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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 8:22 PM
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I got an idea for this trip from Chic Scott's "Summits and Icefields". Some of his winter ski trips are great summer scrambles. This one, known as the "Pumpkin Traverse," looked particularly promising for me. It offers a beautiful view of Lake Louise area and presents an opportunity to ascend 3 separate summits - Lipalian Mountain, Purple Peak, and Unity Peak. The Pumpkin Traverse is a loop - Chic Scott suggests descending Unity Peak towards Redoubt Lake and joining Skoki Trail at Boulder Pass (see a map from his book):
Instead of descending to Redoubt Lake, I decided to descend from Unity Peak to what is known to off-bound skiers as Wolverine Bowl (east of Larch chairlift), which would considerably shorten the loop. I left Fish Creek parking lot shortly before dawn. There was very little snow on Temple Lodge Road and only slightly more on Larch ski run. From the top of Larch chairlift the ascent of Lipalian Mountain is very straightforward - you just go straight up [PHOTO 1]. It should pose little difficulty in the summer but at this time of year I had to don crampons for a short slippery section right before a boulder field and again near the summit. Walking on boulders covered with snow was not difficult but required lots of care. There was little snow on the ascent slopes so avalanche danger wasn't an issue.
Finally, when I reached the summit ridge the glorious panorama of Lake Louise area came into view [PHOTOS 7-11]. There was not a single cloud in the sky and no wind, -5C on the top. A perfect winter day. The ridge was bare and desolate except a weird "extraterrestrial structure" that wooed for attention [PHOTOS 12;32]. A short ridgewalk led me to the summit of Lipalian Mountain. Views were incredible and I was in no rush to leave the summit [PHOTOS 14-23].
From Lipalian Mountain I could see the connecting ridge to Purple Peak [PHOTO 24]. There was much more snow on the ridge but the snow offered a good support so a ridgewalk to Purple Peak was very enjoyable [PHOTOS 25-26]. The peak looks purple indeed but the name is probably unofficial - I couldn't find it on topo maps and peakfinder [PHOTOS 27-31 taken on the summit]. From Purple Peak I scouted the route to Unity Peak [PHOTO 28]. I had to descent 200 vertical meters and then regain the lost elevation. I couldn't see very well the final ascent route to Unity Peak but Chic Scott mentions that one can ski it up to the very top, i.e. it's an easy scramble. It looked like the ascent of the third summit of the day was going to be slow - I might need to don crampons again on icy slopes. Days are really short at this time of year so instead of rushing to do a third peak, I decided I would take my time enjoying the glorious vistas.
I returned to Lipalian Mountain, took lots of photos, and started the descent shortly after 4pm. Crampons did a good job so soon I reached the top of Larch chairlift. I took a nap on a very comfy chair (it was 2 days before the ski resort opening) [PHOTO 38] and was thinking it's a good place to see the sunset. I wanted to retrieve a thermos that I had lost somewhere on Larch ski run though, and that would be a difficult task in the dark. Reluctantly, I left the chairlift shortly before 6pm and soon managed to find the thermos. Sunset was very impressive from Temple Lodge Road [PHOTO 39] and I could only think that it would have been much impressive from higher up. OK, next time, I guess.
All in all, the Pumpkin Traverse is a very enjoyable outing. Some may prefer to do it on skis but it's a nice hike as well. Views are incredible on a clear day. If there is not much snow to slow you down (when on foot) and with a longer daylight, the loop seems to be a very feasible dayhike.
01. Lipalian Mountain from the Top of Larch chairlift; 03. Looking back at Larch chairlift; 08. Pleasant ridge to the summit; 13. Ridgewalking to the summit; 14-21. Views from Lipalian Mountain; 24. Connecting Ridge to Purple Peak; 25-26. Ridgewalking to Purple Peak; 27. Lipalian Mountain from Purple Peak; 28. Unity Peak; 29. St. Bride and Douglas from Purple Peak; 20. Lake Louise ski resort from Purple Peak; 32. Taking in views beside "extraterrestrial structure"; 33. Skoki Peaks from Lipalian Mountain; 34-35. Upper Bow Valley in the late afternoon sun; 36. Lipalian Mountain from near the boulder field; 38. Taking nap at the top of Larch chairlift.
01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39.
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Edited by - Engor on 11/08/2010 9:30 PM
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Calgary, Alberta
318 Posts |
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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 9:20 PM
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Allan: Thanks a lot. I haven't seen your TR before.
I went straight up because there was more snow on the right. Did you manage to avoid the boulder field on your way up?
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Edited by - Engor on 11/08/2010 9:31 PM |
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Calgary, Alberta
318 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 9:37 PM
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No we went more to the right in a direct line with the top that you can see. Everything was dry and we didn't mind a bit of boulder hopping and scrambling.
I went a second time and we took the far right hand ridge all the way just for the variety. Saw a grizzly on the ski slope left edge going back down but he just looked up at us for a couple of seconds then put his head down onto the ski slope. As soon as he did that we headed straight right off the ski slope into the trees and creek area and gave him a wide berth and made it down to the veranda at Temple Lodge. When we looked back up the slope he was gone probably crossed the ski lift path and to the south side area of the ski lift.
