Wasootch Peak VII  

 
April 16, 2023
 
Mountain height: 2352 m
Elevation gain:    914 m
Round-trip time:  4:10
 
Scrambling with Mark.
 
Another conservative route choice during the hellish avalanche season of 2022-23.
 
A number of years had passed since I ascended Wasootch Peak, via what has become the “standard route” (courtesy of Bob Spirko), and Mark had never been up this way. A front-range peak that was likely to see the best weather and unlikely to have avalanche concerns was a logical choice for the day.
 
Nothing much new to report, just a ringing endorsement of what a terrific route this is in general: straightforward, fantastic views above treeline, and interesting terrain, also above treeline. Mark loved it and I had more than one chuckle, recalling a humorous ascent in similar conditions, 14 years earlier with two work colleagues.

That's all she wrote!

Off we go



There are a few open views, mainly featuring Mount Kidd, but in general not much until treeline is reached



Nearing treeline the view very much opens up



The forest also gives way to more rocky and interesting terrain



Kidd, Bogart, Ribbon, the Nakiska ski hill, and Wind



The summit at the right, but the route is out of sight off to the right



Pano photos do weird things to the Sun's rays!



The ridge from GR338442 (right) to Kananaskis Peak (left) is a cool ride



Scenic highpoint



Circumventing the next rockband



Continuing the fun and easy travel with great views



The upcoming section is steeper but there's a snow trail all the way up



Another scenic highpoint



And more gratifying views of the mountain



Same as above



There's a couple ahead of us helping to break the trail



One of my favourite sections of the ascent



Mark is catching up to the pair



Tiara Peak in the distant centre






Wind and some of the Nakiska ski runs




Old Baldy Mountain asserts itself as the highest peak on the massif



Mark tops out on the ridge



Last few steps for me up to the ridge



It's a short distance to the summit



View to the north summit of Wasootch



Mark completes the ascent



Mark and the view to the west and southwest



Me and the view to the east, southwest, and south



No Humans



No Humans - the sequel



View to the north, and northeast



Last summit pano



Starting the descent



Same as above



The pair we met on the way up are making good progress down the mountain



Back to that cool rock band



Nice travel nears the edge of the ridge











The Wedge



Inflexible, James Walker, and The Fortress



Kidd



Last view before we descend into the trees



GR338442 in the background



End of the trip and looking back up to Wasootch

The End

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