Our group of 8 headed up the Burstall fire road at 9:15 am under warm windless muggy conditions. We made good time to the flats and began the task of navigating a path through the wet area. The high winter snow pack and warm weather meant a lots of small log crossings and stream jumping in order to keep our feet dry. After finding a path through, we headed up the headwall trail and into the upper valley. There still wasn't any wind and the bugs were ok as long as we kept moving.

Once up at the North Burstall Pass we took a break and enjoyed the usual fine views.

Burstall Ridge

The group at North Burstall Pass

Our biggest challenge of the day was finding a way up or around the short steep snow wall left over from the winter snow and winds. This snow wall stretched all the way along the lower ridge. After about 30 minutes of failed attempts, we found an easy snow free series of slanting rock ledges, which allowed us to bypass the snow.

The wall of snow along the lower ridge was an obstacle

Sonja on the route which bypassed the snow wall

From there it was an easy snow free route up to the top of the North end of Burstall Ridge.

Approaching the top of the North end of the ridge

Once at the top, the group settled in for a long and very pleasant lunch. The 360 degree views were superb, with high peaks in every direction.


Leman Lake to the West

Looking North from our lunch spot

Lunch spot on the ridge with spectacular 360 degree views

Looking South along the ridge towards Mt Sir Douglas

Reluctantly we began our traverse along the ridge to the South end, all the while enjoying the continued stellar views.

Traversing the ridge with Snow Peak and Smuts as a backdrop

Approaching the South end of Burstall Ridge

We then descended down the talus slopes to South Burstall Pass. From South Burstall one gets a great view of Palliser Pass to the Southwest.

We followed the valley from South Burstall back down to tree line, enjoying some interesting geology along the way. We soon rejoined the main trail leading back to the flats and lower valley. The hike back along the fire road to the vehicles sure seemed a lot, lot longer than on the way in.

It was a good day in the mountains with a great group. 18.5 km and 700 metres elevation gain

My thanks to Dean,Clifton,Sonja,Jane,Ulrike,Barbara,Kate for their interesting conversation and humour and for joining me Kevin (S/C) on a very enjoyable day in K Country.