BOW VALLEY OBSCURE

MY OBSCURE COLLECTION


I am certain this post will be ever expanding.

1.  EXSHAW CRAG -  This is a fantastic off season climbing venue.  Literally 5 min to the cliff, all day sun and not too bad rock.

It is located just behind exshaw !   its a small scrappy little thing that is easily seen.   maybe a scattering of 10 routes up there.   Never seen or heard of this thing before.  It is a great winter climbing crag if the sun is out.


2.  RATS NEST CANYON -  Went for a jaunt up past the cave.   Found some nice big boulders ( apparently have been climbed before) . .and limited opportunity for rock.  although, some decent patches are there..

In the back ( amphitheater) there is definitly a mixed climbing venue and some waterfalls that are definitly not visible from the road. what is this place called ? who put it up ? i have a feeling, its a local , or an abandoned crag.     and whats up with the bolts around rats nest cave ?

4.  YAM BLUFFS -  Also a good choice for wanting to get on rock when its cold out.  Although the routes are a little blah.   I mostly head there in the winter time to practice rescue systems and other things.   But if one is feeling the itch, this place does just fine.

Approach to yam.  Turn left at post splitting the hikers trail and the climbers trail.   30 meters and you are there.   some bolts are a tad old, but i saw some new ones that were put in around 2012 i think ?

5. THE REPUBLIK - Located on the west side of Barrier lake.  Approach on foot or bike from barrier dam parking lot.   Additional information can be found in the Kananaskis Obscure Guide book.   Take the path towards jewel pass.  the cliff is on the right, where the trail and cliff meet. walk uphill.   Some climbs, some not finished, rock is good where it is bolted.  Go on a hike and find em !

This is another venue where I go often in the winter.   Gets the sun until mid afternoon each day.   will dry out quick.

6.  BLITZCRAG, EH ? - What a good route that doesnt get enough attention.
This line is located on Barrier Lake Butress .  And no, it isnt where you think it is. Its not the barrier that everybody thinks of.  Park at the dam, and walk around the west side of Barrier Lake.  Proceed past Jewel Pass and its the great lookin rock to your right.  All bolted and on good stone.  No crowds. :)  bring a bike if you can. its 4 pitches 10b and bolted ground up.  has great feel.
great lake views


Go check out summers evening crag.  Its a chill little place that gets great sun.  Highway 68 near highway 40. Kinda hidden away.  


Ya ha crag.   Km marker 18 ya ha tinda ranch road.  



Comments

  1. Unknown28 March 2015 at 20:07

    Hello Adam,
    I'm not sure if I've posted more than once regarding Dreams of Jamaica. I'm not the best for understanding computer stuff.
    I have looked at your post and pictures of Dreams of Jamaica. We are considering that as an objective for tomorrow. I need more approach beta as Claw Creek does not show up on Google Earth.
    Given the lateness of the day and our 04:30 mountain start, I'm assuming we will not get info that quick. No worries as we usually have a plan 'b'.
    But, if luck is on our side I would sure like a lat/long or additional descriptions. If not for tomorrow, for another time.
    Thanks in advance,
    Patti

    ReplyDelete
  2. ADAM MATIAS30 March 2015 at 08:27

    51° 19' 9.4584'' N 115° 19' 36.1380'' W

    check this out. i was out climbing all weekend and was not at my computer.
    these co ord are from the mouth of the canyon. hope they are correct ! if you look at google maps, its across from pakakos mountain. and west of devils head. thats where dreams of jamaica is.
    happy climbing

    have a good day climbing !

    ReplyDelete

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