Overview Located in the Joffre Range which has ten peaks over 3,ooo metres in the newly created Height of the Rockies Provincial park. A striking peak, Mt. Warrior is a shorter peak near the World War One General group located near the border of the province of British Columbia. A scree scramble up the southeast ridge after a brief glacier crossing. While you are there it is quite easy to ridge walk most of the peaks in the surrounding area. Cordonnaire is striking as well. Mt. Joffre while not just a scramble is nearby. Excellent for a 3 day weekend of climbing basing yourself at Aster lake.
Getting There From Calgary. Take the Trans-canada highway then the 40 to Kananaskis. The trailhead starts from the parking lot of the Upper Kananaskis Lake. Follow the trail on the left side of the lake (one hour) the ascend to Hidden lake (sometimes empty) through the forest. Follow the left hand side to the trail up an unstable scree slope past soem easy rock ledges to Aster lake. Then follow the glacial moraine to the left up the valley passing by Warrior, Cordonnaire, Pitan on your right. Go up and cross over the glacier and make your way to the east ridge. Follow this scamble to the summit. Note it drops off the other side at the summit
Red Tape Check in and out with the Rangers at the station in Kananaskis. Ask about the Bears! Campfires! Pack out all you pack in.
When To Climb The summer June to November are preferred times.
CampingBear activity dictates whether the camp sites are open. I had a Grizzly walk through my camp in 88. A good piece of equipment is a watertight bag to put all your food. Then you can place it underwater in Aster Lake with rocks on it to not attract the bears.
Update in 2005. There are now toilet facilities and Bear Bins at Astor lake.
Mountain ConditionsBe prepared for all types of weather. I have witnessed snow, sun amd rain and hail all on the same day.
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