Backpack - Jumbo Pass

7:00am Glacier Creek Regional Park campground (near N end Kootenay Lake, N of Kaslo BC), convoy/carpool to TH (approx 1-1.25 hr drive).  High clearance AWD-type vehicle recommended (or 4WD may be advised to TH).  

Leader will check on road conditions from Monica/Jumbo junction to Jumbo Pass trailhead, and advise if we will be able to reach TH with AWD vehicles or if alternate parking between junction and TH is necessary. 

All vehicles parked overnight at/near Jumbo Pass trailhead (for Kokanee Lk-Kaslo Lk)  are strongly recommended to have chicken wire wrap (see route/place link for details). 

Recommend car camp prior night at Glacier Creek Campground (near N end Kootenay Lk, N of Kaslo BC), and night following backpack if doing 8/2 Monica Meadows hike.

Link to Glacier Creek campground:  https://www.rdrk.ca/EN/main/services/parks/glacier-creek-regional-park.html

4/14 update:

Members only.  Minimum 3 persons.  Leader permission required. 

Preference for backpackers joining follow on 8/2 photo-oriented hike to Monica Meadows (or 7/31-8/1 Monica Meadows backpack, if Jumbo Pass TH not accessible).

Read all leader notes and route/place info including links, before submitting request for leader permission. 

Submit leader permission request forms beginning April 18.  Leader permission request forms will include complete responses with following information:  provide examples of your recent (during last 12-24 mo) Mountaineers (at least one) and private 2-3+day moderate to strenuous backpacks (incl location, mileage, elev gain), planned backpacks between now and 7/20, what are your primary interests in this particular trip (backpack, photography, other), current fitness activities, approx pack weight (base & total) for comparable backpack, comfort/experience with travel over potential early summer snow fields, comfort/experience with back country travel/camping in grizzly habitat including agreeing to carry bear spray, transportation plans (drive high-clearance or need ride, carpool interest), have current passport for border crossing, and commitment level to this backpack.

Relaxed-pace and photo-oriented one night backpack.  Initially long sweeping switchbacks steeply ascend the trail through forest toward the pass.  On upper section of less steep trail, the forest becomes more open with meadows and larches appearing, and trail flattens near pass with larger meadows and more larches.  Grand mountain views improve with minimal elevation and short hike toward and beyond hut, then a short ascent onto first bump of reveals panorama of massive mountains and glacier-clad peaks.  One side trip adds 1 mi RT on ridge N of outhouse for great mountain  views and sensory-filled experience (crashing waterfall sounds, mountain sights, meadow colors).  A short short bootpath leads to first bump (8,100') on ridgecrest for views of Glacier Dome north, Lieutenants peaks to northeast, a 3-peak massif to northwest, to southwest is tarn beneath Horsethief Glacier. Other peaks seen include a glaciated Blockhead Mountain visible south of Bastille Mountain. 

Leader will schedule return trip (photo/hike or backpack) in late September/early October for beautiful golden larches amid spectacular mountain/tarn scenery.

Itinerary: (relaxed pace /1-1.5 mph uphill; relaxed to moderate pace flats/descents/1.5-2 mph)

Day 1:  Glacier Creek/western TH (5200') switchbacks to pass 7,450, and camp near hut (7,600') and two side trips.  4-5+ miles and 2,900' + gain to first bump on ridgecrest.   Enjoy evening sunset views and relaxation.

Day 2:  Optional morning hikes: 1-2 side trips (similar to day 1).  Return to trailhead.  3.5-5+ miles and 2,400-1,900' elevation loss.'