Loder Peak

Overview

 This is a very easy 1/2 day outing. Will be combined with an ascent of nearby Door Jamb Mountain. A good 2fer. A quick fix in the mountains for those coming from Calgary. This depending on the amount of snow is good all season hike scramble. The conditions woud be the similar to nearby Door Jamb Mountain. The summit affords fine views of Prairie Mountain. Moose Mountain, Mount Baldy, Door Jamb, Heart Mountain, Mount McGillivray, Pigeon Mountain as well as Mount Lougheed, Windtower, Rimwall, Minor peak, and the Three Sisters. To the North-west is Grotto, Gap peak and Mount Fable among others. Goat Ridge and Yamnuska are to the north. Good short day workout.

Getting There

 From Calgary take the Trans-Canada Highway. Take the Seebe exit and head west on 1X till you meet the 1A. Turn left, then after about 5 minutes opposite the White Fish Day use parking and the large cement plant pull off and park on the side of the road and park. There are several routes up to ridge you can follow to the summit. One is following the old road for 50 paces then taking the trail up to the right. The route from that point is straight forward to the top, of the first peak, Door Jamb Mountain, 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace. You just follow the line of least resistance to the top. Then follow the connecting ridge to the north for 30-45 minutes to the very windy summit of Loder Peak. There are a couple of places where you are slab walking. This while not difficult would pose more of a challenge when wet. Be aware of the weather. Carry bear spray. This peak can be very windy. Dress accordingly for the mountains.

This peak is name after a Mr. Loder who worked a granite quarry in the area. The according to rumour aquired it under suspicious circumstances. His boss having disappeared on a trip to Calgary. When he (the boss) did not return Mr. Loder moved his family in and ran the quarry business as his own. That is the local story anyways.

Summit view from Loder Peak , left to right, Foreground Door Jamb mountain, in the back Heart Mountain, Mount McGillivary, Pigeon, Windtower, Rimwall, Minor Peak, the Three Sisters, Lawrence Grassi, part of the east end of Lawrence Grassi, then the beginning of the shoulder of Grotto at the far right.

Red Tape

 Look out for bear & fire warnings and postings.
Barrier Lake Visitor Centre 403-678-0760
Spray Lake Ranger Station. (403) 678-5533
Alberta Tourist Visitor Centre (403) 678-5277
The Alpine Club of Canada (403) 678-3200, ext 1
weather office or (403) 762-2088 for weather conditions

Camping

Spray Lakes West Shore Campground has 50 sites (403) 591-7226
Alberta Tourist Visitor Centre (403) 678-5277
The Alpine Club of Canada (403) 678-3200, ext 1
weather office or (403) 762-2088 for weather conditions

The Alpine Club of Canada

Joining a club such as The Alpine Club of Canada is recommended when climbing in Canada. While it is not obligatory, useful information can be had at any of their Clubhouse in Canmore, or at their website which is open to everyone.

http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/

Staying at the club in Canmore is 21$ Canadian for members and 27$ for non-members. A good place to crash. It can get quite crowded in the summer so a reservation is recommended.

Images

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