West Face

Climbed the West Face via the Bluff & Cliff Lakes approach. See additions and corrections to the route description. The abandoned spur road has deteriorated over the years so you can't drive all the way to the fisherman's trail. The trail can be hard to follow at times, but it is in slightly better shape than it was a week ago. The trail has some brush and downed logs, but they are not horrible unless you lose the trail. Good camp sites at either Bluff or Cliff Lake. Cliff Lake is more scenic. One could bivy in the basins beyond Cliff Lake, or on the large flat slabs and snow just below the West Face. Didn't need the rope but almost needed the crampons: The large glacial remnant west of the summit block has to be crossed and, while gentle in angle, it could get very icy later in the summer. Great views; nice high country; feels remote because it takes work to get there. Chaval is only climbed 3-4 times a year.