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Rockies :: Alberta Foothills :: Belmore Browne

GPS Track

Looking back to Belmore Browne (center left) from top of ascent gully below Tiara Ridge.  Moose and Prairie Mtn distant background

Oct 7, 2024

Belmore Browne is great front ranges objective.  There are no real difficulties, but it is still route with some rough sections and easy scrambling.  Access is via Powderface Trail Road (seasonally closed Dec 1 - May 15 between Dawson Creek and Hwy 66).  Main problem might be finding the Trailhead;  it is not marked, and there is no parking area - just pullout on east side of the road ~3km south of Lusk Pass / Jumpingpound Ridge Trailhead.   It helps getting familiar via Google Street View as trail can be spotted at west side of the road at N50° 57.316' W114° 57.033',  GPS Track Download Top of Page.  There is space only for 2 or 3 cars;  if someone already there you might have to park at suitable spot further up or down the road

Below the road trail drops somewhat steeply, then after crossing Jumpingpound Creek (2 logs or walk around) follows cutblock for 20-25minutes.  Just before cutblock drops down to west branch of Jumpingpound creek draining Tiara Ridge above trail cuts into the trees;  this spot is marked by cairn, but on my trip I missed this junction completely and ended trashing up the creek before intersecting the trail higher up.   (GPS Waypoint "1-Cutblock").  On return I took the "shortcut" and it had some annoying ups and downs, along some deadfall - pick your poison.  Either way it is not a big deal.  Higher up are the Forks - take the right (north) branch, cairn marks the way - see Gallery.   Going becomes more rough and although snippets of trail shift from one side to the other, it is probably best to simply churn your way up the stony creekbed.  Good Talus trail develops just above treeline.  Usual direct route up Belmore Browne branches right but ascent slopes are quite steep and lose.  In my opinion it is best to follow drainage all the way to Tiarra Ridge as footing is very stable, almost like a staircase.  It will take solid 2 hours to reach the saddle where fantastic views unfolds;  this is great spot for a break.   Boundary Peak is directly north along with entire Boundary Ridge that links Midnight / Midday peaks with Tiara, while Porcupine ridge - optional long day exit to Hwy40 can also be surveyed.   From the top of rise above the saddle, talus trail traverses east ridge to rocky summit of Belmore Browne.  Final few minutes are easy scrambling with trail bypass on right side.   Obvious choice for descent is direct route down steep slopes but I advise against - it is lose with ball-bearing scree you can't surf, but poses stability issues despite rivers of scree trails made by others.  It is best to return the same way; even if longer in terms of distance, there might be no time saving due to nature of terrain.

Through hike connecting Belmore Browne and Boundary Ridge, ending at Lusk Pass Trailhead is highly recommended.  If without 2 cars bringing bicycle is overkill in my opinion as distance between trailheads is only 3km and can easily be fast walked in 30-40min, depending on pace.  On my trip in the fall of '24 from Tiara Ridge I hiked first to Boundary Peak before returning the same way and scrambling Belmore Browne.  This is the good extension even if not planning full Boundary Traverse.

Gallery