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Mount Tecumseh
Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
August 18, 2002
Distance: 14.5 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1185 m
For a change of scenery from Banff or Kananaskis, Crowsnest Pass is a good alternative for a moderate scramble. And Mount Tecumseh is a fine choice. It's a pleasant climb with little scree and a good approach. Gert joined Dinah and I on this trip,
We couldn't park in front of the house in Sentinel as described in Kane's Scrambles book – there were "No Trespassing" signs – so we parked 200 m down the road.
We hiked up the powerline right-of-way to Phillipps Pass where the ascent starts. From there, we made our way up a drainage. Eventually we came to a basin where we could reach a col. Then it was a short scramble up the west ridge to the summit.
Postscript: Since climbing Tecumseh, the east approach can no longer be used due private property. The 3rd edition of Scrambles advises approaching Phillipps Pass from the west.
Mount Tecumseh seen from
the powerline right-of-way
Starting up the canyon
As much as possible, we stayed in the canyon
Here we bypassed a canyon section on the left
End of the canyon
After the canyon, we came to a basin
Taking a break
Heading up the scree slope to the ridge crest
Gaining the ridge
On the ridge heading to the summit
Looking back. Phillipps Peak behind.
Ascending a steep section
Another view looking back. Note Dinah and Gert at the bottom.
Seven Sisters and Crowsnest Mountain
Leaving the summit after meeting two scramblers, Elizabeth and Al, on top
Passing two huge boulders on the descent
Gert comes down the drainage below the canyon
82 G/10 Crowsnest