Meet up with TJ and Meg the day after Barber Rock for a classic Columbia Valley scramble; Mount Nelson. A very prominent peak from the Invermere area. Mt. Nelson reaches an impressive height of 3315 metres and has a striking summit block. This peak is highly sought by locals and often is the pinnacle of some locals alpine experiences. Actually it is a moderate (Class 3) scramble to a prominent summit with fantastic views of the Rockies and Purcells, including the Bugaboos.
This moderate scramble packs a punch though; about 2000 metres of gain, with the first 600 metres or so on a very steep dirt trail. The hands on scrambling is crazy loose, with a fall presenting terrible consequences. Overall this scramble is a very fine, technically easy, romp to the top of an impressive summit.
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Scrambling on summit block. |
All approach information and route description is available in the Matt Gunn's excellent trail guide (Hikes Around Invermere & the Columbia River Valley).
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Summit shot. |
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Summit Cross, it is big. |