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11,506 ft · Park Ranges, British Columbia

Mount Bryce

Mount Bryce is an 11,506 ft peak in the Park Ranges, British Columbia. The standard route is the South Couloir: 10 mi, 6,752 ft of gain, Class 5.

Mount Bryce in the Park Ranges, British Columbia

Mount Bryce at a glance

  • Elevation11,506 ft3,507 m
  • RouteSouth CouloirClass 5
  • Distance10 mi6,752 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangePark RangesBritish Columbia

Climbing the South Couloir

From Golden, take Highway 1 west to Donald and drive the Bush River Forest Service Road to the Rice Brook FSR near km 94 to 98, then follow Rice Brook FSR to its end. Ford Rice Brook upstream of the old bridge and climb to a camp on the South Glacier. Next morning climb the South Couloir, about 1,000 m of 40 to 50 degree snow and ice, onto the upper neve and the southeast face (easy fifth class, AD+). Rockfall and falling ice in the couloir are the main hazards, so be through it early after a hard freeze. Most parties take two to three days. Spring and early summer snow gives the best couloir conditions.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Ice Axe
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners

What to watch for

  • Rockfall
  • Icefall
  • Avalanches
  • Stream crossing
  • Technical climbing

Quests with Mount Bryce

Peaks near Mount Bryce

  1. Mount Columbia

    Mount Columbia

    12,293 ft · 8.7 mi away

  2. Mount Andromeda

    Mount Andromeda

    11,319 ft · 10.0 mi away

  3. Snow Dome

    Snow Dome

    11,339 ft · 10.1 mi away

  4. Mount Athabasca

    Mount Athabasca

    11,453 ft · 11.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Bryce?

Mount Bryce is 11,506 feet (3,507 m) tall. It is in the Park Ranges, British Columbia.

How does Mount Bryce rank among the Canadian Rockies 11,000ers?

At 11,506 feet, Mount Bryce is the 13th highest of the 54 Canadian Rockies 11,000ers. The highest is Mount Robson.

How hard is it to climb Mount Bryce?

The South Couloir is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 6,752 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Bryce?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Couloir, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Mount Bryce dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger and rockfall from loose rock. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need an ice axe for Mount Bryce?

Plan on it. An ice axe is on the gear list for the South Couloir for the snow and ice on the upper mountain. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.

When is the best time to climb Mount Bryce?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Bryce with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list