Raiders of the Lost Arch Sport climbing on 21-Oct-2026

Have you ever looked up and wondered what's up that craggy rock gully immediately west of Heart Ck? Or, as you're heading east by Lac Des Arcs noticed what seems like a large cave up there? That was the destination for this, our late October afternoon exploration up Raiders Canyon.

The approach involved a < 1 km hike up a short but steep, rough trail, down a bit, to come out of the forest at the base of a rock buttress, and up to the left a large rock arch revealed itself. An easy scramble led up towards the arch and the start of the Raiders of the Lost Arch sport climbing route. This route allows for some choices: 3 to 5 pitches at either a 5.4 or 5.5 grade. We geared up!

At the base of the climb, gearing up for the 1st pitches - we combined the first two pitches together as a single longer one given the easy climbing and chance to speed things up a bit.

Sebastiaan sets out leading the next 5.5 'crux' pitch through the arch - the grade partly due to the angle rather than lots of big positive holds...

At 2nd belay station. Low angle + few holds = rely on friction and 'trust your feet'!

1st rappel with the Bow Valley in the background.

This rappel had a mid-station half way down.

There were 6 rappels altogether. The practice and repetition makes for getting the method down pat!

Nearing the final hiking descent back down to the start.

Ramblers of the Lost Arch

Thanks to Bill and Sebastiaan, Ramblers of the Lost Arch for joining me Marcus on a great day out.

2.5 km, 330 m, 4hrs 45'

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