01

Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Mount Cautley
  • Location: Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
  • Activity: Hiking
  • Height: 2,880 m (9,449 ft)
  • Elevation Gain: 1,350 m (4,429 ft)
  • Distance: 21.6 km / Loop (13.4 mi)
  • Avg Steepness: 7.1°
  • Estimated Time: 7.5-11 hrs
  • Technicality: Intermediate
  • Fitness Level: Hard

The above stats are from Lake Magog Campground. For technicality of Wonder Peak, please see page 13.

I was hoping that I would find a trail for Mount Cautley somewhere. From Magog Aga and I followed the trail to Wonder Pass. Getting closer to The Towers, we were unable to find a trail, so I decided to go off-trail right after Gog Lake where terrain flattened and most of trees disappeared. We aimed north end of Cautley. Close to the bottom of Cautley after traversing the beautiful green valley, we came across a trail at waypoint “Find trail” (GR992405). We pretty much stayed on this well established trail which lead us exactly where we wanted to go which was from north end of Cautley ridge to summit to Wonder Peak. There is not much to add for Mount Cautley. It’s a pleasant hike.

On the way to Wonder Peak from Cautley we decided to go little extra. Thanks for that curiosity, we enjoyed the view of Marvel Lake and Assiniboine at waypoint “Subpeak 1”.

I read a trip report of Wonder Peak from a website I had never came across before. The author did traversed Wonder to Cautley. He described 4th and 5th class climbing, spending some time try to find a way down and the route they found was very steep and sketchy… Well that was all bull s##t which unfortunately scared Aga and she decided not to try Wonder. Here is more accurate description. From waypoint “Subpeak 3”, I could clearly see a trail on Wonder which pretty much made me doubt Wonder does not involve 5th class. (Come on, how many peaks which involved 5th class I have done actually had such well established trail? NONE!) Hike to Wonder and once you are at the huge rockband, go right (NW). The rockband breaks off and there is a steep and lose but no more than easy scramble way up (page 13). After that simply follow the trail to the summit. The crux would be the summit block. Make sure to survey all angles of the block. There is a tiny chimney or maybe crack would be better word. I think using the crack would make this moderate/difficult. If don’t then it will be difficult scramble (page 17). I went down to Wonder Pass again by following the same trail for descent.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Pretty valley with lots of flowers… Felt little guilty stepping on the vegetation area…

03

Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Place like this, I can't resist to sing ♪ The hills are alive with the sound of music With songs they have sung for a thousand years ♪ … from a classic movie The Sound of Music!!

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Mount Cautley.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Little stream.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

There was a big rock in middle of the valley. I am guessing this rock was carried by glacier a long time ago just like the one at Okotoks…?

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Not sure what this cross represents… For a moment, I thought somebody already made a grave for me.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Whala! Looking at Wonder from summit of Cautley.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Another nice day it was.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Marvel Lake & Gloria Lake. The best spot to see entire Marvel for sure.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Our extra route's ridge became more challenging.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Some snow and ice.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Wonder Peak
  • Location: Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
  • Activity: Scrambling
  • Height: 2,852 m (9,357 ft)
  • Elevation Gain: 1,350 m (4,429 ft)
  • Distance: 21.6 km / Loop (13.4 mi)
  • Avg Steepness: 7.1°
  • Estimated Time: 7.5-11 hrs
  • Technicality: Advanced
  • Fitness Level: Hard

To Wonder. Go right at the rockband. There is easy way up. Mouseover.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Aga walking on scree.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Summit view.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Valley side.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

This is summit block, the crux. Mouseover.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

On the way to Wonder Pass.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Looking back the peak. Quite impressive and intimidating looking from this angle.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

After hunting ground squirrels for 3 days, we decided to go back to civilized life style. At Mt. Assiniboine Lodge we got nice cake and lemonade.

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Mount Cautley to Wonder Peak | 2010-08-25

Inside dining room.

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