Length:
Distinct summits: 5
Named peaks: 2
Technical cruxes: several short 4th class sections
Technical consistency: sustained
Special considerations: sustained
Best feature: Exposed ridge lines
Worst feature: Hot and dry
The phrase that sums it up: Intimidating for just the right amount of time
Overall trip difficulty: Difficult
Route quality: ***
East Ridge of Glendowan to Newman Route: Start at Red Rock canyon. Hop the fence on the upper bridge and cut up the south ridge of the unamed 8500+ peak which sits between Cloudy Ridge and Glendowan. Follow the ridge's crest via short technical bits and lots of 3rd class terrain. One on the ridge crest drop down the saddle before starting up more interesting scrambling through black purcell lava to gain Glendowan's summit pyramid and yet more scrambling. Continue west with one short difficulty exposed section. Ascend a couple more unnamed peaks before getting to Newman which is situated at the north end of Goat Lake. Follow the Avion Ridge trail down into Goat Lake and then out the Goat Lake trail back to Red Rock.
Galwey to Cloudy Ridge (Red Rock Rim)
Length:~20km
Distinct summits: 5 to 7
Named peaks: 3 or 4
Technical cruxes: several short 4th class sections
Technical consistency: intermittent
Special considerations: bring lots of water
Best feature: Exposed ridge lines forever
Worst feature: Hot and dry
The phrase that sums it up: Go for the gusto
Overall trip difficulty: Difficult
Route quality: ***
Start at Coppermine creek and head up Galwey. Descend to the shoulder and follow the ridge all the way to Cloudy Ridge. You have the option of avoiding some minor peaks. At the last minor summit before Cloudy Ridge, put in the extra effort to gain this last summit and backtrack back to the descent ridge. See the
Red Rock Rim Traverse post for more precise descriptions.
You can beef up this full day by starting up Bellevue Hill. The Full Monty involves heading up the technical route on the East Ridge of Yarrow (aka South East buttress of Spread Eagle aka East ridge of Spionkop) and running this past the crux section north of Cloudy and as far along the ridge as one can go. So far I haven't heard of anyone doing this 40km or so traverse.
Sofa to Vimy
Length:
Distinct summits: 5
Named peaks: 2
Technical cruxes: exposed 4th/5th class traverse
Technical consistency: intermittent
Special considerations: technical crux at halfway point
Best feature: The "Sheep Shearer's Ridge"
Worst feature: Heat exhaustion
The phrase that sums it up: You'll know if your in shape or not
Overall trip difficulty: Difficult
Route quality: ***
Sofa to Vimy Traverse Route: At the first unmarked pullout just past the Chief mountain view point, wander through the grass to find the unmarked Sofa Ridge trail. The trail is in good shape so take some time to find it. At the hanging valley either head directly up the backside of the bowl on cement hard dirt, or do some very fun 3rd to easy 4th class scrambling on the right hand ridge. Follow the rounded summit ridge south east to Sofa's true summit. Head west along an interesting section of ridge. After the next minor summit an exposed 4th/5th class traverse is needed to keep your elevation. After rounding the next minor summit above the old Crypt Lake campground, most of the work is done. The ridge north to Vimy has one more bump to it. From Vimy peak, it is a long walk out to the Marquis Hole where you can wade across the creek to meet your shuttle vehicle.
This is one of my favorite ridge runs. It doesn't have the continual exposure of the Red Rock area, but the test of faith halfway through is fun, and it is just the right length for a full day. Plus, unlike other ridge runs, you can't piece it together in parts.
Carthew to Buchanan Ridge
No route description yet. Most people drop down to Carthew lakes before heading back up to Buchanan Peak. The ridge run sticks to the top of the ridge, busting through one difficult section, avoids the minor subsidiary summit which is the named peak (Buchanan peak) and continues all the way down the ridge to come out at the Crandell Lake pullout.
Avion Ridge
Length:
Distinct summits: 1
Named peaks: 1
Technical cruxes: none
Technical consistency: none
Special considerations: none
Best feature: Tamaracks in the Fall
Worst feature: Thinking of the bike you could have stashed at the Goat Lake fork.
The phrase that sums it up: Many people's milestone
Overall trip difficulty: Moderate
Route quality: ***
Avion Ridge Route: Head up Goat lake. Follow the trail up the end of the valley to the saddle. Cut left and come out via Lost Lake. This is about as well established a ridge run as you can get. See the
avion ridge post for more detail.
Others
- There is lots of great ridge running terrain just north of the Park. Pick a side valley and follow it over to Red Rock or another side canyon.
- The Tamarack Trail ridge. Lots of people are starting to do this as part of the continental divide fad. Lots of bushiness and not many good views.
