DayTrip
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I sort of asked this question in an earlier post and some info was offered but I'm curious what everyone's full opinion is. I will hopefully get a chance to climb Algonquin on SAT and I want to include Avalanche Pass in the loop. What I haven't decided is whether I want to go straight up to Algonquin from Heart Lake and descend to Avalanche Pass or if I should go up Avalanche Pass first.
I'm pretty sure I'm going up Avalanche Pass first. First and foremost, it looks like there is a lot more water/river crossings this way so I can go light on water and filter to keep my pack weight down. It also sounds like it has some rugged areas and some steeps and I'd prefer to tackle them earlier rather than later. Looking at the map it looks like more descent heading to the lake which I'd be climbing too if I hit Algonquin first and going in the other diection. Lastly, I'm guessing Avalanche Pass may be more picturesque with early morning/East light and if the afternoon is hot it'll be somewhat shaded descending down to Heart Lake after the summit.
The other side of the coin is going straight to the summit and getting the vertical out of the way and descending the steep climb up from the Lake. As steep as it is though maybe that is problematic with all the wet rocks, ledges, etc. And if the Pass is challenging maybe that could prove more exhausting after climbing Algonquin and beating on my quads with that descent.
Anyone want to weigh in with their thoughts? Is there anything I am not taking into consideration that would sway my decision one way or the other? Appreciate any feedback on the topic. Thanks.
I'm pretty sure I'm going up Avalanche Pass first. First and foremost, it looks like there is a lot more water/river crossings this way so I can go light on water and filter to keep my pack weight down. It also sounds like it has some rugged areas and some steeps and I'd prefer to tackle them earlier rather than later. Looking at the map it looks like more descent heading to the lake which I'd be climbing too if I hit Algonquin first and going in the other diection. Lastly, I'm guessing Avalanche Pass may be more picturesque with early morning/East light and if the afternoon is hot it'll be somewhat shaded descending down to Heart Lake after the summit.
The other side of the coin is going straight to the summit and getting the vertical out of the way and descending the steep climb up from the Lake. As steep as it is though maybe that is problematic with all the wet rocks, ledges, etc. And if the Pass is challenging maybe that could prove more exhausting after climbing Algonquin and beating on my quads with that descent.
Anyone want to weigh in with their thoughts? Is there anything I am not taking into consideration that would sway my decision one way or the other? Appreciate any feedback on the topic. Thanks.