Hector Pass

Approach

From Calgary take the Trans-Canada highway to Lake Louise. Here switch to the Ice fields Parkway. After about 20 k you will see a roadside pullout on the left. From here you will be standing below Andromache and also see Little Hector a pointed peak to the south. Cross the road and head up a small slope and follow a path along the left hand side of the Hector creek bed. After about 100 yards you will cross the creek on an old rotting log bridge. Hear turn left. (Do not go straight as this leads to the Little Hector Scramble) Follow the trail which now follows the right hand side of the creek. It will lead you to a series of cliff bands with waterfalls. At this point you should cross the trail to the left hand side and scramble up the cliff bands which are not that difficult.

You will find your self in a small bowl. If you proceed to the right you will be heading to Mt. Hector via the north glacier. Keep left and follow the least line of resistance to the top of the hill where it flatten out somewhat. Here there is a break in the cliff bands above and you can scramble up the scree slope to a sloping ridge line which leads to another unnamed peak go over the top of this and continue for 20-30 minutes to the summit keeping on the scree and away from the glacier. This very well explained in Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies by Alan Kane. This book also describes a different descent route (which I did not include here) and is a worthwhile purchase.

Route Description

The beginning is a hike up beside a creek bed. Then there will be some minor scrambleing in the rock bands leading of to the bowl. Then a scree slope with all that that entails. Finally a pleasent ridge walk to the summit taking care to stay to the left of of the glacier. (Other wise you would need crampons). The route is easily view in almost it’s entirety from Mt. Hector. I have included an image from this vantage point.

Essential Gear

Ski poles, Protection against the weather, ie. hat, fleese, wind shell, good approach shoes. Sun screen.

Miscellaneous Info

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Images

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