Observation Peak Scramble on 16-Aug-2022
We had a great day on Observation Peak. We left the parking lot at 9:30 am, arrived at the first (or false) summit at 11:30 am, and the main summit at 12:15 pm. Both summits provide spectacular views of the Wapta Icefield and beyond. We left the main summit at 1:00 pm, and were back at the parking lot at 3:00 pm. There is an excellent trail essentially all the way to the summit, including through the trees at the bottom before reaching the gulley, with many cairns along the way. The route finding is a bit tricky through a cliff band about half way up, especially coming down. We found it best to stay as close to the crest of the ridge or spur as possible. We met one other solo hiker; she had started up at 8:30 am, and was just leaving the main summit as we arrived at the first summit.
Thanks very much to James, Gary, and guest Ron for joining me Jack on this great trip.
Total Distance: 8.3 km
Total Elevation Gain: 1100 m
Total time: 5.5 hours
Scrambling though a break in the cliff band.
The main summit of Observation Peak from the first summit.
Gary, Ron, and James on the summit of Observation Peak.
On the summit of Observation Peak, Peyto Lake in the background.
The cornice near the summit of Observation Peak.
Iceberg Lake, the Onion, and Mount Gordon from the summit of Observation Peak.
Cauldron Lake from the summit of Observation Peak.
Heading back to the first summit of Observation Peak from the main summit.