Goat Slabs

Overview

As a scramble this is a easy 3/4 day to full day outing. Will be combined with an ascent of nearby Door Jamb Mountain and Loder Peak. A good triple play. A quick day in the mountains for those coming from Calgary. This depending on the amount of snow is good all season hike scramble. The conditions woud be the similar to nearby Door Jamb Mountain (front ranges). The summit affords fine views of Prairie Mountain. Moose Mountain, Mount Baldy, Door Jamb, Loder Peak, Heart Mountain, Mount McGillivray, Pigeon Mountain as well as Mount Lougheed, Windtower, Rimwall, Minor peak, and the Three Sisters. To the North-west is Grotto, Gap peak and Mount Fable among others. Goat Buttress and Yamnuska are to the north. A good workout. Some sections are dangerous if icy. 

Getting There

From Calgary take the Trans-Canada Highway. Take the Seebe exit and head west on 1X till you meet the 1A. Turn left, then after about 5 minutes opposite the White Fish Day use parking and the large cement plant pull off and park on the side of the road and park. There are several routes up to ridge you can follow to the summit. One is following the old road for 50 paces then taking the trail up to the right. The route from that point is straight forward to the top, of the first peak, Door Jamb Mountain, 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace. You just follow the line of least resistance to the top. Then follow the connecting ridge to the north for 30-45 minutes to the very windy summit of Loder Peak. From here you drop down slighty to the col between Loder Peak and the next several visable high points that make up Goat Slabs. Ther are at least 6 high points the first 3 the most easily achieved. There are several places where you are slab walking. This while not difficult would pose more of a challenge when wet. The return is the same as the approach. So be prepared for a long return trip. Be aware of the weather. Carry bear spray. This peak can be very windy. Dress accordingly for the mountains.
 

Red Tape

Look out for bear & fire warnings and postings.
Barrier Lake Visitor Centre 403-678-0760
Spray Lake Ranger Station. (403) 678-5533
Alberta Tourist Visitor Centre (403) 678-5277
The Alpine Club of Canada (403) 678-3200, ext 1
weather office or (403) 762-2088 for weather conditions

The eastern shoulder of Loder Peak, Goat Slabs and Mount Yamnuska from the summit of Door Jamb Mountain.

Camping

Spray Lakes West Shore Campground has 50 sites (403) 591-7226
Alberta Tourist Visitor Centre (403) 678-5277
The Alpine Club of Canada (403) 678-3200, ext 1
weather office or (403) 762-2088 for weather conditions

The Alpine Club of Canada

Joining a club such as The Alpine Club of Canada is recommended when climbing in Canada. While it is not obligatory, useful information can be had at any of their Clubhouse in Canmore, or at their website which is open to everyone.

http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/

Staying at the club in Canmore is 21$ Canadian for members and 27$ for non-members. A good place to crash. It can get quite crowded in the summer so a reservation is recommended.

Images

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