Noseeum Peak V


July 12, 2016

Mountain height:  3002 m
Elevation gain:     1150 m 
Ascent time:         4:20

Descent time:   3:00  

Solo scramble.

After three attempts with my brother and one successful ascent with Raff K., I returned to Noseeum Peak to make better notes for a route description. The weather was going to be dismal, but Raff and I had experience pretty decent conditions in  so I wasn’t too concerned about not getting any views on one of the most scenic trips along Highway 93N. I also wanted to complete an ascent of the more difficult southeast ridge, as opposed to the easier southwest ridge. Mark and I had failed the difficult route due too excessive snow, but Raff and I had successfully downclimbed the route.

The trip went exactly as planned and although the lower cloud cover did make for some atmospheric views, they were somewhat lackluster when compared to an ascent with clear skies. Nevertheless, even with gloomy skies, the wonderful and remarkably varied scenery reminded me of why this is one of my favourite scrambles in the Rockies – extraordinary water scenery, extraordinary rock scenery, magnificent colours, and unparalleled views (although those views were completely absent by the time I reached the summit).   

Upclimbing the more difficult southeast ridge was somewhat of a route-finding challenge, but only required some moderate scrambling, with a little exposure.

I arrived at the summit to a not so welcome dumping of snow, sleet and high winds (what the heck – it’s July 12 !?!?). My summit stay was pretty short, the weather showing signs of worsening. For descent, I took the easy route down. Thankfully the really bad weather stayed away.

Mission accomplished!


The southwest side of Noseeum has many potentially interesting lines



The route up the first headwall goes up the centre



More water scenery above the first headwall 







He/she didn't seem to mind me invading his/her home. Thank you!



Near Noseeum Lake, the entire mountain is visible. The easy route is near the far left, the summit is left of centre
and the difficult route goes around the right side of the lake and then follows the ridge to the summit



Here comes the bad weather!



The drop down the east side of the mountain is always a thrill



No shortage of colourful rock on Noseeum



The challenging ridge ahead



Challenging terrain on the challenging ridge. Had to go around this section



The weather starts to clear a little on descent. Zero visibility at the summit - didn't take a single photo!



Looking back at the summit (right) from the easy descent route



Noseeum Lake sometimes reflects beautiful colours



Much clearer skies. Looking back at much of the route. The easy ramp can be seen hear the left side and the difficult ridge route at the far right




The southwest end of Noseeum



Colourful moss

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