Bellevue Hill
 exploration




    
 
April 12, 2024
 
Solo scramble.
 
Disappointed in the “unforecast” gloomy and volatile weather, there was no choice but to pick a front-range and conservative objective. I eventually decided to check out a route slightly west of the first route I took up Bellevue Hill, back in 2006.
 
The route went with relative ease, yet again featuring the outrageously colourful and striking layered rock that is commonplace on the Hill. After being blasted by a vicious wind upon reaching the ridge, I traversed over to the east face. That route decision provided shelter from the wind and another round of fantastic rock scenery.
 
Eventually there was no choice but to brave the ridge and follow it towards the summit. That didn't last long. Given the less than perfectly clear sky and super windy conditions, a short distance up I opted to bail and head back down via a slightly different route. The trip ended with a very easy bike ride back to the start.
 
No summit, but still a very worthwhile trip on the mountain I will never tire of.        



That's where I'm headed



First cool rock sighting



The second and there will be hundreds more so I'll stop with that!



Sofa Mountain and Vimy Peak







Mount Blakiston







Mount Galwey



Vimy again and interesting rock



Either side to circumvent this rock worked but after checking out the left side I took the right



The right side







Crazy variety of rock here



On the ridge



But still mesmerized by this rock







Time to face the music (wind)!



Didn't take long to veer hard to the right to get some reprieve from the wind



Ruby Ridge next to Blakiston



Got full reprieve behind this gem of a rock band



Lots of lichen



And distinctive rock



Not to mention the different colours



And textures







The east side of Mount Crandell







Dead tree



Seeking more shelter on the east face of the Hill



The colorful layers are on full display here



























Still traversing below the ridge



Went past this weakness but eventually returned to check out the rock above



The rock above



Continuing the traverse



Snowfields start to appear



Looking back to the Middle Waterton Lake and Vimy



Short but steep snow ascent to reach the ridge



Back on the ridge







The route ahead, but its brutally windy and I only made it just beyond the next highpoint before turning around



View before retreat



Passing a cool green argillite rock band



Close-up



Looking up the descent route I took



Looking up the ascent route I took. Just a sweet downhill bike ride to end the trip.

The End

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