Moose Mountain II

Moose Mountain II

March 21, 2009

Mountain height:         2437 m
Elevation gain:            approx. 800 m
Ascent time:              7:15
Descent time:              2:50

Scrambling with Mark.

With another less than stellar weather forecast, we returned to the Canyon Creek Ice Caves area to see if we could take care of some unfinished business. Two weeks ago we had tried to reach the southeast peak of Moose Mountain via several gullies near the ice caves. We failed due to deteriorating weather and not having the right equipment.

This time we cycled the 6 km approach and brought rock climbing gear for the first gully and ice climbing gear for the second if we couldn’t get up the first. After another quick visit to the main ice cave (a unique and spectacular destination in itself), we started up the first gully. This gully turned out to be the way to go: easy to difficult scrambling amid beautiful rock and terrific scenery. A scree slog followed, but was pleasantly interrupted several times by more impressive rock bands.

Surprisingly, we arrived at the southeast peak to outstanding weather and therefore decided to continue north along the ridge until the weather did break down. The next peak was an easy walk away. At the summit, as well as a pleasant view, someone had spelled out the words “Love”, “Peace” and “Compassion” in rocks.

Still, the weather continued to be clear and warm and so onto the next peak to the west we went. This traverse – a very enjoyable ridgewalk with excellent rock and snow scenery throughout – was one of many unexpected highlights of the trip, shattering my previous perception of Moose Mountain as being a “boring” mountain. Arriving at the centre peak of Moose Mountain we now had to make a decision to go either southwest and back to our bikes or keep going west and then north to the true summit. The good weather was the deciding factor and even though the true summit of Moose had hardly been a consideration at the beginning of the day, it was now fairly close. This extension would take us far from our bikes, but we did notice a potential shortcut that would enable to follow a gas road back.

The next summit (immediately southwest of the true summit) was another pleasant surprise, looking more like a very small Mount Huber than an insignificant and unnamed, Front Range peak. Snow near the summit ridge added to the alpine feel of the area. The view from this peak was probably the most interesting of the day. Interesting clouds started to form, at this point, eventually leading to the overcast conditions we were expecting – fortunately a good 5 hours behind schedule.

Due to the weather breaking down, the slog to the true summit and the summit view were the least satisfying part of the day, but still enjoyable. Our summit stay was very brief, due to a lengthy ascent time. The alternate descent route worked extremely well, taking far less than half the ascent time.

Another wonderfully scenic trip that far exceeded our expectations.

Heading to the ice caves; the gully we ascended to the southeast summit in between the two peaks