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Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Ships Prow

GPS Track

Panoramic view SW from Ships Prow summit ridge with storm clouds advancing over Spray Lakes corridor

July 9, 2022

When seen from Bow Bridge in Canmore, formidable looking cliff just east of Mt. Lawrence Grassi resembles forward most part of the boat - hence the name for this unofficial summit.  Front facing cliffs are popular with rock climbers;  much easier ascent line is from the back, starting from Goat Pond on Spray Road.  Route is relatively unknown, and when nearby Lawrence Grassi, Ha-Ling / Miners Peak or East End of Rundle are swarming with people, there might be nobody on Ships Prow.  As such no trail has developed (yet!) and you must be comfortable ascending moderately angled forested slopes with deadfall.  There are two summits:  lower, "Hikers Summit" - just a knob on final ridge, boasting huge cairn, and entirely hiking.  Higher point, or "Scramblers Summit" is guarded by cliff band where conditions are preferably dry (stiff class 3 rock).  Peak is sometimes ascended in winter with snowshoes, but snow conditions must be stable as considerable part is above treeline on avalanche prone slopes.  Alternate approach from Canmore side is via Grassi Knob;  although it saves driving on pothole ridden Spray Road, it can not be recommended as much of the ascent past the Knob is on steep and lose talus slopes (see gallery). 

Parking is small pullout on left side of Spray Road, just past Goat Canal bridge (coming from Canmore).  There is space for 4-5 cars maybe,  more can be found along the road before the bridge.  Follow utility road heading north by the canal for short time only until large logged quarry appears on the right.  Summit ridge can be seen high above.  Easiest line, as per GPS track on top of the page, ascends diagonally left-right from end of quarry, staying close to huge drainage on climber left.  There is some deadfall to contend with, but nothing too bad. Couple of minor crumbling cliff bands are easily circumvented at one side or the other.  Just past the hour mark trees thin out and bits of trail develop here testifying area does see some human traffic after all.  Rest of the ascent to low saddle/start of summit ridge is very enjoyable on moderately angled grass, transitioning into stable scree near the top.   Dramatic view of Three Sisters awaits at the saddle, while Hikers Summit is ~15 minutes away ascending gently angled and wide ridge.    This is recommended turnaround point as views from Scramblers summit will not be better.

Return is the same way;  it might be tempting to trash down huge gully directly below the peak, but this is not recommended due to lose and utterly unpleasant terrain. Recommended easy scramble with great views and likely solitude.

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