The scramble route is very well marked. Finding it from the trailhead is a little difficult as there are lots of trails splitting in their own direction. Once I got my bearings straight there was no where to go but up!
It doesn't take too long to get some fantastic views. This trail is steep. I really enjoyed being up against the cut out in the mountain.
The canyon is where all the water drains from the mountain. Beautiful waterfalls all the way down. Also cliffs.
Did I mention that I started this hike rather late in the day? It was about 4pm when I started. I was on a time crunch as I did not want to be on the trail after dark. I did have my headlamp just in case!
Once pass the treeline, I was greeted by scree. The summit in site. It looked like it wasn't far, but luckily I have some experience on the mountain and I knew deep down that I was still a little over an hour from the peak at this point. It was steep and some areas with loose rock. The views were stellar and there was a little bit of life on the way.
I reach the summit! I ended making great time that I was able to relax for a while at the top. Beer and PB&J of course. I strangely did not take a photo of the summit cairn. Possibly because I was captivated by the views. Mount Assiniboine was especially spectacular off in the far distance.
The descent requires a ridge traverse. I was captivated by the range to the north as the clouds carried over. The contrast between shadow and light was breathtaking.
The ridge. The descent route lay just beyond it to the left.
As I was walking the ridge, I noticed a storm that had just missed. Also pictured is the summit of Grotto.
The light was everchanging. I would be looking at the trail, look up and the world would be different. The view looking down the canyon was impressive.
The descent route was also steep but a fast way to get off the mountain. I still had plenty of time before sunset. I took the time to capture a few golden hour shots.
The sun was beginning to get low on the horizon, the light was golden. Ha Ling had the slightest light reflecting from it. The Three Sisters however were getting lit up.
I made it back to the horse trails, the Three Sisters were looking especially golden. The trail was lined up perfectly for this shot.
