01

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

Vermilion Peak
  • Location: Kootenay National Park
  • Activity: Scrambling
  • Height: 2,622 m (8,603 ft)
  • Elevation Gain: 1,250 m (4,101 ft)
  • Distance: 8.0 km / Loop (5.0 mi)
  • Avg Steepness: 17.4°
  • Estimated Time: 5-7 hrs
  • Technicality: Advanced
  • Fitness Level: Hard

Back to Kootenay again. I lately going there so many times.

Anyway, I didn't park at the best place. Where I parked was roughly 700 m too far. In result we had to bushwhack little instead of taking a nice road which leads to ascent route, the bottom on the avalanche gully (page 2). Once we get to the avalanche gully, all we had to do was to go up on gully (page 3). There were minor rock band on the way, but was nothing to fear of (page 4). The avalanche gully was rather boring yet steep, until the view opened up. We decided to go straight up scrambling the slab slope directly to the peak. If you are following Kane's route, then I suggest to follow my descent route and not to go up all the way to the slab slope because you have to lose elevation by going south trying to get south end of the ridge from bottom of the slab slope (page 6 would be the place to go right). The slab slope, more like fragile plates were very lose and extremely easy to break off, so I had to careful not to grab weak plates or make rock falls to members down below, except I was trying to make a rock slide aiming Ali, but unfortunately it didn't happen... This scramble can be moderate or difficult scramble depending on the route (page 9). For descent, we followed the ridge route. The ridge especially near the summit, despite this peak is rated moderate in the book, I thought the ridge was very narrow and exposed for moderate. It was more like what I expect from mountains rated difficult (page 17).

02

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

After a short bushwhacking from side-road parking, we found this nice road.
(Photo By Ali Shariat)

03

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

Familiar view from the book. It's pretty much impossible to get lost from here.
(Photo By Ali Shariat)

04

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

This can be easily avoided by going from left side.

05

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

After a long, steep, boring gully, finally view of the Rockwall opened up.

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Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

To go to south end of the ridge, go right.

07

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

Ali scrambling up plate slope.

08

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

Andrea told me the story of vermilion, but I know she's wrong. This is where all the expired Gatorade ends up. The story Andrea told me is only the cover up.

09

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

First time scrambling with Barbara. I was only expected Ali and me challenge this straight up route, but she joined us.

10

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

As boring the ascent was, the view from the peak was terrific. Mouse over to see names.

11

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

Too many named peaks… The valley of the Ten peaks. Mouse over!

12

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

Andrea and Aga catching us up.

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Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

What a warm and gorgeous day it was. Andrea couldn't help taking a nap. Stanley Peak behind.

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Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

What is this? Homeless everywhere!! …well they all went to sleep, so I decided to kiss the girls and stole apples from Ali's backpack.

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Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

The group shot!! From left, Aga, Ali, Barbara, Andrea, and me.
(Photo By Ali Shariat)

16

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

Looking down the slab slope all the way down to the beginning.

17

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

The narrowest part of the ridge near the summit.

18

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

After this the ridge got easier.

19

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

See easier.

20

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

Time to have some fun with butt.
(Photo By Ali Shariat)

21

Vermilion Peak | 2010-06-12

Showing both ascent and descent routes.

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