We set off from the rapidly filling parking lot at the base of Yamnuska at 9.00am as planned. Pleasant weather: maybe +8c, minor wind, high cloud. The new (2022) trail led up to a sign indicating options for hikers and climbers.

Clothing adjustment at the first trail junction on the east side of Mt Yamnuska

With a break or two we gained the east ridge and easily traversed to the base of the chimney, where the scrambling begins.


Chimney at start of Scramble traverse of Mt. Laurie (Yamnuska)

Yamnuska: Blue markers and warning sign at the start of the chimney scramble traverse of Mt. Laurie (Yamnuska)

Scrambler exits the chimney on Mt. Yamnuska scramble route

Yamnuska sign above chimney on east ridge scramble route

Here the rock is polished but all made it without too much difficulty. We then continued ascending the east ridge following good, new blue markers to the crux chain traverse. Some donned helmets before we all traversed this section followed by a short downclimb, traverse and ascent to the final ridge and summit. All this was well marked by new blue signs and painted blue circles on rocks.

Rambler ascends east ridge of Yamnuska

Rambler traverses the crux chain traverse on the east ridge of Mt Yamnuska

Yamnuska crux chain traverse

Another group (Shell alumni) traverse the crux section on Yamnuska east ridge enroute to the summit

Lunch was enjoyed soon after 12 noon on the summit with moderate views, cloud but no wind. As we were wrapping up, we were joined by a large group (12?) associated with Shell Oil Company. Since it was getting busy, we set off down the west ridge and mediocre scree to the col between Yam and Goat Mountains. Here we took the forgotten group summit shot. Note the sign pointing to the (not recommended) scree route and the recommended new west col descent trail. As agreed in the parking lot, we took the latter.

Ramblers on the west col of Yamnuska: note new (2022) sign indicating either the scree or better the recommended west col descent

Kananaskis have done a good job on this trail with necessary markers, signs, zig-zags and even a few steps. Today, it was in good condition.

Flower on Mt Yamnuska (I haven't a clue of its name)

Let's hope that it will still be as good in a year's time. Today there were about 100 scramblers whose feet will undoubtedly find any flaw in this new zig-zag trail. I found it a bit boring compared to the old scree run which is/was well past its prime (bare hard packed dirt for the top 20 metre or so which was very difficult to get purchase on and a bit dangerous/exciting). The new zig-zags are much safer, but will they turn into a sheet of mud? I hope not. We arrived back at the cars by 2.15pm for a 5:15 hour day, much as planned. The car thermometer showed +15c. No microspikes needed. Database gives 8km and 900m elevation gain.

Thanks to everyone for making this such a nice trip. Apologies to those left at home. Hope to see you on a Rambler trip soon.

Participants: David (C,S and pics), Dean, Jeannette, Jane, Evan, John, Toshiko (pics), Krzysztof.

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