[MCR] Grays Peak, Kokanee Glacier Park

Subject: [MCR] Grays Peak, Kokanee Glacier Park
Date: Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:56:02 -0700
Climbed Grays Peak yesterday via the north ridge and up the gully on that side (the one pictured on the Kokanee Beer labels).

There was a lot less snow above treeline than I expected on the approach route to the ridge. Seemed more like normal for this time of the year. Still, there was plenty of running water for filling water bottles. The final snow tongue to the summit fell short and we had to scramble carefully on lose dirt and scree.

The trail (route) through the bush lower down was more overgrown than what I've experienced on previous trips. In the past, there was a more distinct path through the undergrowth. The flagging Shaun King and I put in a couple of years ago has mostly disappeared, I found only one piece. I suspect this route is not getting the use it once did.

I'll echo Shaun's comments from his MCR post last week about the access road, it was a bit rougher than usual although I didn't have any trouble getting my Subaru up to the parking lot. When we got down in the afternoon, there was only overflow parking available. There were a number of cars parked down along the road.

It was a great sunny BC Day weekend for a climb.

Craig Hollinger,
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.
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