Organizer: Jesse Huard & John Killan
Activity Type: Rock Climbing
Difficulty Rating: Beginner
Itinerary:
This is an all-abilities trip with a focus on being beginner friendly and getting people climbing outside to kick start their summer climbing season.
The plan is to spend two days climbing at Ya Ha Crag (https://climbyaha.ca). This crag boasts a short approach (12 minutes, 300 m, 50 m elevation gain), and a high concentration of routes in the 5.6-5.9 range, with a smaller selection of routes graded 5.10 and above. The Ya Ha Crag mini guidebook is available at Track 'n Trail here in town.
I will be driving up Friday evening and am planning on camping at Eagle Creek campground (https://www.foesa.org/Eagle-Creek-Campground, 51.7239430, -115.4988137). Anyone is welcome to join. Please note that this is an unserviced primitive campground, in bear country, and with limited or no cell reception, so plan accordingly if camping.
This is a first-come first-served campground, so if full participants will be responsible for finding other camping or accommodations in the area.
Note that access to this area is via forestry road. The road is generally in very good condition, but be prepared to drive unpaved gravel roads, and have enough gas for the trip both ways.
The plan is to meet at the entrance to Eagle Creek Campground (51.7239430, -115.4988137) at 8:30 am, to go over preliminaries before we head to the crag (51.7174103, -115.4843040). The pullout at the crag is on the smaller side, so we may need to share cars for the short drive from the campground (1.1 km).
After climbing, we will return to the campground to enjoy the evening for anyone camping.
I will create a WhatsApp chat to coordinate with participants closer to the trip.
Given the lack of cell service in the area, it is important for participants to be prepared and have a plan for arrival that is communicated before the trip.
If you have any questions, reach out on WhatsApp or email jhuard@ualberta.ca or john.killan@hotmail.com
Prerequisites / Courses Required:
Required items to bring:
Climbing helmet
Climbing harness
Climbing shoes
Belay device and locking carabiner
Comfortable approach shoes
Insulating jacket
Shell jacket
Water, lunch, snacks
Camping gear, food, water, toiletries, etc. if camping
Optional: Belay gloves
Optional: Personal anchor system, additional locking carabiners
As per club guidelines, participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and transportation.
Please refer to the GMMC Policies regarding Animals, Carpooling, Accommodation, and Cancellation.
