Mosquito Mountain
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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.
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Mosquito Creek. Rather dangerously current was rapid.
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Early start at 6:30. Weather was overcast which wasn't what they said day before… Mouseover for route line.
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Summit can be seen pretty much from anywhere.
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Surprisingly so dry. I wasn't expecting that. I believe KC has more snow than this area this year.
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Noseeum Peak.
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Looking unnamed peaks in SW.
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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.
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Higher up still there was bit of snow.
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Mount Hector the ugly.
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Molar Pass. I would like to come back in summer here.
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Most remembable thing from this trip was these impressive pinnacles before the last push to the summit.
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The last push…
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Finally at the summit, I could see the north side.
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Mount Willingdon, 3373 m. Barely taller than peaks on the right.
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South side. Hector and Balfour are similar in many ways (tall, glacier covered) but so oppisite (one is ugly other is cool).
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Is there a way to Noseeum? I would like to do that one too.
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See! Balfour is so much better looking than Hector.
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More blue sky in the afternoon.
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Going back. This area needs to be explorered more.
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My descent route, the ridge route.
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My footprints.
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It was disapointing that I expected to see zillion mosquitos here but I got none…
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Trio. From left, Quartzite Peak, Ramp Peak, then Mosquito Mountain.