Heart Mountain

September 15, 2001
Mountain height: 2,149 m (7,049 feet)
Elevation gain: 930 m
10.5 km round trip

Scrambling with Mark, Stuart, Darryl, and Ashraf.

I think by now it's becoming obvious that I am addicted to scrambling. I insist on going to the mountains every weekend and spend the week flipping back and forth through the "Scrambles" book to find a potential mountain to summit.

Heart Mountain is a great little scramble if you want something fast and easy. There is also an enjoyable loop option, which makes for a longer day, but requires minimal extra effort. The ascent was surprisingly easy and the two short sections of "moderate" scrambling were fun and very simple. At the summit we rested, enjoying a very pleasant view and perfect weather. Ashraf actually pulled out some equipment to make a hot cup of tea.

Unfortunately, Stuart had a hot date and had to head back right away. He returned the same we came. I really wanted to do the full loop and so the rest of us continued on. The loop was very interesting and pleasant and all of us enjoyed it thoroughly. Our pace was quite slow, however, stretching the day into a very long one. We were all quite relieved to make it back to the car.

Heart Mountain from the start of the trail

Me and Mark, with the attractive?? Baymag plant behind

Mark at the summit; Barrier Lake and Mount Baldy are behind him

Mark, Stuart, and Darryl at the summit

Ashraf (enjoying his tea!), Darryl, and me at the summit

Heart Mountain Loop II

July 23, 2002

Scrambling with Colleen.

Like Yamnuska IV, three weeks earlier, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy a second run at Heart Mountain. Colleen had worked that day and so we didn't start the hike until 3:15 pm. It was a beautiful day, however, oppressive heat slowed our progress a little. Throughout the scramble I tried to avoid the trail and pick sections that required hands-on scrambling. This made the hike far more enjoyable and challenging for me, especially at the crux, where I detoured farther up the mountain for some slightly tricky and fun climbing.

Upon reaching the summit we decided to complete the loop, however, we were a little concerned that we would lose daylight and so we left the summit right away and at a quick pace. The remainder of the trip was very easy and enjoyable and our round-trip time was 4 hours, 45 minutes.

Enjoying some easy hands-on scrambling

Looking back at the first lower summit from near the true summit

Colleen at the summit

Heart Mountain III

December 26, 2003
Mountain height: 2,149 m (7,049 ft)
Elevation gain: 930 m
Ascent time: 1:55
Descent time: 1:35

Solo scramble.

Not really much to tell. Heart Mountain is a great trip for a quick work-out. The ascent to the top right corner of the "Heart" was fast and easy - only small patches of snow along the way. Again, I tried to avoid the trail to do more hands-on scrambling (there are many opportunities to do so). Once at the top, I took I quick 20 minute diversion over to the left corner of the "Heart", just because I hadn't been there before. It really doesn't warrant a return trip. The traverse to the true summit took longer than expected, as there was a fair amount of snow on the ridge.

Having done the circuit twice, I decided to use the ascent route on return. If I had to do it again, I would again do the circuit route. It's easier and more pleasant, and the ascent route is at times quite tedious to descend. Overall, an easy and enjoyable day.

The sun rises over Grotto Mountain (left), Gap Peak (just right of center), and Mount Fable (right)

Mount McGillivray, as seen from Heart's summit

Looking down the Bow Valley corridor from the summit