Rockies :: Icefields :: South Dolomite Pass

Watermelon S2 (R) and unnamed south outlier (L) reflected in calm water of Dolomite Pass tarn. South Dolomite Pass is obvious notch extreme center right

September 7, 2021

Dolomite Pass is one of highlights on well-known Dolomite Circuit backpack.  Beyond the Pass ~1km from Katherine Lake trail drops into Dolomite Creek valley (this is also approach for off-the-beaten-track hike to Alice Lake);  but on the north side is classic alpine saddle sandwiched between Watermelon S2 and east outlier of Dolomite Peak.  I noticed this saddle earlier this year on snowshoe ascent of "Dolomite Shoulder" - see photo.  It is also possible to reach this col by following drainage from Mosquito creek; with 2 cars or bicycle these 2 approaches can be combined for loop.  On my hike I opted for out-and-back via Helen Lake / Dolomite Pass, knowing how incredibly scenic this area is and this is how this report is presented.  Mosquito side is more rough and overall inferior. If I at some point revisit via this valley I will add to this report, but it is low priority at time of this writing.

Follow standard and popular Helen Lake trail from signed parking area opposite Crowfoot Glacier Tourist Pullout ~1km before Bow Lake.  From the Lake trail switchbacks to "Helen Lake Summit" and becomes faint.  Continue east and easily drop (vertical loss of ~100m) to beautiful alpine valley with Katherine Lake (It is also possible to get here more directly via Helen Creek;  parking couple of km south, initially using Kane access route for Dolomite Peak.  Although shorter, this approach is much more rough, partially off-trail necessitating several creek crossings and entirely not recommended).  After crossing outlet of Katherine Lake leave Dolomite Trail and wonder through amazing alpine meadow with scattered boulders;  incredibly regular geometric shape I haven't seen anywhere else.  After passing couple of tarns, aim for obvious saddle ~2km and ~250m vertical (estimate) above.  This is an easy grass / talus ascent and any direction will do.  On my trip I trashed up little ridge west of the Pass and made this turnaround point, but it is also possible to scramble further up to glacial shelf with several small tarns fed by Dolomite Glacier, and possibly loop back to Katherine Lake area that way.   I returned the same way;  if your timing and light conditions are right, you might be rewarded with some beautiful sunset photo ops at Katherine Lake.

Abstract Note:  I forgot GPS, so stats are approximate.  If you'd still like GPS track, you can download one from Alice Lake Trip - it is identical till Dolomite Pass ~1km from Katherine Lake, just before trail drops down Dolomite Creek)

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