Scrambling on cliffs above Little Elbow River
The mountain is north of the river, so the first challenge was scrambling across the canyon cliffs that plunge into the fast and deep Little Elbow River, just above the blue bridge, where we left the Little Elbow Trail. We soon had to climb high up the banks to get around the cliffs.
Scrambling into Shoulder Creek
The next challenge was to scramble down into the Shoulder Creek drainage, from which we headed up the ridge leading to Mount Remus.
Ridge leading to Mt. Remus
The ridge is at first a steep grunt through forest, but then view open up from the unrelenting slope.
Unnamed knob on east ridge of Mt. Remus
Finally we reached the prominent knob that can be seen from the Little Elbow trailhead.
Looking back to Nihahi and Forgetmenot Ridges
Here we rested and enjoyed the view back to the trailhead.
Mount Remus from the knob
From the knob you see the route over a few more knobs and up steep scree to the sheer wall guarding the summit plateau.
Back of the knob looks more formidable
Looking back, the knob is suddenly a dramatic peak. Marvelling at the intimidating descent we had just made, we pushed up the steep and unstable scree. We only dislodged one rock during the climb, thanks to the careful footwork of the group.
Yes, dogs can scramble
The crux of the climb is a chimney and crack in the cliff allowing an attack on the summit. Both Choc and Alat, our Belgian shepherd mascots, climbed and descended this route! Your scribe, not overly sensitive to being outdone by dogs, chose to stay at the bottom and take photos.
The crux on Mount Remus
The crux crack allows a moderate scramble up the 70 foot high cliff.
Glorious day on Mount Remus
Posing for the “summit” photo below the cliff: Alat, Gilles, Choc, Caroline, on her very first Ramblers trip, John and Jim.
Descending the orange shale scree route
As it was getting late, we decided it would be quicker to take the Kane route down the orange shale scree to the valley, skipping all the scrambling up the knob and around the river canyon.
Crossing the Little Elbow River
The last challenge was fording the Little Elbow River. The current was strong but we all succeeded in getting across safely. Then it was a 7 km walk back along the road, along which we saw a moose and a deer, and met two young fellows who had just done the four Elbow peaks without mountain bikes. They were surprised to find themselves in the middle of the Banded Peak bike and climb race, and enjoyed the welcoming committee at the summit. We were back to the cars just after 8:30, well satisfied with our adventure. Three of us were happy to find the Subway in Bragg Creek still open for supper. Coordinator and scribe: Carl.