The GBU (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly) is some of the closest ice climbing to Calgary, with the shortest approach. This makes it ideal for a lazy afternoon in the sun with low commitment.

Getting There

The GBU

Drive into the Ghost as if you're going to the Devil's Gap parking lot in the South Ghost, except at the bottom of the Big Hill, you are going right instead of left. This will take you to the North Ghost, where this climb is located. Once you make this right turn, there is a very well-defined road that follows the right side of the (normally dry) river bed, and after a short distance it crosses it. This road often builds large snow drifts and is challenging to navigate - be particularly weary of the river banks, which are eroded and can trap your vehicle.

You need to keep following this road until the first significant open water river crossing. There are kilometer markers on this road as of 2007, and this creek crossing is at marker #39. At the time of writing, this is where you need to park - it is illegal to go past this point. Check the local conditions to find out the status of this road. If it is open, with a high clearance 4x4 one can drive up to the base of the climb.

From this parking spot, you need to cross the river and walk upstream for about 10 minutes, after which the climb will be seen on your right. Again, negotiate some open crossing (trying to keep your boots dry) and walk up to the base (no more than 20-30 minutes from your car).

Route Description

The left side (The Good) offers the easiest climbing (WI 4). The middle (The Bad) offers a sometimes unformed pillar, and when it is formed, it presents rotten overhanging ice (WI 5+) - there may be mixed routes on the rock if the pillar is not formed. The right side (The Ugly) can present steep and well-formed ice as well (WI 5).

You can climb pretty much anywhere you please, and multiple parties can be accomodated. It is about 25 meters to the top of the first steep section. You can setup a top-rope anchor here (remember not to top-rope off of ice screws, build at least one Abalakov as ice screws melt out!). Alternatively, you can climb the whole thing in one pitch. There are rappel stations on the rock/trees, otherwise you have to build your own.

Essential Gear

60 meter single rope (for top-roping), or double ropes, and regular ice gear.

External Links

Images