Sunwapta Peak Scramble

 

Trail from old road into the forest

Trail from old road into the forest

Saturday August 9th 2014

This trip to Sunwapta Peak was lead by Mary Ann of the ACC Rocky Mountain Section Canmore. The day before, was our  original date but with snow and rain forecast, it was switched to the Saturday which turned out to be a great choice. An early start at the trailhead made it necessary  to stay at the Beauty Creek Hostel overnight.The trail starts at the Stanley Falls pull off on Hwy 93. 2km south of Beauty Creek Hostel and 15.6 km from the Columbia Icefield Center. Hike up to the old hwy road and turn left. Right takes you to the Falls. The picture above shows the right turn into the treed forest. Cairns and tape mark the spot. Do not think this is an easy scramble since the elevation gain is considerable at over 1750 m. Even after tree line it is another 1000 m.

Route up through the trees

Route up through the trees

 

 Route follows the Creek. Sunwapta Peak behind

Route follows the Creek. Sunwapta Peak behind

The tree line is in view and only another 1000m to go after that. The route is to the right of the small snow patch. Head high enough and right to reach the ridge but at the same time missing the watercourse on the right.

Scree trail after tree line

Scree trail after tree line

Along the ridge is a small cliff band that is in the view above – this is where the Stick waypoint is.

Slogging up the rubble with Tangle,foreground Kitchener & Snow Dome

Slogging up the rubble with Tangle,foreground Kitchener & Snow Dome

 

Summit in sight along ridge

Summit in sight along the ridge

 

Mary Ann on ridge pinnacle before summit

Mary Ann on the ridge pinnacle before summit

 

 

Group shot on summit

Group shot on summit

Sunwapta

Sunwapta Profile

Distance return 12.0 km Time return 11 hrs ( inc 1hr 30  lunch ) Elevation Accumulated gain 1850 m Elevation to Summit 1830m Summit height 3320 m

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Just past the Stick waypoint at craggy rock band

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Just past the Stick waypoint at craggy rock band

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Comments

  1. Hi Bill! I plan on bringing a friend to the Beauty Creek Hostel, is the hostel close to the highway? I’m trying to limit the on-foot approach as much as possible. Than