| Ref: Alan Kane's
Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies |
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Leaving Burstall Pass Trail at the start. |
| Scramble: RT
8.0 (including Murray); 3.0
up. We had planned an outing in the Chester Lake area
but the trail was closed because of bear activity. The weather was
fantastic and after driving for three hours, we didn't want to turn
back. We figured there might be a scramble we can do from the Burstall
Pass parking lot across the road. We had Kane's first edition
scrambling book: we picked Cegnfs and Murray. Without reading trip
reports
from other scramblers, we were unaware of some helpful details. We
ended up ascending the north ridge of Cegnfs too early. Although we
noticed our mistake well before reaching the ridge crest, we still had
to side-hill on loose rubble to gain to right ascent slope. We found
the
mentioned ascent drainage on the way down. It is easy to follow while
descending
but the rocky drainage does not run all the way to the trail
below, making it harder to spot coming up. Upon hearing the waterfall
(you don't
really see it), continue on the trail past a small creek
(intermittent). Shortly after, start ascending the west flank. Within
10-15 minutes, you should find the drainage with its very
impressive, tall waterfalls. If you can find it, it's half the battle! Unfortunately, the ascent
up Cegnfs is loose and not that pleasant. |
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Crossing French Creek. |
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| This is the rocky access drainage. We found it on the way down. |
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| We came down above the creek bed (climber's right) but some people stay in the draw to gain the grassy slopes ahead. |
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| Beautiful waterfalls rage down Cegnfs' west flank. |
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| Mount Murray's towering summit block on the right. |
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| Don't start climbing when you hear the waterfall!!! You'll end up way over there. |
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| We contoured towards Murray until we noticed a weakness in the bluffs. |
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| Weakness in the bluffs. |
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Finally on the right path. |
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The ascent ridge. |
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Mount Murray, the trail is visible. |
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The summit of Cegnfs. |
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Looking north towards Spray Lakes. |
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Continue
on to Mount Murray |
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