Regards,
Allan |
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vancouver, bc
Canada
475 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 9:54 PM
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Nice pictures
thanks for sharing
Alex |
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calgary, ab
Canada
149 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2010 : 08:42 AM
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| cool reports, thanks for posting on this area, might try this next year |
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876 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2010 : 10:52 AM
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| I was just reading that one the other day in Scott's book. Looks like you had a perfect day, if only the light would last a little longer this time of year... |
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Jasper, ab
Canada
1028 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2010 : 2:48 PM
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| Great shots of a beautiful area |
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972 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2010 : 3:25 PM
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looks like a great trip!!! love the photo's!!
i have to get up there sometime next summer,you can appreciate the Lake louise area more from the other side. |
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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2010 : 10:49 PM
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Thanks for the comments, folks! I agree that Lake Louise area is better appreciated from the other side. I'm surprised that such an easy peak (in the summer) is not in any hiking guidebook.
lobo: I would love to have a beer or two with you when I'm in Jasper. I've been ignoring Jasper NP this year (except a brief visit for Roche Miette). Next year I want to give it more attention that the Park surely deserves. |
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Jasper, ab
Canada
1028 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2010 : 11:37 PM
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| Any time you're coming to Jasper, let me know. I'd enjoy going for a beer with you. I'll be here all winter except for a seven week period starting early January when I'll be travelling overseas |
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287 Posts |
Posted - 11/16/2010 : 1:56 PM
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Nice report! This trip has been on my agenda for 2 years now and plans to go on two occasions have fallen through to poor weather. I figure it would not be a worthwhile trip to do when socked in cloud etc. I had hoped to give it a try again this fall but it never happened and now with the ski hill open, I might not want to try until next year/fall.
Engor, not sure what you got going on over Christmas (27 - 30th) but I am planning some snowshoe trips. Survey Peak for sure and still thinking of a couple others. I am hoping to hostel stay along the Icefields Parkway during that time. If you are interested, let me know. |
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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
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287 Posts |
Posted - 11/21/2010 : 5:36 PM
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Hi Engor,
Yes, Jeff S is me. I belong to the Calgary Outdoor Club as I am from Calgary and frequently work there. I live up near Edmonton now. I had planned to do the Lipilian/Unity trip on that day but a bit of confusion and date mix-up with my wife resulted in a no-go. Next year I hope.
Big Bend Peak looks great. I had seen the trip report before but forgot about it. That would be a good one to do along with Survey Peak. Sadly, I am not that flexible with my schedule. As I said, I have the 27th to the 30th December free and was looking at Mt Haffner on the Monday, 27th. Sleeping at Mosquito Creek hostel that night. Tues the 28th, somewhat easy day to snowshoe up to Molar Pass or maybe Helen Lake. Spending the next two nights at Rampart Creek hostel. Wed 29th, go for Survey Peak and then try for Big Bend Peak on the 30th. And all the while hoping for good weather ;)
I know this isn't a weekend but sad to say, it is the only time I have in December. I think I saw once that you had done Mt Haffner. Maybe you could join with me on those dates for Survey Peak and Big Bend? I do have this coming weekend available and was thinking of something down in the foothills/ front ranges west of Calgary. |
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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
Posted - 11/22/2010 : 11:59 PM
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Jeff, I like your plans. Let's get in touch closer to the date.
I planned on doing Mt. Haffner twice before but each time foul weather interfered so I ended up going elsewhere. It's still on my list.
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
602 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2012 : 3:46 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Engor
The Pumpkin Traverse is a loop - Chic Scott suggests descending Unity Peak towards Redoubt Lake and joining Skoki Trail at Boulder Pass
I am considering this loop now, in summer conditions. What would your time estimate be? Moderate pace, but lots of photo stops. Lipalian first, ridgewalk and down to Redoubt Lake, then hiking out via Boulder Pass. In particular, Lipalian to Redoubt Lake leg -- 3-4 hrs or less? My conservative estimate is:
Parking - Lipalian : 4 hrs
Lipalian - Unity : 2 hrs
Unity - Redoubt Lake: 2 hrs
Redoubt Lake - Parking : 3-4 hrs (this part I know well & can hike with headlamp if necessary)
Am I too far off? |
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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2012 : 8:31 PM
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This would be a great trip!
I think you can easily do Lipalian in 3 hours. There are not very many photo opportunities until the summit ridge. 2 hrs for Lipalian-Unity with lots of photo stops is probably a realistic estimate. Can't tell you much on Unity-to-Redoubt section as I haven't done it. Overall, I don't think it should take you more than 10 hours not counting summit naps and snack stops.
Parking - Lipalian : 4 hrs
Lipalian - Unity : 2 hrs
Unity - Redoubt Lake: 2 hrs
Redoubt Lake - Parking : 3-4 hrs (this part I know well & can hike with headlamp if necessary)
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Edited by - Engor on 08/19/2012 8:32 PM |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
602 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2012 : 9:46 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Engor
This would be a great trip!
I think you can easily do Lipalian in 3 hours. There are not very many photo opportunities until the summit ridge. 2 hrs for Lipalian-Unity with lots of photo stops is probably a realistic estimate. Can't tell you much on Unity-to-Redoubt section as I haven't done it. Overall, I don't think it should take you more than 10 hours not counting summit naps and snack stops.
This is now penciled sometime in last week of August. Thanks much; I'll post a TR when I get back. |
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Lipalian Mountain and Purple Peak
