Mt James Walker 255294 Off-Trail hike on 7-Oct-2025
Conditions were almost perfect for doing this high (3035m) peak in October: sunshine, negligible snow, and clear expansive views. The only possible negative was the cold wind, but the prolonged climb kept us warm, and surprisingly the knife-edge summit ridge provided a bit of shelter. After descending, we enjoyed the easier and scenic walking through the high alpine cirque and had another long break at the largest tarn, then decided to visit the largest tarn in the north cirque before re-entering the trees.
It was a fantastic trip, especially considering that it's October!
19+ km/1250m in 8 hours.
Participants: Jane, Ulrike, Ingrid (coordinator), Peter, Jenny, Matthew. Photos provided by several participants.
Participants: Jane, Ulrike, Ingrid (coordinator), Peter, Jenny, Matthew. Photos provided by several participants.
We won't be in sunshine until 2.5 hours into our day
Arriving at an intermediate ridge crest
Extremely foreshortened view of the last section to the summit (still 30 minutes away)
Summit ridge, looking one way
Summit ridge, looking the other way
Taking advantage of snow on the descent
Finished with the steep terrain
Long break
Visiting the other cirque