Yamnuska

Overview

Yamnuska or (Mt. Laurie). An impressive rock wall at the entrance to the foothills. A mecca for rock climbers. There are dozens of rock climbing routes on the entire face and a trail to walk around up and behind for those not inclined.

Getting There

From Calgary take the Trans-Canada Highway. Take the Seebe exit and head west on 1X till you meet the 1A. Turn right, then after about 1.5 kms. The take a dirt road on your left. There is a large parking lot and a newly built (but very smelly) washroom. Follow the trail marker past the quarry up the scree slope to the base to the wall itself. Then pick your route. The mountain is sacred to the local Indians and is a power place. It is hard not to pick up on this when in this area. There is something in the air when camping in the vacinity.

Red Tape

No permits.
No camping allowed.

New Book Out

The Yam
50 Years of Climbing on Yamnuska
by Chic scott, Dave Dornian and Ben Gadd
from Rocky Mountain Books
ISBN 0-9211102-97-6

Just out look for it. It is an excellent read with great images from yesterday till today. It is not at Amazon as of 07/04/03 but I will add the link when it becomes available.

When To Climb

All season but summer and fall would be the most popular.

Camping near the mountain

Camping is not permitted beneath the mountain anymore
Author: nuucha
Date: Jan 30, 2004 3:51 PM
Effective year 2002 camping is not permitted at the former Yamnuska campsite (beside the parking lot).

Suggested alternative the Alpine Club of Canada hostel in Canmore
http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/

Mountain Conditions

Alberta Tourist Visitors Centre 403 678-5277
Barrier Lake Visitor Centre 403-673-3985

Climbing Routes

Red Shirt 5.8+
Grillmairs
CMC Wall
Easy Street 5.6
Forbidden Corner 5.9
Dreambed
Kahn Wall
Necromancer
Pumkin 5.7
Belfry 5.8
Grey Goose 5.8
Directissima 5.8+

Info from Geoff Ruttan
There are numerous routes on Yamnuska. Ranging from 5 pitch 5.5's to 8 pitch, scary 11c's. A new guidebook titled 'Bow Valley Rock', is available and gives excellent route information. Highly recommendables are; Grillmairs, Easy Street, Forbidden Corner, Kahl Wall, Dreambed, CMC Wall and Necromancer. Lots of routes to choose.

There is a newer duplicate page for "Hard climbers" created by Dow Williams called Yamnuska Rock

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. It can get quite crowded in the summer so a reservation is recommended.

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

Images

View Yamnuska Image Gallery - 54 Images