Mount Taylor
October
7, 2017
Mountain height: 2250 m
Elevation gain: 925 m
Roundtrip
time:
approximately 6 hours
Scrambling
with Dave.
I was
super excited to be teaming up with Dave McMurray again for another adventure
in the southern Alberta Rockies. Our first trip together up Lys Ridge was as
memorable a day out in the mountains as I’ve ever had; not only because Lys
Ridge is a fantastically colourful and interesting mountain but also because it
was immediately clear that Dave and I have many commonalities regarding the
mountains: that is, a desire to explore everything on the mountain, even if it
means unnecessary elevations loses and gains, a willingness to try unknown
routes on lesser known mountains and an appreciation for all the amazing things
the mountains have to offer, big and small.
With iffy
weather, this trip was not going to be as ambitious as Lys Ridge, but we were both
happy simply to get out and Mount Taylor seemed like a perfect choice. It would
be Dave’s second attempt on the relatively obscure peak and of course my first.
Getting to
the ascent slopes took a little perseverance through some thick foliage, but Dave
expertly led us through the tough stuff and onto more friendly terrain. Though
the initial grade was surprisingly steep we made good progress to the more
gentle upper slopes and then easily to the summit – good lead Dave!
Although
topo maps depicted the summit as being completely treed, such was not the case
and we enjoyed a very satisfying panorama, including great views of Tent
Mountain and fascinating Mount Ptolemy.
Given the
ascent had only taken 2 hours, we turned our attention to Michel Head – a
higher peak to the south, but on the same massif. The bad news was the distance
– 7 km of ups and downs along a treed, circuitous, and sometimes snowy ridge to
the summit.
We gave
it a good “college” try, but it quickly became evident that the full traverse was
a bit too ambitious for the present conditions. Instead, we traversed the ridge
for a few kilometres and then took a very interesting and rewarding line down
into the drainage/valley south of Taylor. Pleasant trails and not so pleasant
logging roads were then used to get back to the road and Dave’s vehicle.
Fantastic
day in an area that’s relatively new to me. Thanks for the awesome adventure,
Dave!
Check out
Dave’s excellent trip report here.
At the parking area, with Mount Taylor in the background (photo by Dave)
Heading to the bridge to avoid fording Michel Creek (photo by Dave)
The ascent starts in open terrain (photo by Dave)
And then quickly graduates to a wee bit of a bush bash
That doesn't look good!
Thankfully it was like most of my relationships, ie. short lived (photo by Dave)
Much better! (photo by Dave)
Iconic Crowsnest Mountain can be seen in the distance (photo by Dave)
Dave leads the entire ascent
Hard not to smile when all you have to do is follow (photo by Dave)
The upper slopes were all snow
After Dave did all the grunt work, I graciously volunteered to lead the ridiculously easy sections!
Love the clouds here (photo by Dave)
Final few steps to the summit (photo by Dave)
Dave at the summit
Very distant and very distinctive Mount Washburn always grabs your attention
Dave looks at the longgggg ridge to Michel Head (far left)
-
The entire massif of Mount Ptolemy is visible. Dave and Brad has traversed most of the challenging ridge from left to right
Great ridgewalking. Mount Taylor to the right of Dave
Dave eyes up Ptolemy
More terrific views from Crowsnest Mountain to Mount Ptolemy
Tent Mountain (foreground) and some of the north ridge of Ptolemy that Dave and Brad traversed
The clouds were also a source of interest throughout
Dave eyes up Michel Head too. Hopefully someday
Descent
Dave led the descent too. I felt quite pampered!
Great terrain!
And the odd colourful rock band
Awesome fall colours (photo by Dave)
Nice surprise in the form of an excellent trail (photo by Dave)
Can't really complain about logging roads when they give us so much
access to mountains that would otherwise be inaccessible
Freakishly tall trees
Easy walk back to Dave's car (photo by Dave)
Parting look at Mount Taylor (photo by Dave)
The End
