Panorama Ridge Scramble

Lat/Lon: 51.32°N, 116.13°W
Panorama Ridge was officially named in 1959 due to the view it offers high above the
Consolation and Bow Valleys just east of Valley of the Ten Peaks.   It is bordered by
Taylor Pass and Mount Bell to the south.   Panorama Ridge is one of the Lake
Louise area objectives located in Banff National Park, one of four connecting national
parks that make up the central Canadian Rockies in Alberta/British Columbia.

The only published route up Panorama Ridge is the difficult scramble, part of which
is mentioned in the local scrambles guide book.   However, Mr. Kane has this
scramble rated as easy in his book, but this is due to him not proceeding along the
ridge to Panorama's true high point.   Now we know what he means by his definition
of "You're on your own there."   So if you intend on truly doing the ridge, this is a
significant day.   Take a helmet and experience.   As I thought this was going to be
an easy day, I only had the latter in my possession.

The approach on the Consolation Lake Trail past the Tower of Babel can be a
popular, but restricted one depending on bear activity in the area. Check with Parks
Canada in advance.   The close up views of Mount Quadra and her north facing
glacier as well as Bident Mountain are exceptional and thus Panorama Ridge makes
an excellent scouting trip for these alpine objectives.

Getting There
The Trans-Canada dissects Banff National Park east to west as you come in from
Calgary. Travel to the Lake Louise exit and turn left through town and follow this road
2.5 km to the Moraine Lake Road. Turn left and proceed to the parking area at the
Moraine Lake Lodge (dead end).

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 Banff 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 Banff 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. This approach trail is often closed or restricted to six persons in a group,
therefore, I advise checking with Parks Canada for any area and/or trail closures.

When To Climb
As with most climbs in the Canadian Rockies, the driest time is from June through
September. I climbed Panorama Ridge in July and the route was free of snow. There
are no published backcountry ski routes on Panorama Ridge, but skiing the ridge in
certain areas appears feasible.

Camping
The closest camp site would be back in town at the Lake Louise Campground. You
can go on line at Banff 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. The
Lake Louise Alpine Center Hostel is a great place to eat and has been recently
renovated, but is more expensive than your average hostel. Of course those with the
big bucks can camp out at the Moraine Lake Lodge itself.

Mountain Conditions
Banff National Park’s 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 3500’+/- ascent day. If you are just ascending the ridge and returning, this
is an easy scramble.   If you are traversing the ridge from north to south, it is a
difficult scramble, however, is the route I recommend.   Park at Moraine Lake.
Take the Consolation Lakes trail 2.5 kms to it's terminus at Lower Consolation
Lake.

Cross the lower Consolation Lake outlet using boulders, logs, etc.   I advise just
wading through.   I tried to connect the dots to no avail.   My just reward was having to
wring out my socks and boots on the other side.   Proceed straight up an avalanche
gully to the north peak of Panorama Ridge.   This is a several thousand foot plod on
firm ground. If anything, stay climbers right up the slopes. Eventually you hit a large
boulder field. These large block boulders make up the entire ridge, unique
compared to most ridges I have experienced in the region. This peak has a cairn at
about 9200'. Take in the views of the east side of Mount Temple along with other
prominent peaks of the Larch Valley. During this entire journey, you will be treated to
two of the more interesting glaciated mountains, Mount Quadra and the black sheep
of the family, Bident Mountain to the southwest.

Proceed along the ridge to the obvious high point to the south, the second to last
peak on the ridge before Taylor Pass. This part of the trip involves expert hands on
scrambling and route finding. The most conspicuous aspect to this climbing is that
none of this rock is sound, meaning no solid walls, just a bunch of blocks sitting
precariously on top of each other.   The crux is featured in a photo to the right, but
there are several challenges.

Once at the summit, you have great views over Mount Bell and beyond to Mount Ball,
Isabelle Peak and Mount Stanley. You can make a quick and pleasant descent
straight down and to the left (one of the quickest scree descents you will ever
experience). You will eventually find the softer scree, put on the gaiters and lose
2000' in a matter of minutes.   Continue straight west (down) and then bushwhack
your way back north to the Mount Quadra moraine and find a trail marked on its
second rib.   To the south you will be looking straight up at some of the most leaning
ice (Mount Quadra’s north glacier) in the area.   Proceed north to the upper lake and
CROSS OVER TO THE WEST SHORE, unless you have some secret weapon
against billions of mosquitoes.   I was led to believe there was a trail along the east
side of the lake, however, there is not. As I was bushwhacking, this was the worst I
have ever been attacked by the creatures. When I got to the center of the two lakes,
rest assured I jumped west onto the large boulder field with glee and returned to the
north end via the west shore of the lower Consolation Lake. Return via Consolation
Lakes Trail.

I recommend this one, as it is pleasurable ground for ascent and descent, grants
good views and provides a challenge.

Essential Gear-Alpine Ax if Snow Conditions Prevail, Helmet, Gaiters and Bear Spray

Trip Report
I saw eight marmots and one pika this day and heard zillions more of each. Of
course, this is also some of the better grizzly habitat in Lake Louise and you will see
plenty of evidence of that. Golden Eye ducks were on the lakes as well. Great views, I
recommend it.