January 16, 2021
Mountain height: 2145 m
Elevation gain: 900 m
Ascent
time: 3:05
Descent
time: 1:50
Solo scramble.
A week after a remarkable trip by the south
peak of Opal Ridge, I set my sights on another south peak – this time, that of
Mount Baldy. Like Opal, this objective can be a terrific year-round, often
boasting near snow-free conditions in the snowiest months of the season. The
summit can be tackled from the west or south. The south route via Baldy Pass is
longer but features a very scenic ridgewalk. I chose the more scenic route.
Thanks to near perfect weather, the trip was gratifying
on every level. This route definitely moves onto the “go-to” list for
potentially safe winter trips.
Ribbon Peak in the foreground and massive Mount Bogart behind
The southeast side of Baldy West
Midnight Peak to the south
The terrain above Baldy Pass usually holds some snow
And then suddenly it's snow-free
View to the southwest
The first section of interesting terrain above Baldy Pass
Bigger view
Some easy scrambling here
And here
Casting a small shadow
Midnight Peak again, at the left
Pretty decent panos for a front range peak
Baldy South (left) and Baldy North (centre)
Yamnuska, Association, and others to the north
The route ahead
Baldy West
A little greenery to add to the colours
Beautiful rock and beautiful sky
West again
The final push to the summit is very interesting with many route options
Same as above
And again
View to the east
The West Peak from the summit of the South
Northwest view
The North Peak and wonderful ridge between
View to the south
Cloudy to the southwest
Mount Kidd (centre) and The Fortress (distant left)
Ribbon Peak blending into Mount Bogart again
Skogan Peak (left)
Baldy North (the true summit) of Mount Baldy. The traverse to get there can be challenging.
Wind Mountain and the three peaks of Mount Lougheed in the distance
Mount Fable just left of centre
Grotto Mountain (centre) and Grable to the right
Summit pano
Midday Peak and Boundary Ridge to the left of Midnight
Looking back to the Baldy South during the return trip
A sweet rock band on the east side of the ridge
Close-up
Another view
From farther back
And even farther
Leaving the good stuff behind
Parting look before retreating into the trees
The End
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