Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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53.31693°N / 118.63243°W |
Route Type:
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Ice Climbing |
Season:
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Winter |
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Time Required:
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Half a day |
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Difficulty:
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Grade 4 |
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Number of Pitches:
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3 |
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Grade:
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II |
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Overview
This great three pitch climb has formed inconsistently over the last couple of years. When it is formed up, the proximity to Hinton, relatively easy approach and stellar third pitch make this a worthy objective.Getting There
From Hinton travel west 4 km and turn north (right) onto highway 40 to Grande Cache.Continue on hwy 40 for about 44 km to the turn off west (left) to Rock Lake. This turn is atop a hill after crossing the Wildhay River.
Continue on this gravel forestry road for about 28 km watching across the valley for the climb. Park near the bridge across Mumm Creek a dry creek bed that may have a sign.
Google Map From Hinton
Approach
Follow the creek bed toward the climb down to the Wildhay River.
Crossing the Wildhay RiverIt has been a while, but I think the approach is around 30-45 minutes.
Route Description![Rock Lake Falls]()
Leading the Upper Pitch
Leading the Upper Pitch
The First PitchPitch 1:
From the rope up area to the climber`s right of the climb work your way up very low angle (maybe grade 2) ice for about 30 m.
Pitch 2:
Continue up short steep steps for about 15-20 m. Grade 3.
Pitch 3:
Work your way up the upper tier looking for the best ice. This pitch can be an amazing sustained 20 m of grade 4 ice. I would guess it could be pretty ugly if the ice is not well formed.
Essential Gear
Bring a standard ice rack and a V-threader with Cordelette for rappeling.Descent
Rappelling the Top Pitch - The Dry Creekbed in the Background.External Links
There are two great websites for ice conditions in the Canadian Rockies:Gravsports-Ice
and
Live The Vision - Ice Conditions.
AJones - Dec 12, 2007 10:04 pm - Voted 10/10
It's closerto 30 km on the Rock Lake Road, and the drainage you're looking for is Mumm Creek (it's marked on the bridge, I believe). You park at this bridge.
GCutforth - Dec 12, 2007 11:33 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: It's closerI am not sure what was going on there. I was trying to post 28 km as you don't quite make it to Rock Lake. I think your right about the sign. Thanks Aaron.