Yamnuska
Posted by: 
GeoKs
N 51° 07.432 W 115° 07.083
11U E 631698 N 5665283
This geologically fascinating peak is the easternmost mountain of the Front Ranges west of Calgary. From the TransCanada, exit off to the 1X and then turn north (right) onto 1A. Trailhead parking is indicated by a green road sign.
Waymark Code: WM1W8F
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 07/19/2007
Views: 83
Yamnuska attracts a lot of climbers, looking to master its sheer southeast face. However, hikers can also make it to the summit via a loop trail. Hikers have the benefit of several potential geocache finds along the route, including the "Mount Yamnuska" earthcache, which provides an excellent description of Yam's geology.
From the parking lot, head up the trail about 1 km until you see the "climbers this way" "hikers that way" sign and make your choice. We're not climbers, so can only provide details re: the hiking option.
To hike the summit, turn right at the above-mentioned sign. There is extensive braiding of trails, but they all seem to head in the same direction. About an hour or so from the trailhead (3.5 km) you will come to Raven's End, the east shoulder of the sheer cliff face. This is where the easy part ends.
On the back side of the cliff, you will need to climb up through a large crack. It's not too bad, and once you're through, you'll get a good idea of the terrain you'll be covering to reach the summit - traversing lots of scree, an easy rock climb and then the real challenge. About 2 1/2 to 3 hours from the trailhead you'll reach a crux - a fixed metal cable spanning a narrow cliff, where you can hold on tight while you work your way across (maybe 8 meters long).
Immediately after the crux there's a scrambly / ledgy section about 50 meters across. Then it's just a slog up and across the scree to the summit.
Total distance from trailhead to summit is about 5.5 km with an elevation gain of about 880 meters to an elevation of 2,240 meters.
After you enjoy the views from the summit, and most likely your lunch, complete the circuit by descending southwest. You'll traverse lots of scree as you skirt around the west shoulder of the upthrust and then hike across the front of the cliff for a while before reaching a mammoth scree slope. Then, let the fun begin. Turn your toes down the hill and scree jump / glissade down.
After you empty your boots, follow the trail back to the parking lot for a total distance of about 10 km.
We would characterize this hike as challenging. Please be sure you are properly equipped and experienced to take on Yamnuska. There is a summit log, but it doesn't have a log book that we could see, so you may wish to bring a slip of paper to add your name to the waterproof container.
Altitude in Feet: 7280
|
Visit Instructions:
To post a visit log for waymarks in this category, you must have personally visited the waymark location. When logging your visit, please provide a note describing your visit experience, along with any additional information about the waymark or the surrounding area that you think others may find interesting.
We especially encourage you to include any pictures that you took during your visit to the waymark.