Heart Line - 5.9, A1, 1100m (17 pitches)

Heart Mountain on the approach from the creek. The route follows the right 
side ridge from the creek directly to the summit.

Had a cold and blustery day Friday September 17 on a long and interesting sport route, Heart Line. This long route is found on little Heart Mountain. One route description calls this route, “a sport mountaineering adventure.“ The route description says 1100 metres for the route length in 17 pitches. Fun, glad we did the full 17 pitches; it is possible to only do the lower 6 pitches, or only the upper 11 pitches. Excellent photos and route beta here:   http://squamishclimbingmagazine.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/The-Heart-Line-route-description.pdf

View to pitch 1 from creek.

Looking down pitch 2.

View down pitch 3.
Photo by Laurie

OSWB leading pitch 4.
Photo by Laurie

Generally the lower 6 pitches are moderate with sections of easy climbing, but there are several really fun sections. In between pitch 6 and 7 is a long hike on a pleasant ridge.

Pleasant hike in between pitches 6 and 7.

View to the upper 11 pitches and the summit of Heart Mtn.

The upper pitches are the money, pitch 13 is the crux, super solid 5.9. Pitch 14 is 15 metres of A1. The final pitches we had strong cold winds that make the route extra spicy.  Fun route and worthwhile to do all 17 pitches. 

Looking down pitch 8.
Photo by Laurie.

Laurie part way of pitch 10.

View up pitch 12 and 13. Pitch 13 is full value 5.9.

Kevin at the anchor at the start of pitch 13.
Photo by Laurie.

View north from anchor at base of pitch 13. 
The wall is steep.

OSWB (Kevin) at the top of pitch 13.
Photo by Laurie.

Pitch 14. A1, 5.7, 15m.

Laurie "aid" climbing the bolt ladder of pitch 14.

Last short hike to the base of the last two pitches.
Photo by Laurie.

View of pitch 16 and 17.

OSWB at station below pitch 16.
Photo by Laurie.

OSWB pulling through the upper crux of pitch 17.
Photo by Laurie.

Rain/snow clouds kept threatening, Canmore getting some precip.