Created 25-Jul-22
Modified 20-Dec-23
2022-07-16 | Survey Peak |
Almost the end of my week off, this seldom visited peak on the Icefields is seldom visited for a reason – a significant off trail uphill bushwhack thru variable low shrubs and downed trees. At least that was the crux of todays outing. The day starts on the Parks Canada quality trails of Glacier lake trail past a red chair viewpoint. Shortly after that we veered into the trees and at first it wasn’t too bad. Then it got denser, steeper, and mosquitoes found us in force. Everything covered in a combo of sweat and spruce pollen. Coming off a log awkwardly I tweeked my knee but perhaps foolishly kept going with Peter somewhere above me. Breaking treeline we regrouped for a first lunch and I contemplated not continuing. Knee felt ok to walk so we did the next 400m of relatively easy solid talus to the summit. I got an extra litre of water from a seep before enjoying a long summit stay with solid views of the Icefields area peaks around us, including Mt. Forbes – the tallest peak in Banff NP. The trip down was a little better with being able to pick up the faint ‘trail’ part way down and followed the flagging back to the Glacier Lake Trail. A good day out but a long one with about a 3hr drive on either end. Thankful for the ice I put in the cooler!
© Clayton Ditzler