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Dolomite Peak
Banff National Park, Alberta
August 16, 2003
Distance: 8.8 km (5.5 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1070 m (3510 ft)
This was my second climb up Dolomite Peak, but this time with Dinah and with a camera in hand. This is a thoroughly enjoyable scramble on good rock, and we did both the third and fourth peaks. Following the directions in Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies, we started up the trail running alongside Helen Creek to Dolomite Pass. At the second avalanche slope, we left the trail and started up. (We would, however, descend the fourth avalanche slope which drops directly down to the trail.) After climbing well up the slope, we realized we had to traverse north to reach the gully running between the third and fourth peaks.
We first ascended peak 4 where I took a summit panorama. The ascent up peak 4 was mostly marked, but peak 3 was more difficult and required routefinding. We climbed the north side, but it probably could be done without going so far around the base of the peak as we did. Peak 4 is higher than peak 3 but only by 7 m. Unfortunately, haze from a forest fire dulled our views.
Dolomite Peaks seen from the approach. Counting from the left, peaks 3 and 4 are obvious.
Starting up the lower slopes of Dolomite Peak
We'll soon start heading left
The grade steepens
Impressive cliffs towered above us. Peak 4 is above me.
Heading for the col between peaks 3 and 4, peak 4 above
Scrambling up the gully between peaks 3 and 4
The gully is quite steep
At the top of the gully, we'll go right to ascend peak 4
On the way to peak 4, Dinah checks out peak 3
Almost on the top of peak 4
Dinah stands next to the summit cairn on peak 4
Studying peak 3 from the end of peak 4
Climbing back down
On our way to peak 3
Back above the gully
Our first attempt to peak 3, partway along the ridge
At another spot, we reached the ridge crest but couldn't continue
because the ridge didn't connect
Dinah comes back down
We went around and ascended the northwest side of peak 3
Standing on peak 3
View of peak 4
Peak 2 looks formidable!
Downclimbing from peak 3
Looking back at our two summits after starting down
Scrambling down the gully below peaks 3 and 4
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