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11,158 ft · Park Ranges, Alberta/British Columbia

Walter Peak

Walter Peak is an 11,158 ft peak in the Park Ranges, Alberta/British Columbia. The standard route is the North Ridge: 19 mi, 8,255 ft of gain, Class 5.

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Walter Peak in the Park Ranges, Alberta/British Columbia

Walter Peak at a glance

  • Elevation11,158 ft3,400 m
  • RouteNorth RidgeClass 5
  • Distance19 mi8,255 ft gain
  • Time3 – 4 daysExtreme effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangePark RangesAlberta/British Columbia

Climbing the North Ridge

From Golden, take Hwy 1 west to Donald, then the Bush River and Valenciennes forest roads to the Icefall Brook trailhead (high-clearance 4WD; washouts may add a long bike). A 12 km highline route climbs about 2,000 m to the Lyell Hut. Walter (Lyell 4), the most technical Lyell, climbs the north ridge from the 3/4 col: steep snow or ice, a 5.4 rock pitch, then exposed low fifth class (class 5). Expect crevasses, exposure, and a serious rescue time. Bring a rack, rope, and crevasse rescue gear. Book a Lyell Hut reservation with Icefall Lodge.

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
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners

What to watch for

  • Technical climbing
  • Glacier travel
  • Crevasses
  • Steep exposure
  • Remote location

Quests with Walter Peak

Peaks near Walter Peak

  1. Mount Lyell

    Mount Lyell

    11,476 ft · 0.3 mi away

  2. Christian Peak

    Christian Peak

    11,148 ft · 0.6 mi away

  3. Mount Forbes

    Mount Forbes

    11,850 ft · 9.7 mi away

  4. Mount Bryce

    Mount Bryce

    11,506 ft · 11.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Walter Peak?

Walter Peak is 11,158 feet (3,400 m) tall. It is in the Park Ranges, Alberta/British Columbia. It is also known as Lyell 4.

How does Walter Peak rank among the Canadian Rockies 11,000ers?

At 11,158 feet, Walter Peak is the 37th highest of the 54 Canadian Rockies 11,000ers. The highest is Mount Robson.

How hard is it to climb Walter Peak?

The North Ridge is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 19 miles with 8,255 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Walter Peak?

Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the North Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Walter Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.

Do you need a rope to climb Walter Peak?

Most parties bring one. The North Ridge is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.

When is the best time to climb Walter Peak?

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 Walter Peak 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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