Many months previous, I had arranged with the Alpine Club to act as custodian for 4 nights at the Stanley Mitchell Hut in the Yoho Valley from 07-11 September, 2013. Three other Ramblers decided to join me, but because we each had varying commitments, drove individually to meet at the Takakawa Falls trailhead at 12 noon on 07 September 2013. We met as planned and walked in up the valley trail in just over 3 hours. By coincidence, a group from Calgary ACC section, including 2 Ramblers, hiked in at the same time. They stayed in the campground and successfully climbed both the President and Vice-President on the Sunday before returning to Calgary for a good weekend out.

On Saturday night the hut was full but we left by 8.30am Sunday to climb both Kerr peaks by 12 noon. These were both easy SC5 scrambles by the obvious route described by Kane via Kiwetinok Pass.

Damian and Bob at Kiwetinok Pass

Good views, but as we descended, the clouds rolled in obscuring the tops of nearby peaks. So we decided to return to the hut for 6 hour day.


Stanley \Mitchell Hut Bob, Kevin, Damian

Monday dawned a better weather day as 3 of us returned to Kiwetinok Pass to attempt Kiwitinok Peak, while the 4th Bob returned home. Last year John and I had attempted this peak, but had been thwarted by ice. So this year we carried crampons and ice-axe, only to find that they were unnecessary. The crux gully crossing was ice free, so we continued upwards on a series of ledges.


Route to Mt.Kiwetinok

The rubbly exposed slabs on Kiwetinok Peak

Several cairns aided greatly in route finding to gain the summit around 12 noon, 3 ½ hours from the hut.


Ramblers on the summit of Kiwetinok Peak

Excellent 360 degree panorama. Lunch eaten and photos taken, we descended towards Mt Pollinger, which we reached about 3.00pm. Here we decided we had enough fun for one day and to return to the hut. Kane suggests possible descent routes from the col between Mts Pollinger and McArthur. Kevin found one, which I didn’t like, so Damian and I retreated and traversed further towards Mt McArthur before dropping down into the rocky basin below to join the patient Kevin. More rocky terrain led to a descent of some ugly moraine talus to meet the trail and tramp back to the hut, which I reached about 5.30pm for a 9 hour day. The others were quicker and after a quick snack, decided to walk out that evening and return home.

Meanwhile I enjoyed a quiet night in the hut with only 6 other guests (3 couples of varying nationalities). Since Tuesday looked to be such a good weather day I decided to solo Isolated Peak. In 2012, John, Bob and I had been thwarted, unable to find the correct route to this peak. However, this time I was successful and completed the return trip to Isolated Peak summit in 7 hours which included 1 hour of route finding. Aim for the notch in the ridge above the main gully

Route to Isolated Peak

Wednesday, I walked out in perfect weather along the scenic Iceline trail in 4 hours. Thanks greatly for the company of Damian, Kevin and Bob from C&S David. The Yoho valley is a very picturesque location with many options other than peak bagging. The ACC Stanley Mitchell hut makes a comfortable base for $25/night (hut-members) or $36 others (+$10/night wilderness pass). Both Damian and I ticked off several Kane Peaks, in quasi-perfect weather.