Winter is over, ice climbing season is over so the itch for mountain climbing begins to set in. I wanted to find a peak dry enough to scramble up. By using very scientific methods (instragram and word of mouth), I concluded Mt. Baldy would be dry enough to climb. I messaged my buddy Risky (this is his nickname, nothing to do with risk taking) and he was in.

During World War II, prisoners in a nearby internment camp were occasionally permitted to make the ascent of Mt. Baldy as long as they promised to return. A University of Calgary research centre now occupies the former location of the camp.

So taking full advantage of our freedom from interment camps, we left Calgary at around 7 am and hoping the rain wouldn't come down until the afternoon. After an hour drive we were on the trail. Risky did not have spikes - everyone is sold out - so I left mine in the car and we set out on the trail.

I'd have to say, the crux was probably below the treeline - so much ice! The spikes would have been helpful here. Pretty straight forward hiking until you get to the climbing part which is avoidable by staying to climbers right. This was a fun little bit of exposure to start the season, some very hands on scrambling. We reached the summit in just under 2 hours but it was very windy so we did not stay for lunch. After snapping a few pictures we headed back down. All in all a solid start for 2017!

I will be coming back up here for a traverse to South Baldy. This time it was covered in snow and I did not have any ropes or spikes or axe to feel safe enough crossing it.