Home»All Photographs»2022 Hikes»Quartz Hill 10-04-22

I took a Wednesday off work, since the sun was shining and the larches were doing their fall color morph. Quartz Hill seemed like an apt endeavor.
I rode up the steep ski hill access road at a snails pace, sweating and panting with my heavy pack and boots on my back. Once past the ski runs, I didn't see any signs stating 'no bikes', so I continued riding along through Sunshine Meadows. This section was quick and most enjoyable. Soon, a steep descent marked a wise spot for me to hide my bike and start hiking, unless I wanted to push my bike up this hill on the way out.
The larches were shining and my mood was good. Soon, I reached Howard Douglas Lake. Conditions were calm and the campground was empty - a peaceful spot to re-hydrate.
I circumnavigated the lake and ascended a ridge SW of the lake, granting me access to the south ridge of Quartz Hill. This route allowed me to avoid a 'restricted activity order' in place by Parks Canada that protects sensitive grizzly bear habitat. Although this route was longer than directly accessing the hill, it was scenic and very pleasant.
The summit had an incredible view, as is often the case with summits on the B.C./Alberta border.
Once I hiked north back to my bike, the rest was all downhill - haha!