King Creek Ice Climb - WI 3, 25m

Easy mellow day to ease into some ice climbing, hit the mega classic ice crag; King Creek. I have only led ice climbing about twice in past 3 seasons, so John and I were looking for a casual day to get the cob webs out. The weather forecast also called for a high of 16 for Kananaskis, so we planned a short morning of ice climbing in the sheltered canyon.

Upper most flow "Scottish Gully". 

We were the first party of day at King Creek, not surprising since we got there about 7am. Nice hike up the canyon. The main flow and smaller cave routes next door were all fairly thin so we went for the cool flow in the just past the narrow creek section. This line is sometimes referred to as “the Scottish Gully”. It was it great shape. I led the route a couple of times, then I set up a top rope. John and I did a ton of laps, then packed in around noon. We did see another party at the main flow on our hike out. Fun early season warm up. 

TR set up.

John at base of route.

John ready to spring into action.

Party of two on the main flow as we hike out. 

Classic view up King Creek from the parking area/highway. The glorious Mt. Blane on the left,
outlier of Blane, "The Blade", just left of centre and "Mt. Barham", right of centre.