Sep 25, 2016

I've wanted to connect this loop since last year, and finally got to it. Thanks to @zelkjok for his inspiring report.

Our conditions were somewhat less optimal, but it was an interesting trip nonetheless. My route plan came out nearly exactly the same as the result, so that was good.


From the service road gate, we headed straight toward Stadium Glacier, touched it just because, and then hooked right, contouring up easy ledges. This part was the most enjoyable section of the trip. Even little Otto could do it.








One step required us to assist the dog, but I think we could have contoured around to avoid this bit.


Co-Pilot was barely visible. We traversed below its base and up some scree to access its northern ridge. From here, we had to walk around to the steep western ridge. There's a really intimidating gully to look at - don't go in there! The route then drops down the treed slope. We were guided by occasional boot tracks and sparse flagging. In wet weather, it would be better to ascend this way, as the vegetation can make it slippery. But we didn't know this. There were a couple of spots where we had to coax and carry the unhappy dog. He just wouldn't do it unassisted (and didn't have hands to hold onto things).


Although kind of ugly, it's a very short section and provides the opportunity to create a loop trip. Looking back, Co-Pilot is cloaked in fog:


Skyline Ridge is indeed very nice. Otto soon began to relax, and happily trotted alongside us for the rest of the trip.




The only criticism of this loop is that approximately 12km of it was along old road. Great trail running territory, but we were happy to finally get back to the car.


STATS
20.6km
1,515m cumulative elevation gain

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