Mount Sparrowhawk

I'd waited a long time to check out the slopes off of Mount Sparrowhawk, and while I didn't make it all the way to the top, the potential is awesome.


We saw one truck at the summer trailhead, but we were going to go up the next gully north. I seem to recall the summer trail being a bit windy and indirect, whereas the next gully north goes pretty much directly to the col between Read's Tower and Mount Sparrowhawk.

Pine beetle damage or trail marker? Maybe a bit of both.

There were two sets of uptracks, both likely made the day before. We followed the one higher up the gully, which ended right about the time we got our first glimpse of Read's Tower.

Peek-a-boo

The direction was fairly obvious at this point, so I started breaking trail towards the base of Read's Tower. We weren't planning on going further than that, as the cornices hanging off of Read's Tower threatened the trail leading up to the col.

Summit of Mount Sparrowhawk on the left, Read's Tower on the right, the col in-between

It was wonderfully sunny and warm where we decided to stop. Read's Tower was wind scoured and rocky, so we got to a high point on a shoulder and had lunch.

Unknown tracks (about fist sized)

The snow quality was fantastic up high, but got a bit crusty and mushy as we descended. However, the snow in the trees was great, as usual.

Skiing through the trees

Surprisingly, we did not run into any people all day, and my car was the only one on the road. I'm looking forward to exploring this area further, as I know that there are some nice slopes on the other side of Read's Tower.