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11,181 ft · Rainbow Range, British Columbia

Resplendent Mountain

Resplendent Mountain is an 11,181 ft peak in the Rainbow Range, British Columbia. The standard route is the Northwest Slopes via Patterson Spur: 17 mi, 8,445 ft of gain, Class 4.

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Resplendent Mountain in the Rainbow Range, British Columbia

Resplendent Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation11,181 ft3,407 m
  • RouteNorthwest Slopes via Patterson SpurClass 4
  • Distance17 mi8,445 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeRainbow RangeBritish Columbia

Climbing the Northwest Slopes via Patterson Spur

From Jasper, drive west on Highway 16 into Mount Robson Provincial Park and take Kinney Lake Road to the Berg Lake Trailhead. Bike or hike to Kinney Lake, then follow the flagged Patterson Spur climbers' trail and Class 4 ledges (when dry) to the Robson-Resplendent col. From the col, rope up for a moderate glacier ascent of the northwest slopes (alpine grade II) to the summit. Crevasses, fresh snow and fast-changing Robson weather are the main concerns. Fit parties need about 2 days. The traditional Berg Lake and Robson Glacier approach takes 3 or more and is a classic spring ski ascent.

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

  • Glacier travel
  • Crevasses
  • Loose rock
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Resplendent Mountain

Peaks near Resplendent Mountain

  1. The Helmet

    The Helmet

    11,214 ft · 2.7 mi away

  2. Mount Robson

    Mount Robson

    12,972 ft · 2.9 mi away

  3. Whitehorn Mountain

    Whitehorn Mountain

    11,152 ft · 7.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Resplendent Mountain?

Resplendent Mountain is 11,181 feet (3,407 m) tall. It is in the Rainbow Range, British Columbia.

How does Resplendent Mountain rank among the Canadian Rockies 11,000ers?

At 11,181 feet, Resplendent Mountain is the 35th highest of the 54 Canadian Rockies 11,000ers. The highest is Mount Robson.

How hard is it to climb Resplendent Mountain?

The Northwest Slopes via Patterson Spur is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 17 miles with 8,445 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Resplendent Mountain?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Northwest Slopes via Patterson Spur, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Resplendent Mountain dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.

Do you need an ice axe for Resplendent Mountain?

Plan on it. An ice axe is on the gear list for the Northwest Slopes via Patterson Spur. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.

When is the best time to climb Resplendent Mountain?

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 Resplendent Mountain 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

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