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Volcano Peak
Kananaskis, Alberta
April 23, 2004

Distance: 12.8 km (8.0 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1106 m (3629 ft)

A roadside view of Volcano Peak suggested a good early or late season climb, and it was. Dinah and I followed the Evan-Thomas trail before leaving for the side trail following McDougall Creek. Just before reaching the edge of the trees, we crossed the creek and bushwhacked until we reached the edge of a talus slope. We continued hiking up until we reached the summit.

The endeavour was little more than a steep hike. (I called it "Little McDougall," but a couple years later, Andrew Nugara climbed it and named it "Volcano Peak." (We also climbed Volcano Peak in 2005 when we attempted Mount McDougall in 2005. We took a course that avoided the bushwhacking and talus slope. but it had routefinding challenges.)

KML and GPX Tracks


Volcano Peak seen from Wedge Pond parking lot. If it weren't for deep snow, we would have gone farther up the trail to avoid most of the bushwhacking which was awful.


Evan-Thomas trail


After crossing the creek we began bushwhacking


We continued up the slope


We finally broke free of the trees


On the talus slope


After climbing up the talus, trees barred the way so we skirted left (north) around them


The low ridge on the left is Old Baldy


The snow was was mostly firm but sometimes we punched through the crust


The Wedge (far right)


Summit bump comes in view


The Fortress (above Dinah)


Distinctive shape of the summit


From here it's a short climb to the top


Almost on the summit


Dinah relaxes on the summit


Heading down from the summit


Crossing the snow


82 J/14 Spray Lakes Reservoir

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