This would have been a good trip had we only summited Spread Eagle Mountain, but by traversing west along the ridge to climb a high point it became a great one! Traversing an airy ridge with pinnacles capped our trip nicely.

When Dinah and I attempted Spread Eagle four years ago via the northeast ridge, we turned back because of snow and wet conditions. Nugara would later use this route to tag the summit. But the long, arduous route held little interest for us when we realized we could save time (and avoid the worrisome crux) by using his descent route. Moreover, the time saved would allow us to try the high point: I'll call it the West Peak.

The trip began about a half a kilometre drive up the road from the bridge crossing Spionkop Creek. We turned left and parked at a gated road.

We hiked 4.2 km down the road to where it crosses Spionkop Creek. After walking over the culvert, we dropped down the left side and found a trail that led to a creekbed. We tramped up the creekbed to a scree slope. At the top of the scree slope, we found an animal trail and followed it to the hanging valley. When we came to a break in a cliff band on our left, we scrambled up it. After that, we plodded up a grassy slope to the ridge to see Spread Eagle Mountain ahead. The way to the summit was obvious.

Throughout our climb we kept eyeing the West Peak and its steep sides. We debated even trying it, but settled on at least to take a closer look.

After bagging Spread Eagle Mountain, we traversed back along the ridge. As we drew closer, to our surprise, not only could the summit block be ascended but it was merely a steep hike!

The summit block turned out to be a short ridge that held an unexpected surprise: a jaw-dropping north cliff face interrupted by pinnacles. Fortunately, a shelf behind the pinnacles allowed Sonny and I to scramble up a chimney.

While Dinah stayed at the east end of the block/ridge, Sonny and I ambled to the summit. Although 50 m lower than Spread Eagle, the views were finer.

After a lengthy stay on the ridge, we started back down. Where the slopes held snow or good scree, we made good time. When we got to the road, time seemed to slow but a glance back at Spread Eagle Mountain and the West Peak reminded us of the great time we had.

KML Track
Sonny's Trip Report