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Rockies :: Icefields :: Helen Lake Ridge

GPS Track

Dolomite Pass area from low saddle at Ridge north end.  Helen Lake center left,  Dolomite Peak upper right

April 14, 2024

Rocky Ridge separating Icefields corridor to the West and Dolomite Pass area to the East, also known by somewhat pretentious "Crystal Ridge" name.  Standard Helen Lake hiking trail rounds this ridge on the south side.  Craggy Highpoint offers unparalleled views of Icefields corridor, but is still largely off-radar.  Feasible in summer conditions, but much more frequently done on skis or snowshoes in winter.   Do not expect trails, only odd snowshoe or ski track in winter - if you are lucky.   Unsupportive wet snow in springtime conditions is objectively the largest obstacle.

Initial part follows Helen Lake trail for ~15minutes.   Leave trail as it starts contouring in southerly direction and head up through moderately dense forest.  First goal is to reach wide boulder field ~15min above the trail  (Waypoint "2-Boulder Field").   From here the most direct line ascends straight up; with wet snow this can be quite tricky.  On my trip in April '24 I followed edge of forest on north side before heading straight up the thinning forest to mid-bench, then continued up to treeline and start of upper bench.  Past all obstacles going is now straightforward and super enjoyable.  View of Bow Lake/Crowfoot Mountain and Glacier to the west is simply spectacular (see Gallery).  Shallow bowl directly below the ridge can present Avalanche danger;  avoid by contouring on left (west) side then angle up to low col at north end of the Ridge.  Views here are simply spectacular and if not windy this saddle is fantastic spot for a break. Highpoint of the ridge is some 15 minutes away.  Going is easy but be wary of snow cornices projecting on east side.

Return is the same way and in stable snow conditions will be twice as fast.

Gallery