We start at the chair lift but soon head right to reach the road.
Gravenstafel Ridge and Mount Haig After learning of Vern Dewit's and Wietse Bylsma's successful early season ascents of Mount Haig and Gravenstafel Ridge the previous week, Dinah and I decided on the same trip. Like them – and unlike the book route – we would do the trip in reverse. After parking at the Castle Mountain Ski Resort we learned that a grizzly sow with two cubs had been seen recently on the open slopes on Gravenstafel Ridge. We decided to avoid those slopes and instead ascend the treed slopes on the right. We hiked up the road a short distance before leaving it for a cleared corridor through the trees. The plod to the summit was slow and uneventful. The previous night we watched a TV show about the formation of the Rockies and learned that they are eroding at the rate of 6/100 mm a year. I was wishing this mountain would erode faster! After taking photos from the top of Gravenstafel Ridge we headed down to Gravenstafel-Haig col, scrambling over or around short cliff bands. From the col it's mostly a scramble with only mild exposure, unless one attempts to ascend the right side of the ridge! After the scrambling we hurriedly hiked to the summit without stopping to remove our helmets. Clouds were moving in and a thunderstorm seemed imminent. Since Mount Haig is the highest peak around, there were great views all around. Two huge summit cairns attest to the popularity of this mountain ascent. Soon after we started our descent we heard thunder. Thus far the counterclockwise route worked well for us. But as we came down the backside of the mountain we encountered a series of cliff bands. These would be easily negotiated going up since weaknesses would be spotted quickly, but coming down is a different matter. We followed the tops of cliffs, peering over edges, looking for places to descend. Finally there were no more cliff bands and we hiked to the valley below. From here, the recommended route climbs 375 m to the top of the northeast ridge. Having done the northeast ridge in winter we had little incentive to revisit it. Besides, we were in the midst of a mild thunderstorm so it was safer to stay low. After ascending part way up the northeast ridge, we contoured north to hit the crest. This shortcut saved us 200 m of elevation and some distance than if we had gone to the top of the ridge. Once on the ridge, we made our way to the chair lift and followed it back to the parking lot. I suspect either route – clockwise or counterclockwise – has its advantages and disadvantages, but however it's done, this is an enjoyable scramble! |
MOVIE (4:30)
We start at the chair lift but soon head right to reach the road.
Coming up through the break in the trees
The ascent is mostly steep all the way to the summit of Gravenstafel Ridge.
We mostly avoid the road which snakes up the mountain.
Our first good view of the summit.
If it weren't for the snow we'd be hiking on vegetation and debris.
Southfork Mountain in the background
The prominent peak in the background (mouse over) is Mount Darrah.
Almost at the false summit
Syncline Mountain (right) in the background
Panorama from the top of Gravenstafel Ridge. Mount Haig in the centre.
While Dinah heads to the col I take photos on the summit.
We make our way to Mount Haig. At its base is a beautiful tarn (mouse over).
Mostly short cliff bands on the ridge
Some like this one are interesting
But the best scenery lies ahead.
We'll soon tackle the steep climb after the col.
Starting up from the col
The left side of the ridge offered easier and less exposed terrain.
Dinah makes her way through a pair of rock pillars.
Colorful rocks after the pillars
The rock pillars can still be seen.
Mild exposure in some places
Dinah looks for a way up
After scrambling up from the col the grade eases considerably.
As we climb we encounter a few gentle grades like this one.
In the middle is the ridge we scrambled up.
An enjoyable ridgewalk before it steepens
The summit is still some distance away.
Unnamed peak to the southwest
Looking back: Mount Gravenstafel and the col we traversed
The northeast ridge of Mount Haig with Burnaby Ridge in the background.
As we climb the views to the southwest appear.
The ridge from the col intersects another ridge that leads back to St. Eloi Mountain (centre).
Almost at the summit
On the summit. Castle Peak on the left.
Just below the summit, I climbed this point to see a stunning view of the summit (mouse over).
Coming down from one of the cliff bands
After coming down this cliff band, we traverse to dry rock.
Same cliff band seen farther back
A few of the cliff bands in view
We drop down to the valley on our left.
Looking back at Mount Haig
Ascending from the valley, the tarn below Mount Haig is visible.
Sidesloping to gain the ridge
Traversing this slope in dry conditions may not be so easy!
We reach the northeast ridge and minutes later it begins to rain.
Then it begins to clear as we head back to the parking lot.
360° view from the summit of Mount Haig
82 G/8 Beaver Mines
