Trip Report by Ben Shewan
Helm Peak - 09-22-2012
Helm Peak is essentially Black Tusk's dirty and loose little cousin - not super quality but a good time none the less
Despite the scree slog there are a few interesting moves on the summit block that make this a worthwhile destination from a scrambling perspective. The top notch surroundings and views are certainly hard to beat!
We proceeded from the Cheakamus TH and went a bit past Helm Creek campsite before heading left toward Helm. The views of Black Tusk dominate the skyline.
As we approach our objective we both decided it would be quicker to deal with the scree rather than taking the ridge bypass. Our route takes us to the prominent scree covered notch directly right of Helm in the picture below.
The going was slow for this portion but I still had no regrets about wearing running shoes
We crested the ridge and made our way to the base of the summit block. The route was fairly intuitive and followed Matt Gunn's directions.
Crumbly and loose rock made it necessary to be very cautious when selecting hand and foot holds. We went extra slow and savoured the scramble. A couple of exposed moves near the summit were likely the crux of this.
Once on top the views of the Tusk, Garibaldi and Castle Towers were a little hazy but still superb. The park was essentially surrounded by an ocean of clouds and we felt pretty lucky to be in an island of clear skies.
Castle Towers & Garibaldi in the distance
We hung out on the small and airy summit for a bit but climbed down before having a bite to eat.
Stopped at the ridgeline for a break and then decided to descend the way we had come up. Surfing down the scree was fun but due caution was necessary.
Arriving back on the well-trodden trail we took one look back at Helm before heading for home.
Thanks for suggesting this one Adrien! I'd never been up from the Cheakamus side before but now I understand why Spring jogs this trail! It pretty luxury for sure.
A great day and a great destination - never mind the poor rock quality, it's still very cool.
Helm Peak - 09-22-2012
Helm Peak is essentially Black Tusk's dirty and loose little cousin - not super quality but a good time none the less
Despite the scree slog there are a few interesting moves on the summit block that make this a worthwhile destination from a scrambling perspective. The top notch surroundings and views are certainly hard to beat!We proceeded from the Cheakamus TH and went a bit past Helm Creek campsite before heading left toward Helm. The views of Black Tusk dominate the skyline.
As we approach our objective we both decided it would be quicker to deal with the scree rather than taking the ridge bypass. Our route takes us to the prominent scree covered notch directly right of Helm in the picture below.
The going was slow for this portion but I still had no regrets about wearing running shoes
We crested the ridge and made our way to the base of the summit block. The route was fairly intuitive and followed Matt Gunn's directions.
Crumbly and loose rock made it necessary to be very cautious when selecting hand and foot holds. We went extra slow and savoured the scramble. A couple of exposed moves near the summit were likely the crux of this.
Once on top the views of the Tusk, Garibaldi and Castle Towers were a little hazy but still superb. The park was essentially surrounded by an ocean of clouds and we felt pretty lucky to be in an island of clear skies.
Castle Towers & Garibaldi in the distance
We hung out on the small and airy summit for a bit but climbed down before having a bite to eat.
Stopped at the ridgeline for a break and then decided to descend the way we had come up. Surfing down the scree was fun but due caution was necessary.
Arriving back on the well-trodden trail we took one look back at Helm before heading for home.
Thanks for suggesting this one Adrien! I'd never been up from the Cheakamus side before but now I understand why Spring jogs this trail! It pretty luxury for sure.
A great day and a great destination - never mind the poor rock quality, it's still very cool.
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