Isolated Peak - Yoho park

Overview

Isolated Peak is the highest point on a NW-SE trending ridge that is on the North side of the Little Yoho Valley in Yoho National Park. The peak is at the NW end of the ridge and is separated from Mount McArthur by the South edge of the Des Poilus Glacier. The SE part of the ridge is called the Whaleback Mountain.

On the South side of the Little Yoho Valley are the President and Vice-President mountains. The main accomodation in the Little Yoho Valley is the Stanley Mitchell Hut which is a Class A - Alpine Club of Canada(ACC) hut. It can be fully booked in July, August and even September.

Getting There

The Trans-Canada Highway runs from Calgary through Banff and Yoho National Parks on its way to Vancouver. Pass through Lake Louise heading westbound and continue on the Trans-Canada entering British Columbia. Take a right on the Yoho Valley Road right before Field. Drive to the end of the road and park at Takakkaw Falls (1247’), the second tallest waterfall in western Canada. The visitor center for Yoho National Park is located in Field another kilometer or two west on the TransCanada.

Red Tape

You will be required to purchase a national park pass as you enter Banff National Park coming from the east on the Trans-Canada. This pass is good for all four national parks. If you plan many visits to Canadian National Parks within one year, you should purchase an annual pass. There are no permit requirements to climb in Yoho National Park, but all camping is regulated. There is also a backcountry permit required if you plan on spending a night in the backcountry versus the town campsites. This can be obtained via the parks website which is included in the camping section below. Yoho National Park headquarters are located in Field, BC and you will drive through the manned national park kiosks as you enter Banff National Park on the Trans-Canada.

This is active grizzly country, therefore I advise checking with Parks Canada for any area and/or trail closures.

When to Climb

As with most scrambles in the Canadian Rockies, the driest time is from June through September. We climbed these peaks in September in excellent condition.

Camping

The closest conventional camp sites would be the Kicking Horse and/or Monarch campground(s) back east at the turnoff for Yoho Valley Road. The closest backcountry site is Yoho #6 just west of the Stanley Mitchell Hut. This is a great camp site for this scramble and many others in Little Yoho. It is below the headwall to Kiwetinok Lake at about 6650’. Of course you can make reservations at the Stanley Mitchell Hut as well.

You can go on line at Yoho National Park's website to pick a camp site and obtain your camping permit. You will also be required to obtain your backcountry permit which is separate, but can be obtained simultaneously if you plan on camping at a backcountry site like Yoho #6.

External Links

Images

View Isolated Peak - Yoho park Image Gallery - 25 Images