Mount Baldy XIII – West Peak via West Ridge – July 3, 2008

Mountain height:         2192 m
Elevation gain:            824 m
Ascent time:                3:30
Descent time:              1:45

Scrambling with Mitchell.

Mitchell’s first scramble was the Bear’s Hump route on Mount Crandell in Waterton, almost exactly one year ago. Trying to find a short route closer to Calgary with a comparable high quality of scrambling found on Crandell was not an easy task. The West Ridge of Mount Baldy’s West Peak was the first route that came to mind. Though not as varied as Crandell, the hands-on scrambling is generally excellent.

We ascended the interesting drainage and then slogged up to the start of the west ridge. Mitchell was quick to lead the entire ascent of the difficult ridge and did so with ease. We opted to circumvent the crux step on the right side. A very satisfying ascent of a fun, little peak.

Mitchell negotiating interesting rock in the canyon

Mitchell does a wild no feet move!

You know who starts up the slabs

More slabs

...and more

On the right side of the crux

Mitchell celebrates