Indian Ridge Scramble

Lat/Lon: 52.81°N, 118.17°W
Indian Ridge is located just to the southwest of the actual town of Jasper in Jasper
National Park, one of four connecting national parks that make up the central
Canadian Rockies in Alberta/British Columbia. Indian Ridge was officially named in
1916 because of its red hue, but is not quite as majestic as the red colored
mountains to the north and south, particularly Pyramid and Fortalice Mountain s .

The only published route up Indian Ridge is the easy scramble via Whistlers
Mountain. This is a short day, therefore, it only makes sense to do a full traverse of
the mountain if you are a true peak bagger. The total gain on the traverse, back up to
Whistlers Mountain’s is approximately 3100’. It took me 4.5 hours to complete the
traverse moving fast.

This is the biggest “cheat” scramble you can find in the Canadian Rockies due to the
Jasper Tramway taking you to 7400’ on Whistlers Mountain. I chose it for this
particular day as I had two flatlanders with me from Missouri. It is a good one for
novices. I did the traverse solo, but they accompanied me to the Indian Ridge
highpoint at the east end of the ridge. The tourists stop at the summit of Whistlers
Mountain therefore we had Indian Ridge to ourselves.

On a clear day you should have solid views of three coveted 11,000’+ peaks Mount
Robson, Mount Fryatt and Mount Edith Cavell, but on my summit day, a threatening
storm kept Mount Robson out of view. This is a three star route if for no other reason
than the access to which beginners can get to high alpine and therefore gain a
perspective of true scrambling.

Getting There
Take Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) south of Jasper (toward Lake Louise) for
approximately 2kms to the Whistler Road exit on the right. Drive to the tram parking
lot at the end of the road.

Red Tape
You will be required to purchase a national park pass as you enter the park. This
pass is good for all four national parks. If you plan many visits to Canadian National
Parks within one year, you should purchase an annual pass. There are no permit
requirements to climb in Jasper National Park, but all camping is regulated. There is
also a backcountry permit required if you plan on spending a night in the backcountry
versus the town campsites. This can be obtained via the parks website which is
included in the camping section below. Park headquarters are located in Jasper and
you will drive through the manned kiosks as you enter the park.

This is active grizzly country, therefore, you should always have bear spray on your
person. I advise checking with Parks Canada for any area and/or trail closures.

The tram cost $22 round trip in 2005 and was open until 10:30 at night in the
summer. If this seems excessive and/or a violation to your sense of fair play, you
can hike the Whistlers Trail 8.5kms and approximately 1000 meters to the top of
the tram.

When To Climb
As with most climbs in the Canadian Rockies, the driest time is from June through
September. I did the Indian Ridge Traverse in August and the route was free of snow.
There are no published backcountry ski routes on Indian Ridge, nor would it seem
conducive to ski the scramble route.

Camping
Camping near the area is plentiful and varied. I camped just outside of town at the
Wapiti Campground. As the name implies, Elk are plentiful. The cost was in excess
of $20 per night in 2005. You can go on line at Jasper National Park to pick a camp
site and obtain your camping permit. You will also be required to obtain your
backcountry permit which is separate, but can be obtained simultaneously if you plan
on camping at a backcountry site. Of course those with luxury on their mind can stay
at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, one of the finer mountain lodge resorts in the
world.

Cocos is good for coffee and lunch but does not open that early. The Bearspaw
opens early and offers good coffee, quick breakfast and fresh baked goods. La
Fiesta (Spanish Tapas) is a solid place for dinner.

Mountain Conditions
The Jasper National Park website has weather, wildlife reports, trail closures, etc.
Outside of the parks web site, Canadian Avalanche Association is also useful,
particularly for winter travel.

Route
This is a 3100’+/- total ascent day. Take the Jasper Tramway to 7431’ on Whistlers
Mountain. Weave your way through the tourists to the summit of Whistlers at 8091’
(1.1kms). There is a summit marker pointing out approximately 20 summits that can
be seen from this viewpoint. Indian Ridge, depending on visibility, should be in clear
view to the southwest.

Leave the trail behind and descend Whistler’s southwest slopes to a broad high
alpine col between Whistler Mountain and Indian Ridge.   Stay somewhat right to
avoid loosing more altitude then needed to traverse the next bump south before
gaining the north ridge at the east end of Indian Ridge.   Ascend the ridge eventually
being drawn off on a trial below the summit on the left side.   Follow some short
switchbacks up talus slopes to the summit. There was a summit register in 2005.
The views of Mt. Edith Cavell and Mount Fryatt were outstanding, but the real treat
was the uniquely colored Trident Range one valley to the south, including Fortalice
Mountain.

For the Traverse, proceed west along the ridge until you come to a notch that voids
the route as a scramble.   Back up just a tad and descend at a left angle down
some loose gullies on the south side until you can hike back up to the ridge into
the notch.   As you now continue along the north side of the ridge, you will find some
hands on scrambling as you work your way down to the col that serves up a fast
scree descent into the cirque. Stay on the east side of the ridge as it curves north and
you will find any one of several options to reach that col. The rock in this area is loose
therefore it would be prudent not to stay on top of each other.

Once down to the col, descend skiers left on soft and fast scree. As you hit the
grassy slopes, aim for the top of Whistlers Mountain and make the most efficient
lines you can as you descend into the Indian Ridge drainage, cross over the
drainage and then re-ascend Whistler’s summit from the southwest.

Essential Gear- Alpine Ax if Snow Conditions Prevail, Helmet

Trip Report
I camped in Jasper with one of my daughters and her friend (Coco’s is the place for
coffee and lunch!). This is a great scramble for novices. We made two hours to the
summit from the tram and I finished the traverse in a total of 4.5 hours. Nice footing
and very unique views of some odd colored rock as well as tons of lakes in the
Jasper area. Cheers!