01
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-04
Mosquito Mountain
- Location: Banff National Park (Icefields Parkway)
- Activity: Scrambling
- Height: 2,977 m (9,768 ft)
- Elevation Gain: 1,460 m (4,790 ft)
- Distance: 19.1 km / Loop (11.9 mi)
- Avg Steepness: 8.7°
- Estimated Time: 7-10 hrs
- Technicality: Intermediate
- Fitness Level: Hard
|
|
After getting straight fantastic 4 “NO”s from Benatherryvern (= Ben, Heather Parry, and Vern), I decided to go solo at Mosquito Mountain. For the record, I was only asking some opinions, I knew they won't come!!. (｡・ε・｡) I originally planned this as a ski trip but since I was myself, I switched to snowshoe ascent and that was a correct decision. I was quite shocked how less snow there was. Bringing skis would have been carrying so much weight without much benefit. With snowshoes, I could switch between boots and snowshoes as I needed.
The idea came from Nugara’s trip report and I didn’t intend but pretty much without realizing, I followed Bob Spirko’s route.
I parked at Mosquito Creek parking. Trailhead was on the other side of the highway. I followed the Molar Creek trail until Mosquito Creek Campground (Mo5). I crossed over a bridge at the campsite and went 1 km farther and find a log to cross back the creek (pink line). Up to this point there wasn’t much elevation gain but from here workout began. For a short while I had to light-bushwhack. Slope was bit steep too. Once out of the treeline, I could see the summit. Route is very flexible perhaps it’s more like wherever you want to go, you go.
For decent I used more obvious ridge route (red line). Once I was at the Mosquito Creek, I stayed north side of the creek and again, light-bushwhacked to the campsite.
If you decided to winter ascent, my descent line (red line) which I stayed on ridge would be a safe way.
02
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Mosquito Creek. Rather dangerously current was rapid.
03
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Early start at 6:30. Weather was overcast which wasn't what they said day before… Mouseover for route line.
04
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Summit can be seen pretty much from anywhere.
05
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Surprisingly so dry. I wasn't expecting that. I believe KC has more snow than this area this year.
07
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Looking unnamed peaks in SW.
08
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
I think this is unnamed peak between North and South Molar Pass. "Ridgewalks in the Canadian Rockies" by Mike Potter has a big loop including this peak and Mosquito Mountain.
09
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Higher up still there was bit of snow.
11
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Molar Pass. I would like to come back in summer here.
12
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Most remembable thing from this trip was these impressive pinnacles before the last push to the summit.
14
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Finally at the summit, I could see the north side.
15
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Mount Willingdon, 3373 m. Barely taller than peaks on the right.
16
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
South side. Hector and Balfour are similar in many ways (tall, glacier covered) but so oppisite (one is ugly other is cool).
17
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Is there a way to Noseeum? I would like to do that one too.
18
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
See! Balfour is so much better looking than Hector.
19
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
More blue sky in the afternoon.
20
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Going back. This area needs to be explorered more.
21
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
My descent route, the ridge route.
23
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
It was disapointing that I expected to see zillion mosquitos here but I got none…
24
Mosquito Mountain | 2011-06-05
Trio. From left, Quartzite Peak, Ramp Peak, then Mosquito Mountain.
SUBSCRIBE