peak comes into view beyond the highpoint ahead.
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Looking back at the lodge.
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To the south, Anstey Peak looks imposing.
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The objective from the highpoint.
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A short descent to a saddle is required.
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Resuming the ascent on the south ridge.
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Further up, the ridge is broken; the easiest way is via the west ridge (red arrow).
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Traversing scree slopes to the west ridge.
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A straightforward gully leads to the ridge.
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Upper terrain on the west ridge.
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Beautiful tarns to the west.
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Mustang Lodge's telemetry is anchored at the top.
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Looking down along the south ridge.
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The highest and northmost summit of the Anstey Range, Probity Peak.
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The north-eastern view includes glaciated summits of the Cat Group.
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The north-east ridge is my alternate descent route.
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Aiming for the snow ramps.
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Looking back up.
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The snow ramps connect to the south ridge.
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Anstey Peak's northern aspect is impressive.
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Looking back at the summit.
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I regained the south ridge through the notch ahead.
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This is where I crested back onto the ridge.
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Continuing my descent on the ridge.
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A skid road is visible on the upper section of the highpoint.
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Back on the broad ridge with the lodge in sight on the left.
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Recognizing the area where the cat track merges onto the ridge.
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The lodge's friendly ambassador.
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