| Ref:
Alan Kane's Scrambles
in the Canadian Rockies |
|
 |
|
|
Mount Richardson
(left), Pika Peak (left of center) and Ptarmigan Peak on the right.
|
| Scramble: RT
11.0; 5.5 up. I managed to convince Fab to head out once again before
we start harvesting our firewood for the winter season; the weather was
far too gorgeous to be out in the bush chopping and chucking logs! When
I proposed Pika Peak, he seemed to like the idea of trying a nearby
summit in the lovely Skoki area. As usual, we took our bikes for the
access road. We stopped at the paddock to say hello to the horses and
stashed our bikes at the trailhead. The hike in was pleasant, we
quickly reached Hidden Lake. From there, we aimed for the gullies that
lead to the ramp. We ascended the far gully climber's right and made
our way across the ramp with no difficulties. At the other end of the
ramp, we were already above the col. We proceeded to scramble the west
ridge. The ridge looks daunting but as we progressed upwards, the way
became clear; we stayed near the ridge crest.
The blocky terrain offers fun scrambling that isn't too hard; the rock
is textured and the route isn't particularly airy. Once on the summit
ridge, the highpoint is near; the cairn sits just beyond. The summit
ridge is narrow in places; we had wind gusts that made the traverse a
bit unnerving at times. After going up and over the highpoint, the
cairn was just a couple of steps away. I was thrilled to be at the top
of Pika Peak, the scenery is outstanding. We stayed for a while to
enjoy the moment and the warm, sunny weather. Returning was just as
much fun as the ascent; I was surprised that I felt relatively
comfortable on such terrain, I'm easily scared! Back at the ramp, we
took another break and watched people on Mount Richardson. Backtracking
on the ramp was uneventful; we went down to the lake via the steeper
gully. The trek back to the bikes was great; the 10-minute blitz back
to the car was even better! |
|
 |
|
On the trail after
Hidden Lake campground. |
|
 |
|
Hidden Lake and the
approach ramp on Pika Peak. |
|
 |
|
At the start of the
ramp. |
|
 |
|
Easy travelling
along the ramp. |
|
 |
|
Nearing the
Richardson/Pika Col. |
|
 |
|
Fun scrambling on
the west ridge's blocky terrain. |
|
 |
|
The exposure along
the way is relatively easy to deal with. |
|
 |
|
|
The scrambling is
not too difficult. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The wall of Jericho. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Skirting a pocket
glacier on our way to the summit ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Merlin Lake below. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The summit ridge
with the highpoint ahead. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Posing at the start
of the summit ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Getting close. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The summit cairn
sits beyond the highpoint. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Fab gives me a
jazz hand! |
|
|
 |
|
|
View east with Baker
Lake and Mount St. Bride on the left. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Going over the
highpoint as we leave the top. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Awesome sights along
the summit ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Skoki Lakes:
Zigadenus and Myosotis with Deception Pass on the right. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The summit ridge is
narrow in some places. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Heading back towards
the pocket glacier. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Careful not to slip
onto the glacier. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Stunning view of
Mount Richardson. |
|
|
 |
|
|
We're enjoying this
type of scrambling. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Thumb's up from Fab! |
|
|
 |
|
|
Taking another break
before the traverse on the ramp. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Beginning the
traverse. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Heading to the
gullies at the far end of the ramp. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Taking the steeper
gully down. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking up the gully. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Back at Hidden Lake. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Lovely landscape
towards Mount Richardson. |
| Back to home page |
|
|